Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Highlander Hybrid Driving Tips & Tricks
428 messages, Last post on Oct 16, 2009 at 6:44 PM
You are in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
Replying to: sunbyrne (Aug 18, 2005 7:08 am) We did that in the beginning and noticed there is no charging occurs when in N so the battery stays low. This will make continuous electric runs impossible. We needed to stay in N even when gliding so battery is charged and ready for the next electric run.
|
|
|
Replying to: cdptrap (Aug 18, 2005 11:41 am) I sometimes wish that I had the facy schmancy navigation screen that tells me what I am getting, but have to rely upon the little diagram above my steering column. I hope that with the disappearance of the arrows at the "sweet speed of 40" I am doing things right. BTW, is there a cheaper way to get the NAV system for the HH than by going straight through Toyota? there has to be an OEM store out there that supports our 06 models at a fraction of the current $2000 range. John |
|
|
Replying to: cdptrap (Aug 18, 2005 11:46 am) I meant to say we needed to stay in D, Drive, when gliding so the wheels can charge the battery. N, Neutral, cuts off all charging. Thanks to a reader for pointing that out. |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: johnny_5 (Aug 18, 2005 9:45 pm) To get a feel for your instant MPG number, you can bring up the "Bar Graph MPG Indicator" to replace the "Engine Flow Diagram". I use that bar graph to show me what MPG I am getting at various speed on the freeways. Whenever the graph reaches the middle between 20 and 40, I know I am getting close to 30 MPG and something good is happening  . When it falls to 20, I know I am gunning it too much. When it is on electric, the bar fills the whole graph all the way out beyond 60 to 99.9 MPG. The "game" is to keep the bar extended way beyond 20 for as long as possible (safely) through all driving conditions. If I can do that, the average MPG cannot be that bad. We are finally up into 28+ now.
|
|
|
Replying to: cdptrap (Aug 18, 2005 11:41 am) I have used a varianrt of the Prius Pulse n' glide, but found that my non-ltd 4wdi HH has different thresholds. Most of my 'electric' traction motor only glides can only be accomplished after driving for some 15-20 minutes. I accelerate per the P&G directions to 48-50 then ease off the pedal and monitor the horizontal bar graph gauge. I also search for the 'sweet spot' which on my HH seems to be just at the top part of the dashed (white) portion of the analog KW gage. I use this same 'sweet spot' while on the x-way when I release the accelerator pedal. Of course I dont P&G very often on the x-way. At the end of day, when returning to my home, I can accomplish an electroglide up several hills here in the Dunes, until I hit my driveway when the ICE does kick in due to the slope. I have 1600 miles on my HH and word is that the mPG will improve as I'm told the ICE only works half as hard as a 'normal' ICE and it takes longer to 'break-in.' In closing take heed of my previous post on tire pressure. I do not have a leak or damaged tire and the pressure on the left front was 22 Lb oinstead of 32lb...evidently has been ever since I picked it up from the dealer. 
|
|
|
Replying to: johnny_5 (Aug 18, 2005 9:45 pm) My calculated and computer indicated mileages are as follows 27 --- 29.5 28.05 ---30.4 28.54 -- 30.3 I have been extremely happy with the HH but would like to increase fuel economy. I understand and have done the glide. But need much more detial on other techniques. Would also be very interested in a plug in charger to start each trip with max battery and a solar panel charger. Interesting report at http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/08/15/hybrid.tinkerers.ap/index.html titled "250 miles per gallon? They're doing it" on the Prius
|
|
|
Replying to: obfg (Aug 20, 2005 7:35 am) Our dealer emphasized that Toyota is very strict with warranty. If we touch the electrical system on the car, changing it in non-Toyota approved manner, they will void the warranty. Charging the traction batteries could mean "changing" the electrical system. You may want to contact your dealer and find out what they say. We have a solar powered trickle charger with automatic cut-off for charging normal car battery, it will work for the normal 12V in our HH. After reports of how HH sometimes will not start due to the 12V running low, we plan to use the solar charger in the winter when 12V are more likely to run low. |
|
|
Replying to: discussion1 (Aug 19, 2005 10:26 am) Whoever came up with that instant mpg screen I think was on crack. Who wants to know the "instant" mpg you are getting? To me it is a pretty screen, but otherwise worthless. On the limited edition, I think you get the "actual" mpg on the screen. I would have preferred that anyday. Or if they would have changed it to a number other than a graph, it would have made more sense. I hate guessing the numbers especially when I am running on electric. That way you can still get bragging rights on the little screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: johnny_5 (Aug 20, 2005 6:57 pm) The Ltd NAV screen does show the actual MPG but we do not use that when driving, too dangerous to look that way when driving. In electric, the bar will fill the entire line out to 60 MPG but you must do what is most comfortable for you. The bar is just an alternative that may or may not work. |
|
|
After recently posting declining mileage results I took my non-Ltd 4wdi HH to the dealer. They drove the care with a computer attached and gave me a printout of results... It showed that my vehicle was achieving 35 mpg hiway and 55 city ???? With this inconslusive result, I drove home Iand decided on an impulse to check the tire pressure. Found the left front tire was down to 22 Lbs....all tires should be at 32 lb. I have driven through 1/2 tank and have noticed markedly improved gas mileage. I will run this tank close to mt and will report back. BTW I asked the dealer about the fuel 'bladder' and their techie said the HH did not have one...so if you are filling up with 19 gals (as was reported on this site) then it must be going down your pants leg.... |
|
You are here:
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Highlander Hybrid Driving Tips & Tricks
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
