Hi Steve:

___IIRC, the Prius II uses only EV mode to back up?

___Sherpadude, are you saying in one instance (higher speeds) you had power available and in another (slow speeds) you only had partial power? We both know the 2.3 in the Escape even after atkinsonization is worth ~ 130 HP at close to WOT and should be more then enough to pull the Escape out of any small hole or up a < 45 degree incline. I know about the drive by wire and the computer overrides but I have never heard of limiting power when you need it most?

___Sdcatcher, good trouble shooting analysis. I too am interested in the outcome.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net