New Owner's FAQ
 

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

1 -- out of most minds now, but extreme heat also drops FE as does use of the air conditioner.

4.1 -- this is explained in this thread how-come-i-cant-go-into-ev-mode-sometimes in the third post.

5 and 8 are wrong -- engine braking doesn't regenerate (the energy is lost). If you coast or use the brake pedal, the energy is regenerated, recharging the hybrid battery. People have reported decreased FE using "B".

7 is limited to only the small 12 volt battery. The hybrid battery can only be jumped at a dealer.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I edited items #1, 4.1 and 7.
I can't assess 5 and 8, one way or the other.
I edited #5 to remove reference to regeneration. On #8 I added a disclaimer due to the disagreement on this topic.
If there is a definite answer on this one then I will edit the post. I am not an expert and don't know, one way or the other.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

For 4.1, EV mode is what you refer to right afterwards as "driving in the blue"--EV mode means (at least I assume, as it means this in other areas) "electric vehicle" mode. This is what you're in any time you're traveling purely on battery. The "mode" you're referring to, that you can get into after an ~8 second stop while the ICE is fully warmed up, is often referred to here in the forums as "full hybrid" mode, which just means the car is primed to switch freely between EV mode and ICE driving while the speed is under 40 mph. Any time you're not in this "full hybrid" mode, the only ways to switch to EV/electric driving is to slowly accelerate from a full stop, or to come down from 40+ mph. And if not in "full hybrid" mode, if at any time you trigger the ICE firing up by accelerating, you will not be able to switch back to EV without doing the 40+ or cold start again. In "full hybrid" this isn't a problem as it switches instantly from EV to ICE as needed.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Edited 4.1 to link the term EV Mode to your post.
Thanks!

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

If anyone has any other items to add in (especially #10) let me know and I will edit the post.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

ECU is the Engine Control Unit. This is the computer "brain" for the entire Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system (HSD) and controls all of the energy utilization and recovery.

HSD is Toyota's trade name for the electronic continuously variable drive system currently used in all of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

MG1 is the smaller motor generator mechanically connected to the Power Split Device (PSD) sun gear. It is utilized by the Engine Control Unit to provide what is the equivalent of a "gear ratio" for the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system (HSD).

MG2 is the larger motor generator mechanically connected to the driven axle (axles in the Hylander AWD) and the Power Split Device (PSD) ring gear. It is utilized by the Engine Control Unit for electrically driving the vehicle, assisted electric power for the ICE when required and for recovery of excess energy when coasting and braking, sometime called regenerative energy or simply regen.

PSD is the power split device -- it replaces the transmission in the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system (HSD). Look here to see how it works.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Thanks!
I edited #10 to include a link to your post.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Thank You All>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I asked the admins here if they would consider making this thread a sticky.
I got this reply
So...if anyone wants to help me clean up this thread, or add in extra info, I think it would be a great tool for any new or prospective TCH owner.
Thanks!

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I haven't seen the other FAQs, but virtually anything that applies to Prius would also apply to the TCH, and to a lesser extent the FEH information would apply because it is a similar system.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

edit

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I've added a few new items to the list.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Customizable Features:

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Concerning Note 6 (Jump Starting):

I recommend a caveat to give the BIG item about NOT jump starting OTHER cars. :omg: (Or doing it with extreme caution.)

Also (in the same note), add an item that the 12 V Power Outlet plugs (a.k.a. cigarette lighter outlets) are disabled when the car is powered off (unless a mod has been performed). Therefore, one of the cheap, low power units that supply power by plugging into these outlets will not work.

I can expand on these recommendations, if desired.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Thanks! I'll edit these in.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I edited the FAQ. I'd like to clean it up some more and add a few other items. Eventually, I'll repost it as a new thread (version 2.0).
Please feel free to provide input, ideas, links and corrections, thanks!

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

UPDATE: See next post.

Larry,
Add that debug mode in here somewhere.

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

UPDATE: All information has been worked into original post.


I hope some of this helps...sorry if it needs some additional work...I am running a little late.

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Are there any hidden diagnostics menus (NAV users only)?

• Debug mode:
  "There's a fun debug / diagnostic mode available in the NAV. Hold down the INFO button then cycle the headlights on, off, on, off, on, off then let go of the INFO button."
• Display screen hidden menu:
  There is an hidden display screen menu. To access this menu, see this post.
• Override menu and other diagnostics:
  If you have NAV disc 5.1 or a hacked version of a later disc, you may access the navigation lockout override by:
  "Press Menu
  (menu screen appears)
  
  Press Volume
  (volume screen appears)
  
  Press upper left corner
  Press lower left corner
  Press upper left corner
  Press lower left corner
  
  (Service Menu will appear)"

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How do I install a backup camera?

• For instructions on installing a backup camera (with pictures), see this post.

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How do I remove the air filter?

• For instructions on removing the air filter (with pictures), see this post.

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How do I installing a heater block?

• For instructions on installing a heater block (with pictures), see this post.

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Is there a way to make changing oil less messy?

• Yes! Install a quick drain oil valve -- they work great. Visit the YM International Web site to purchase the part (F-103).

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Why is my oil filter on so tight?

• If this is your first oil change, the filter will be on extremely tight. This is because Toyota dealerships use an air gun to screw in the filter. This makes it difficult to get off and often requires you to take it to a shop.
  
  Tips for attempting the removal yourself:
  1. Before starting your oil change, make sure you have an oil filter wrench that fits the TCH filter.
  2. Before attempting to remove the filter, remove the black plastic splash guard below the filter location. This will allow you to access the filter with both hands.

-------------------------------------------------------------

What oil and filter should I use?

• This question has been asked many times, and, there is no one answer.
  
  Many people have used a traditional oil (dino) 5w-20 (could also purchase a synthetic flavor), while others use a full synthetic 0w-20. See 5W-20 or 0W-20??? for further discussion.
  
  As far as the oil filter is concerned, there has been less discussion on this topic. Some have noted that Purolator might manufacture the Toyota filters and feel they are the best choice.

-------------------------------------------------------------

How much should my oil change cost?

• These are rough estimates and should not be used for exact pricing guidance.
  
  If you desire to have your oil changed at your dealer, the price will be between $25 and $75, depending on the type of oil you choose to use. Some people have reported dealerships charging close to $100 for synthetic oil.
  
  If you do not mind going to a local shop, the price will be between $25 and $50, depending on the type of oil you choose to use.
  
  If you do not mind doing an oil change yourself, the price will drop to between $20 and $40, depending on the type of oil you choose to use.
  
  I, mikieboyblue, change my own oil at a cost of about $35 for Mobile 1 0w-20 and a Mobile 1 filter (M-103).

-------------------------------------------------------------

Buying an extended warranty?

• Some dealerships increase the price of the "extras" (such as a warranty) to make additional money. You will find most dealerships will offer you a 7 year / 100,000 mile / $0 deductable warranty for almost $2000. If you are like the rest of us, this will leave you in shock!
  
  Good news. You can purchase an extended warranty from any Toyota dealership in the country (U.S. -- unsure about other countries). Because of this, there are a number of dealerships that offer extremely discounted warranties.
  
  Two popular dealerships:
  
  • Midwest Toyota Superstore (Kansas) - (620) 662-6631
  • Toyota of Greenfield (Massachusetts) - (413) 772-0231 [ask for Troy Dietrich]
    http://www.factorydiscountwarranty.com/
  
  Others mentioned:
  
  • Dan Porter Motors (North Dakota) - (800) 626-3231
  • McGeorge Toyota (Virgina) - (866) 360-1042
  • Mechanicsville Toyota (Virgina) - (804) 559-8000
  • Toyota of Iowa City (Iowa) - (877) 267-0225
  
  For additional information on this subject, see the full thread.

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Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

thanks!
I edit the full content of your post into the FAQ,

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

Hey, does anyone know how to manage the Wiki page here?
This FAQ is now a huge post and each edit becomes a nightmare

Re: New Owner's FAQ
 

I think it's a good idea to create a new FAQ thread, lest a new owner shows up and tries to follow this thread, they'd be confused and spend a lot of time reading (and trying to understand) all the comments.


Please click here to see the new (and cleaned up) FAQ.

Thanks!