Quote:
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
Hummmm, I'm not sure how to write this up. Feel free to update this rough draft: In very slippery winter conditions, limited to 2004-2007(?) model year Prius with OEM or non-winter tires, the traction control avoids spinning the tires and can leave the car immobile. Those in snowy, winter climates should mount quality ice and snow tires in the winter season. More recent Prius or those whose ECU was flash upgraded(?) have an improved traction control that will 'pulse-spin' the wheels in super slippery, icy conditions. Is this about right or do we need more?
Thanks,
Bob Wilson |
Bob,
The tires should have the Winter tire emblem (a snowflake in a mountain) which is on many (all?) winter tires and a small number of All-Weather tires (eg the Nokian WR).
The ECU upgrade that "Fixed" the hesitation problem is a confused issue. In Tideland's case the ECU was actually replaced so a re-flash may not be sufficient. His was replaced in late 05 or early 06 so the 2007 Prii (and late 2006) probably have avoided this issue (but I haven't seen any definitive data).
Note that this also causes me to be very careful when merging into traffic as a tire slip on sand or loose gravel can cause enough hesitation to get into an accident.
There are very few design problems in the 04-05 Prius, but this one is significant (the Guess-Gauge and gas tank bladder is an aggravation, but I can deal with it).
JeffD