Quote:
Originally Posted by chestr
Any time you're not in "full hybrid" mode, can't go fast, but can't stop to wait the ~10 seconds for it to cut over would be a perfect time for forcing EV mode if possible. I've had tons of times when it would make a difference. Maybe less now that I understand better how full hybrid mode works, and what (more or less) it takes to get into it, but still.
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An easy way to determine if you are in "full hybrid" mode (also called stage 4), is to accelerate with the ICE past 20 miles per hour (don't exceed 34mph) and coast. If you are in full hybrid mode, the ICE will stop within 2 or 3 seconds of coasting.
Over 35mph you can't tell why the ICE stops - both stage 3 and 4 will stop the ICE when coasting above 35mph. Only if the TCH is in stage 4 (full hybrid) will the ICE stop if you start coasting under 35mph.
I discovered it is possible to go straight into stage 4 on restarting a warm engine. Power on the TCH and drive until about 30 seconds after the ICE starts. This time appears to be a "catalyst reheat" mode. After the ICE has been running roughly 30 seconds coast. The ICE will stop within a few seconds and you are in stage 4. Test by blipping the accelerator to restart the ICE and coast. The ICE should shut back off almost immediately. I've had this work at speeds under 30mph.
I don't know how long the TCH will allow dropping directly into stage 4 after restarting the TCH. I do know if I drive more than a few minutes it no longer will, requiring me to come to a complete stop for ~ 7 to 10 seconds to enter stage 4.