PriusChat Forums - Gen II Prius Main Forum http://priuschat.com/forums en Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:09:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://priuschat.com/forums/images/silk/misc/rss.jpg PriusChat Forums - Gen II Prius Main Forum http://priuschat.com/forums Suspension upgrades http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/zExtaw49UKg/showthread.php Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:35:05 GMT Hello - I have a 2009 non touring and the BT plate - wondering if the suspension upgrades in the PC shop are anygood - strut brace, shocks springs,... Hello - I have a 2009 non touring and the BT plate - wondering if the suspension upgrades in the PC shop are anygood - strut brace, shocks springs, sway bar... is it a noticeable improvement in handling & do you need better wheels and tires to benefit from it?
Thanks!!
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum mstrkoffee http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65009 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65009 Front-end (under grill) damage http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/3WjelAits0k/showthread.php Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:03:23 GMT I have a 2008 and have tried to be very careful when pulling up to a parking curb because I have learned that the front end bumper/undercarriage of a... I have a 2008 and have tried to be very careful when pulling up to a parking curb because I have learned that the front end bumper/undercarriage of a Prius is very low. But either someone backed into me, or I hit something pretty hard, because now I have a fairly good-sized "ding" on the part right below the grill. Any ideas on how to smooth it out or how to avoid future dings by putting something over that part? I have a clear glued-on cover over the trunk "step-up/bumper" and it has worked really well. I might have the same thing put on the front end under the grill but would like to first try to repair the ding as much as possible. Thanks.:(
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum howardbc http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65001 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65001 How to program a SKS key fob http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/O8EeJ45fN7w/showthread.php Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:19:24 GMT I've tried the search, but perhaps I just haven't had enough Espresso this morning, but I cant find the thread I'm looking for. I have a SKS key fob, new, bought from the dealer this morning (for $200 I might add) and I want to program it myself.

Is it possible to probram a sks key fob yourself, or must the dealer do it? Seems like the dealer has to, but I can't find the thread I'm looking for. I found the instructions to program the non-sks fob.

thanks in advance, and for your patience with me. Ooops, my expresso is ready........

:D
RD
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum Rangerdavid http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64991 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64991 Request: Cruise Control installation! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/7wRhTJ9lRRM/showthread.php Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:47:36 GMT So, I was able to install the factory cruise control on my 2008 Base. I spent less than $150 when the dealer wanted $300-$450 for an aftermarket... So, I was able to install the factory cruise control on my 2008 Base. I spent less than $150 when the dealer wanted $300-$450 for an aftermarket install because Toyota did not have an option for this... yeah right!

Anyways, now installed, I'm running without a cruise control cover. This is the cover on the right of the steering wheel that you pop-out and where the cc lever comes out of. My request and question is...

Could someone be so kind to get some dimensions of their stock-cruise-controled-Prius to see where and how big I should make the whole on the cover?

I would really appreciate it and will pay a hefty sum of 1 trillion Zimbabwe dollars!!!
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum nullxposur http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64951 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64951 Was there ever any doubt the Prius would be on this list! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/80ynSNnY4GA/showthread.php Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:56:29 GMT 10 Most User-Recommended Automobiles - MSN Autos
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum swi66 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64948 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64948 Terrible Experience with ENSIGN Toyota in Utah http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/de_vFvCnuX0/showthread.php Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:05:58 GMT This morning (July 7, 2009) I sent my 08 Prius to ENSIGN’s Lube & Oil Department for a full 20K service. The job was quickly done and I drove the car back home. When I was on my way to work this afternoon, I felt strong burning smell from the engine. I then opened the hood and found the entire engine and the inside of the hood to be coated with oil and the oil cap was missing. I then drove the car back to Lube & Oil Department. The technician who did the full service this morning met me outside the garage and he found the cap somewhere in the engine bay. He told me that it won’t hurt anything because this mouth is designed to prevent the oil from coming out of the engine. He then showed me the oil level and I was told that the level is still OK (I know nothing about these technical things). But the fact is, the oil apparently comes out from the engine and is everywhere under the hood.

I then went to the waiting room and explained the issue to Service Advisor John A Hammer (I thought he is the supervisor because he did the paperwork for me this morning. I simply wanted to let him know his employees should be professional and careful so that they won’t make such “low-end” mistake next time) and he said nothing about that. I even did not get any apology from him. So I turned around and requested the technician to only wash the engine bay for me because I did not want to deal with such unprofessional service anymore (The technician finally apologized for that but Mr. Hammer still did not want to talk to me).

I also noticed these "technicians" at the dealership never put the shift on "P" before they turn off the engine.

That's my story today. Will that hurt my car?

Thanks!
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum hans_fh http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64900 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64900 Getting Rid of Mouse Odor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/FvhGpjfTN_o/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:29:54 GMT Like many of you, I have had difficulties with mice in my beloved Prius. I had originally attributed it to the engine block heater, however, after... Like many of you, I have had difficulties with mice in my beloved Prius. I had originally attributed it to the engine block heater, however, after the dealership TWICE had to de-mouse the car, (I had some that died while it was in the body shop for a week and a half; rotting mouse carcass is not pleasant) the smell of urine persisted as did evidence of mouse infestation in the cabin air filter. And I haven't plugged in the heater since April. Anyway, the dealership hooked it up to an ozonator machine overnight the last time around to clear the smell out once before, but alas, I still had a rodent living in it, apparently inside the duct work behind the dash, which I am hesitant about paying in excess of $1000 to disassemble and clean. I recently trapped the last mouse in my cabin air filter area and have seen no evidence of mice since (no droppings on the cabin air filter; previously a daily phenomenon).
So after this novel of a background, my question is this: Does anyone know if the ozonator machine can rid the car of the mouse pee smell if the nest is not removed and the contaminated duct work is not cleaned? $1000 is a lot to shell out, but the smell is intolerable.:frusty:
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum Lola the Prius http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64872 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64872 <![CDATA[Millenium Silver, Tideland Pearl, & Salsa Red Prius owners - Side Moldings for $85 shipped]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/L_DZITzEf7U/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:42:42 GMT I'm looking to clear out some stock to make room for 2010 parts, so all you 2004 & 2005 owners can make out like bandits on a great Prius accessory. I have a few remaining Millennium Silver Metallic (paint code 1C0), Tideland Pearl (paint code 6S9), and Salsa Red (paint code 3Q3) Prius Side Body Moldings that I'm selling for the very very cheap price of $85 shipped within the US. International members please email or PM me for a shipping quote.

That's almost $40 off the regular price of these moldings.

Only a few remain, and this sale will only be going through next Wednesday, so order early!

PriusChat Shop : Prius Body Side Moldings - Clearance - $85.00

Click the image to open in full size.

Shipping is via USPS Priority Mail, so you'll have them within 2-3 days.
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum Danny http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64868 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64868 Prius involved in head on collison http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/3q-FIrPDGwM/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:04:24 GMT The driver of the Prius somehow crossed the yellow line and hit a van head on. More details and pictures can be found here: Gallery - Delaware City... The driver of the Prius somehow crossed the yellow line and hit a van head on. More details and pictures can be found here: Gallery - Delaware City Fire Company - New Castle County, Delaware

The driver of the van sustained minor injuries and was released.

Unfortunately the driver of the Prius died. He was a local civil-rights icon that was well known through-out the state of Delaware. More information about him can be found here:

Littleton Mitchell, a pioneer of civil rights movement, dies after crash at age 90 | Delawareonline.com | The News Journal
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]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum Mpress http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64865 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64865 Superwhite Bumpers Repainted by Dealer - need advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/HBEniX-eAoY/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:36:46 GMT Read this only when you have a few minutes. It's a bit long but should hold your interest.

As reported, I finally took my superwhite back to dealer to have them match my bumpers to the body. Dropped the car off and they gave me a loaner. Told me they'd do the repair under warranty. The discussion with general service manager and collision shop manager was bumpers will be pulled and an attempt to get closer match to body will be goal. I clearly stated that no metal parts of the car would be painted and it was agreed upon by all parties. I got in my loaner car and was told it'd be ready in 3 days.

I go to pick it up and it is raining. I pull in to the entrance of the dealership and I can already spot my superwhite sitting there. I was hoping it was someone elses superwhite because the bumpers looked wrong from a block away (even in the rain). They were way too bright. The collision shop service writer agreed and said stay in loaner - we'll shoot the bumpers again. I left with a bad feeling. How could they be that far off and why would they even waste my time telling me to come get it ?

I few days later I get a call that my car is again ready. I picked it up on Saturday (overcast weather) and still didn't look right - better but still too white. The superwhite factory finish looked creamy compared to the paint they applied to the bumpers. Being that it was saturday, I took the car and figured I'd see how it looked on a sunny day.

I was away most of the weekend and the car sat in my driveway. Monday morning it's a nice sunny day and I start to look carefully at the car. Bumpers still don't match and are still too 'bright'. I look a little closer at the right rear quarter panel. Well guess what, they blended/painted into that quarter panel. The paint texture no longer looked factory. I look at the panel on the other side - yep... painted. Front 2 fenders same thing. I was livid. My '08 that was just under a year old now looked like it had been hit front and back and to top it off, the bumpers still don't match and the paint they blended onto my quarter panels will look wrong if I ever get some one to paint the bumpers to finally match.

Oh ... it gets better. I'm now late for work so I jump into my car and turn it on. What is that I see on the dashboard. Some kind of warning light I've never seen before. Look it up in the manual - 'low tire pressure'. I think to myself great - to top it all off I picked up a nail or screw. I look at the front passenger tire it's low. I roll the vehicle backwards and look for the screw or nail. I don't find a screw or nail but I do find a plug in my tire that wasn't there when I gave the dealer my car.

I call them and they say that none of there techs said they ran over anything or patched it. He checked tapes from the surveillance cameras and saw nothing. They said bring it back so they can look at the paint job and patch the tire. I did so. They re-plugged the tire and the paint manager looked at the job. It's your car he said but if it was mine... I'd leave it alone. I said don't you think it was a very bad decision to paint the metal parts of my car after we specifically agreed not to do that. He said yes, the painter 'knew' how particular I was and wanted the job to look right. I never even met the painter and if knew anything about me or painting... he would not have painted the metal parts on my car - he'd have used the color matching system they brag about to get the bumpers right without playing tricks. The collision manager said the painter talked to the production manager before doing it.

He also told me that he had talked to the painter and the painter said he could most likely remove 'all of the materials' they put on. I said you have to be kidding ? The manager said that the blend didn't put much paint on the car and that carefully sanding the newly applied clear coat would allow them to get a solvent on the lacquer white material and get it off. Would have to try a small section first. I said wouldn't that damage the factory finish underneath and he said - the factory finish is much harder and more durable - like a tank. I said, assuming the 'materials' could be removed, wouldn't your poorly matched bumper job look even worse since the purpose of the blend to the panels is to trick the eye. He said yes. The mismatch would look even more obvious. I said, just fix my flat and I'll think about what I want to do. I wrote to my sales person and told him what happened. He said he'd forward it to general manager and all concerned. I'll need to followup with him because a week and half have gone by and no word from him. Told him that I thought they should replace my car with a 2010 without screwing me on the trade in of my '08 and giving me an adjusted price on the 2010. What are the odds of that?

My tire was flat the next morning after I brought it home. Today they put a new Goodyear Integrity on passenger side of car. I don't know how smart that is to have a 15,000 miles tire on the front right and new one on the left. I think I already see some degradation in my mileage. Not sure what safety issues if any it presents.

Any suggestion on how to proceed would be appreciated. I suppose I should just escalate it up to toyota regional at this point.

Thanks in advance.

Steve
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum sas0611 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64848 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64848 Need a sun shield http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/2CLQbzMD9KY/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:06:18 GMT I need a sun shade for the windshield of my new 2009. I hear that the size of the windshield makes for a LARGE sunshade, and that it's kind of awkward to manage. Which type of sunshade is best: roll up or folding type? Who makes them to fit properly? Who has had experience with them? Where can I find the best one? Inquring minds want to know!
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum cashore http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64841 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64841 <![CDATA[Do 12v Accessories Drain Traction Or Starting Battery When Prius "ON"?]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/pgwav655rsw/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:34:42 GMT Hey all, quick question. _When the Prius is turned ON, and a 12v accessory is plugged into the 12v accessory plug outlet (either one), does it... Hey all, quick question.

When the Prius is turned ON, and a 12v accessory is plugged into the 12v accessory plug outlet (either one), does it drain the big traction battery, or the little "starting" battery (or do we call it the booting-up battery)?

I have a 12v thermoelectric cooler that I want to take camping and leave plugged into the Prius. It draws 4 amps. I imagine the traction battery can deliver 4 amphours x 24 hours no problem, but I know the starting battery would be drained quickly.

We're supposed to go camping for a week in the Westy Vanagon tomorrow. But it just blew both head gaskets. So, in addition to making me $2K poorer, we're scrambling to repack for a Prius camping trip. Two adults three kids - not that crazy, we'll pack light, carry a luggage pod, and there's not a ton of actual driving involved.
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum jyl http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64833 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64833 The Low Mileage Club. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/Dg9rr-mSmGk/showthread.php Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:31:51 GMT I got to thinking; how many here have a Prius that is approaching five years old (Gen II model obviously), and have NOT racked up a bunch of miles on... I got to thinking; how many here have a Prius that is approaching five years old (Gen II model obviously), and have NOT racked up a bunch of miles on their cars?

My 2005 has only 38,206 on it as of today, July 7, 2009. It's a 2005 model. Now, for me personally, that is low mileage. Any others?

:)
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum TJandGENESIS http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64829 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64829 Removing rear seat on 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/dlsIOIkP10M/showthread.php Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:33:10 GMT Hello! Does anyone know how to remove the rear seat on the 2009 model? I searched and searched, but all the posts refer to 2008 and older years. It... Hello! Does anyone know how to remove the rear seat on the 2009 model? I searched and searched, but all the posts refer to 2008 and older years. It looks that the seat has changed a bit on the 2009 -- there are no hooks that hold the cushion in place, it's some kind of plastic clip now. Can't figure out how to detach it. Did anyone install seat covers on 2009 model? Any advice would be very appreciated.
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum novice http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64794 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64794 The best tires money can buy. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PriuschatForums-22/~3/BAv1ld79MoM/showthread.php Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:28:00 GMT I know there are a lot of tire threads here, but really what I am looking for are the best (generally agreed upon) tires for the Prius that money can... I know there are a lot of tire threads here, but really what I am looking for are the best (generally agreed upon) tires for the Prius that money can buy. My stocks are going to be replaced soon, so what are the best tires with regards to fuel economy?

I have to mention that I live in the Northeast so the tires have to be somewhat capable in the snow, no worse then the stock tires (which handle just fine in bad weather). Price is no option.
]]> Gen II Prius Main Forum Doza http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64792 http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64792