Toyota Prius

wooha2000

They are absolutely wrong from a technical perspective. A poster, Kyle, who is a TOYOTA MASTER TECH has done it. Now from an ethical perspective, they could refuse, but they should state that they refuse due to ethical reasons and not hide behind false technical reasons. Doing that makes them look ignorant and incompetent to be techs.
What do they call the TVIP V5 RS3200, chicken liver? It is part # 08586-47840 as opposed to part # 08586-47840 on the GBS install. Hey! Notice they are the same part number? Fancy that! the former was taken from w141rs32.pdf, the latter from w141gbs.pdf, both obtained from TechInfo.
QUOTE"
Have them humor you and follow the following steps. These steps assume GBS has NOT been installed yet. I have bolded the parts that actually enable the alarm, skipping through the dull details.
If the GBS has been installed, then again, a yellow wire has to be removed. The installation instructions mis-labels the connector to the body ECU. I believe the correct connector number is 1K rather than 16P shown in the instructions

H. Security Setting Procedure.
NOTE: Check for the latest version of the
software on Toyota Information System (TIS)
before setting up the security system.
NOTE: Ensure the software is the latest version
(Production Version 10.2a. (07/18/03) or later.)
NOTE: Download the latest software from
Toyota Information System (TIS).
1. Connect the scan tool connector to the
vehicle's diagnostic connector in the lower
dash area. (Fig. H-1)
2. Insert the remote key or smart key (as
appropriate) into the key slot. Press the power
button once to select "ACC" position.
i. Verify the shift position is in "N" position
and LED on "P" switch is illuminated.
3. Push the scan tool main switch "ON" and then
press the ENTER key. (Fig. H-2)
"SELECT VEHICLE PROCESS
4. Select the correct vehicle application, Prius
MY2004 .
"SECURITY FUNCTION ON" PROCESS
5. Verify the connection of the DLC3 Cable.
Press the "YES" button to continue. (Fig. H-3)
6. Select "OPTION SETUP" in the customize
menu with the scroll key, then press the
"ENTER" key. (Fig. H-4)
7. Press the "ENTER" key to select "DOP
SECURITY" in the Option Setup menu.
(Fig. H-5)
8. Select "ON" with the scroll key, then press the
"ENTER" key. (Fig. H-6)
9. Press the "YES" key. (Fig. H-7)
10. Press the "ENTER" key. (Fig. H-8)
END QUOTE"

wooha2000

Hi,

I have a 2007 Prius Package2. So no NAV, Bluetooth etc. Is it possible to activate the NAV, Bluetooth in the car.

I looked at the Coastal Website but couldn't figure out if you could or not.

Has anyone used there product?

lydia404

I am a new Pruis (2007) owner. I have the same problem and it doesn't happen all the time either. It feels as if the engine is "conking" out. It seems a little rough to be normal. This usually happens after the car has been sitting for a time. Is this normal or should I have it checked out?

pathstar1

Not sure exactly what you are asking. If your package didn't have NAV or Bluetooth, the hardware modules are not installed in the car, and the wiring harness probably doesn't have the wiring for them.
It would be very expensive to try to add the Toyota Nav and bluetooth to the car.

What you CAN do is purchase an aftermarket Nav unit and use it in the car. Check out Garmin, Tom Tom, Magellin, Lowrance, etc. for units that would be suitable. I like to use velcro tape to attach the Nav unit to the top of the dash. That way you don't need an external antenna. You can often route the audio from the Nav unit through the stock radio.

You can also purchase Bluetooth modules you can add to any car. They usually give you some way to connect them to the stock radio, so the audio comes out of the stock speakers.

pathstar1

I couldn't find the original message you were referring to, but if you are concerned with a "rough shutoff", wait until the car is broken in. It smooths out. Rough engine shutoff on a new Prius is common.

wooha2000

thanks.... I though it may be like the alarm system where the hardware is actualy in the vehicle but just not activated.

fenwah

I have a six year old who sits in a booster seat, a two year old who sits in a front facing car seat, and have a new baby on the way who will sit facing the rear in a car seat with a base.

Any idea if you can fit all three car seats in the back?

wooha2000

Hi,

Anyone add DRL (Daytime Running Lights) to a Prius with HID Lights?

What does it cost at the Dealer?

Has anyone added the following type kit? Works off turn signal?

http://www.webelectricproducts.com/

afletcher

My wife and I test drove a 2007 Prius in April. First impressions that despite all the new things about the car I found I could not see very well out the back. The view seemed very small. When we parked the car back at dealer's lot it was right next to my 1997 Honda Accord. There was a big difference in size. To date I have not seen comments from Prius owners. Is this something that goes away over time. I haven't owned a hatchback and maybe that is the issue. Has anyone else felt that this was an issue or that reported problems seeing out rear window?

regards...Fletch

kdhspyder

I never use the rear window when backing up I always use the rearview mirrors thus the size of the window has no bearing. While driving it's no issue.

After 45000 mi I don't notice it at all.

stevegold

The strange rear window did bother me at first but I haven't thought about it in years. I did change the rear wiper arm and blade so that I now get much better wiper coverage especially when it's snowing. The Mitsubishi Outlander wiper arm is a mirror image of the Prius and a larger blade is all it took.

philmo

"When we parked the car back at dealer's lot it was right next to my 1997 Honda Accord. There was a big difference in size. To date I have not seen comments from Prius owners. Is this something that goes away over time."

Yes, eventually the Pruis (in your opinion) will grow much larger than the Accord.

Sorry, couldn't resist...

siennami

I have leased a Sienna previously (well, 'till it got stolen!). Replaced that with a VW Passat; drove that for 3 years until I got a bulging disk in my back and it hurt to get in and out of it. For those of you not familiar with the Passat, it's kinda low to the ground, at least the '03 was! I became a foster parent last year to an infant, and I tested out the infant seat in the rear seat of my Passat, and because of my long legs, it was pretty darn near impossible to put that car seat back there. So..... I purchased a Kia Sedona. At the time the Siennas seemed a little out of my price range. The Sedona is fine, as vans go, I suppose, but these gas prices are kickin' my tail! It costs almost $50 to fill the tank, and that hurts, as I'm sure most of you know.
So, my question is this: bearing in mind my back problems, would the Prius be a good alternative? Is the driver's seat high enough? My baby is now in a convertible seat, so the fit is not so much of an issue, I suppose. I thought I would need all this room that a van gives, but to be honest, I stowed the third seat away, so it's not like I need that. I just don't want to be in the position of killing my back again. And, I'm not sure how long I'll have my baby, so I may be starting over with an infant, so I have to consider the fit of an infant seat, too. So many considerations.
I like the look of the Prius, and I really like Toyotas products. If I hadn't been so burned by a) the Sienna being stolen, and b) the pushiness of a saleswoman last year, I probably wouldn't be on this site! :P

Thanks in advance for your help! :shades:

Michelle

siennami

Oh, yeah... I did a Kelley Blue Book valuation on my Sedona. I've only had it for seven months, and it has 7,200 miles on it. $14,000 is the trade-in value Uggghhh!! My 3-year-old Passat with over 35k got only a little less. Yikes!!

gagrice

You should rent a Prius and check out the seats. Low slung cars is the reason I prefer PU trucks and SUVs. Just easier getting into and out of for me. If you take a beating selling the Sedona, you will not gain financially by purchasing another vehicle. You can fill the tank at $50 several times with a car payment.

Trading a near new vehicle of any brand is a BIG loser. You are better off keeping the Sedona for at least 4-5 years.

kdhspyder

This is very good advice on both points. The Sedona is a solid and very attractive vehicle from a value point of view. Keeping it is the best decision. The money you'd give up trading it will not be made up in gas savings.

siennami

Thanks for the advice! I'm really not immediately thinking of undertaking a brand new price tag~ unless they come up with some great payment that's better than the one I'm currently paying. I think I got a great deal on my Kia. I am, however, very conscious of the beating my wallet's taking at the gas tank. I haven't decided anything~ and I won't until I go test drive that little baby and see for myself what it's like. I'm going to try and go today. I'd like to see what's special about the Prius.

pathstar1

"I'd like to see what's special about the Prius."

Everything!

It is hard to argue about the financial situation, however. It would be best to just "stay the course" for a few more years. I traded in my 2001 Pathfinder for $13,400 - black book was $12,000 to $14,000 (this is all Canadian). My last fillup on that vehicle was $73 for 2/3 tank of premium. That was at $1.20 per litre. It then went up to $1.40 per litre. Currently it's around $1.30. Regular (Prius uses regular) is $1.09 per litre, and the Prius uses about 1/3 as much as the Pathfinder.
But my Pathfinder was 7 years old, and showing it. Still a nice vehicle, just going to need some maintenance soon. $1000 ignition coil replacement, $900 knuckle joint replacement, things like that. It was time.

In your case it isn't time yet. By the time it is, there will be a new version of the Prius out.

siennami

I decided to test drive the Prius this afternoon, so I headed down to the local Toyota dealership. I was kinda scared the same obnoxious salesperson I got the last time would be waiting for me. Thank goodness she wasn't!
Here are my thoughts: nice ride! I drove a Touring Edition, the only one they had on the lot(other three sold earlier in the week). I was a little disconcerted by the back-up camera. I didn't want to depend on that. The gearshift is the smallest I've ever seen! And wowsers! Talking about quiet! I don't think I've ever been in a more quiet vehicle.
Did I like it? 'Course I did! It has great features. I really like the idea of a hybrid car. I had never driven one before, so that was really cool. The best part, other than the terrific gas mileage? It'll fit in my garage with no problem. It is a real fight with the Kia, and it has the battle scars to prove it!
All that being said, I did enjoy testing the car, but the Kia will still be fighting the good fight for a little while longer.
Thanks for everyone's great advice!

w9cw

The Prius is a great car, and a technological "tour de force." Given your trade-in value of the Sedona quoted earlier, you can buy a lot of gasoline for $10 to $12,000+ differential. So, I would keep the Sedona, drive the wheels off of it, and buy a Prius outright in the future.

mrmell

Anybody have any info on changes to the 2008 Prius, either in equipment and/or body style?

stevegold

Turbo will be added and batteries changed to Li-on. That and other changes will improve mileage by 10 mpg (US)and improve performance. There is talk about a plug in option which I think is nonsense. I can't get more than a mile without the ICE when I use my electric only option. I don't even bother demonstrating it anymore.
What I would really like is to see the auto parallel parking option on US models. That would be a block buster innovation.

Has anybody tried adding an after market electric turbo to the air intake stream? Are those just snake oil?

kdhspyder

The battery change is probable but the turbo part is still speculation I believe. It will be in Oct 2008 but as a 2009 model.

It's very unlikely there will be any changes in the 2008 model due here this Oct.

kneisl1

I understand Prius tires are special. Who makes them and what size are they? Thanks!

jaxs1

I never the Prius had unique, specially sized tires. That probably means the tires are very pricey for their size and tread life and maybe difficult to find.

pathstar1

No, they are not special. They are P185/65-15 tires. The stock tires are Goodyear Integrity, made in Japan. LRR (low running resistance) tires are preferred, but LRR are not really a "special tire". Some tires just roll better than others, and the industry decided to categorize them this way.

Keep in mind as well, the "touring" model has different tires on it. They are 16" and use a lower profile to get the same overall diameter.

Owners have been replacing the original tires with Michelin, Goodyear (different model), Nokian, etc. with good results.

jrct9454

I had to laugh out loud at the notion that the Prius has "special" tires. The GY Integrity tires that come with this car have two virtues - their relatively low rolling resistance, and their cheap price.

These tires are really awful, especially in the wet, but just generally terrible when it comes to handling and directional stability.

We improved things with Costco Michelin X's in the original 185/65x15 size, but improved them even more this week with a set of the new Michelin Primacy MXV4s [H-rated] in one size bigger - 195/65x15. The larger size just about cancels the speedo error [2%], and the tires are quieter, better riding, and stick like mad. Downside is extra drag from the wider tread - I expect to lose about 2 mpg, more or less. But the car now feels like a true long-distance tourer, rather than something that is only at home at speeds under 65 mph. It really feels planted and solid now, instead of darting all over the place.

Anyway, the Goodyear OEM tires are basically there to keep Toyota's costs low, and help fuel consumption...for every other purpose, they are worse than useless.

kneisl1

I wondered if they would fit on my ECHO.

philmo

I don't have the exact specs at hand but will add that the pre-2004 model Prius did, in fact, require an expensive and hard to find (around Denver) tire. It is the primary reason my neighbor sold his and replaced it with a 2007.

jrct9454

The Goodyear Integrity has been, unfortunately, the only OEM tire on the Prius since the current car was introduced in the 2004 model year. As I said, this is a poor choice by Toyota, but they're not alone - this tire shows up all over the new-car world [Honda, Chrysler, Toyota] - it's got low rolling resistance at the expense of really lousy grip.

In any case, it's not a reason to sell the car - there are lots of superior alternatives in sizes that work for the current Prius. Someone was just giving bad advice, which happens all the time in the tire business. I constantly encounter "professionals" at tire stores and car dealers that perpetuate various myths and old-wives' tales, as if they know little or nothing of what's going on in their own business.

stevegold

What would you suggest as a replacement. My original set is due to be replaced within 3,000 miles.

jrct9454

I prefer Michelin, because your chances of finding 4 tires that are round and straight are greater with them than anyone else. That said, there are at least a dozen alternatives in the OEM 185/65x15 size.

If you go to Tire Rack's website, you can search by size and tire type, and read what others have to say about each tire, in addition to subjective numeric ratings on a number of attributes.

My personal favorite right now is the tire we just put on our '06 Prius, the Michelin Primacy MXV4, which is a brand new design that works on a lot of the shortcomings of the previous MXV4s [which were perceived to be noisier than necessary, and poor in snow]. So far, I am very pleased.

Because the car has a top speed of only 100 mph, you can safely use any S, T, or H-rated tire...no reason to pay for more speed capability than an H. Again, if this is Greek to you, the Tire Rack website does a good job tutoring first-timers on the basics of tire shopping.

We got ours at the local America's Tire outlet, and paid less than $400 including taxes for a set of four. I used them instead of Costco, which would have met that same price, because America's has a road force balancer, and Costco [at least our local one] doesn't. Again, for most people, this is not an important distinction, but the RF machine allows more precise mounting and balancing to minimize vibrations - the Prius is a sensitive chassis, and I'm a sensitive driver - many [most?] people aren't.

kdhspyder

The original ones on the first Gen Prius were 'special' LRR tires and they weren't very good. The current model just uses the same ones on most Corolla'a and Civics. These Goodyear Integrity's are very very very generic and middle of the road. Most swap out of them to something better at first opportunity.

kdhspyder

I've got 46000 on mine and they will need to be changed in 5-10K mi. On Tire Rack the Goodyear Assurance seems to receive high marks as do the Michelins but I understand the Michelins ride harsher.

I'm leaning to the better Goodyears.

pathstar1

Mine are new (car is new), but this fall I'm getting a full set of Nokian WR on the car. We have a 6 month winter here. The Nokian WR is an all season tire that has the "snowflake" symbol so you don't get stopped on the highway and forced to get chains. It also wears well in summer.

Karen_S

A reporter would like to talk to Toyota Prius owners who purchased the vehicle with the environment in mind. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than June 29, 2007 with your daytime contact information.

pleblond

I have an 04' Prius and my energy monitor is failing. What I mean is that the dash controls do not change when you press the climate or info buttons. When you press the touch screen buttons, there is a long delay (15sec) before the screen changes. I can only change radio or climate features using the steering wheel buttons. I just picked up my car for a diagnostic at a local Toyota dealership (where I purchased it) and was told the unit needs to be replaced. $525.00 uggg...Has anyone experienced a failed monitor and if so I feel picking up such a replacement part maybe hard to come by at a local auto parts store. Thanks - Paul

eprupis

There have been numerous reports in this forum of the monitor failing. My 2004 failed entirely but it was under warranty and replaced without charge. That experience led me to purchase a 4 year, 64,000 mile extension to the original warranty from a Toyota dealer for under $1000.

jaxs1

Al Gore's son arrested for speeding and marijuana in his Prius:

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6297557

little_pogi

My monitor touch screen also failed after 30k miles. The monitor screen was replaced under warranty. Now the streering wheel info botton will not function occationally. The odometer now reads over 91K. Good thing I purchased the platinum warranty and it will cover repair of this problem.

I replaced the original Integrity tire with a Goodyear Assurance at the 50K mark. I notice better overall performance on the new tires. I keep the tire pressure at 38psi front and 36psi back. The ride also seems to be more smoother and quieter. At 80mph, handling was exceptionally better than the Integrity.

If the Orange country sheriff report was accurate, there's no doubt a Prius can easily cruise at 100mph. That portion of the San Diego freeway is mostly flat, wide and straight. One could easily loose your sense of speed even when driving a Prius. There two parts to the news headline.
1. Al Gore III caught speeding
2. In a Prius at 100 mph.
Toyota executives probably welcome the free publicity the Prius got. They could probably thank Al by shouldering his legal expenses.

gagrice

He was just building up some carbon credits for the old man.

kdhspyder

This is priceless. Toyota couldn't have paid an agency and picked a better 'spokesperson' for this kind of bump.

100 MPH!!! ( it's the special fuel mixture )

It's the same color as mine so I'm getting a bumper sticker... 'I'm not Al Gore's son'.

gagrice

Thank goodness for that I think this is his second drug arrest in CA. One more and he is in for life. Right! Someone told him he could run his Prius in stealth mode and no one would see him......

pathstar1

Well, we already knew the Prius would go just over 100 MPH from a few other fools, er enthusiasts, who have done it.

The Prius uses about 1/3 as much fuel at 100 MPH as most other cars, so it's all good.

Oh, and I don't think Al or his son need any help with legal expenses.

semenzato

Since the Prius has an infinitely variable gear ratio, the onboard computer has a wide choice of rotational speeds of the gasoline engine for a given power output. I am assuming that every level of power output has a corresponding optimal RPM, so the onboard computer should always pick that. Therefore, the gas consumption (Gallons Per Hour) should be a function of the RPM and nothing else, and vice versa.

Then I am wondering. How does the efficiency of the gas engine vary as a function of its GPH? Obviously it has to drop at high RPM, because of the friction losses. It's probably also low at low RPM, because gas engines suck at low RPM (because they suck, that's right), and even with the Miller cycle or however they call it now, at some point it has to get worse. So what's the optimal GPH/RPM?

Thanks!
Luigi

pathstar1

A fellow who goes by the name "bilsonforweb" or something close, has put up graphs showing this on the greenhybrid site. It's rather complex, but it's there if you want to look. He also posts on priuschat.

The optimum RPM for fuel efficiency varies by power output. The car will try to keep the engine at this RPM, corrected for optimum RPM for lowest emissions. Low emissions is the Prius' first mission.

That being said, I've seen 1500 RPM at 60 MPH on level or slightly downhill driving, and I've seen 5000 RPM at 60 MPH on extreme uphills.

Oh, and I believe it's the "Atkinson" cycle. I think the "Miller" cycle is similar, but uses boost (supercharger).

vu2000

Hi, I have a 20007 Prius with 15K miles on it. The oil change has been done by the dealer the last two times. This las oil change I did myself(very easy). Can anyone please tell me how to reset the oil change indicator(service engine), this is not listed in the owner's manual. Thanks.
By the way, love the car. Have been getting 50mpg for the last 5K.

rcinmd

The procedure is in the manual. I changed my oil for the first time a couple weeks ago, and it did take some searching to find it. The index is not very clear at all.
I bookmarked the page and if no one has given you the info when I get home tonight, I'll get you the info.

rcinmd

The procedure for resetting the service reminder is on page 131 of the 2007 owner's manual.

vu2000

Thank you for the information rcinmd. I checked the manual twice initially but did not find it. I will check it today after work.