New Prius owner - 2 questions

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
wrote:

>In article , Bill Tuthill
>wrote:
>
>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>
>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>
>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>extreme anxiety.

LOL

That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...

They are MEANT to be touched...

--

Scott in Florida
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 12:15:25 -0800, Bill Tuthill wrote:

> We recently bought a Prius. After disabling the backup beep,
> we're very happy with it and all drivers are getting > 50 mpg.
>
> I have two questions that I can't answer by web search:
>
> 1) Why is the R N D lever (reverse neutral drive) backwards?
> Logically, D ought to be on the top and R on the bottom.
>
> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>
> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
> The AC comes on too frequently,

Set the temp higher, and don't have it on defrost at all. The AC runs
whenever the Climate Control is set anywhere near the Windshield. I used
to keep mine set to the Defrost/foot setting, but with the newer cars I
use the Vent/Foot setting to keep the AC off.



> and it seems impossible
> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
> Even then, it takes a long time to adjust things properly.
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

"Scott in Florida" wrote in message

> On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
> wrote:
>
>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>wrote:
>>
>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>
>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>
>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>extreme anxiety.
>
> LOL
>
> That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>
> They are MEANT to be touched...
>
> --
>
> Scott in Florida
>

Exactly!
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

In article "Bill
Tuthill" writes:

> We recently bought a Prius. After disabling the backup beep,
> we're very happy with it and all drivers are getting > 50 mpg.

I've had mine (a UK-spec "T4") since the end of July 2005. Will
try to help...

> 1) Why is the R N D lever (reverse neutral drive) backwards?
> Logically, D ought to be on the top and R on the bottom.

Think of it as the result of moving the standard automatic gear
stick up onto the dashboard and consider what hand movements a
driver makes when using it. In a Prius, the hand sweeps through
much the same arc, only higher up.
* P(ark) -- a separate button -- is furthest up (forward).
* R(everese), N(eutral) and D(rive) run downwards (backwards).
* A Prius has no distinct gears, so 1/2/3/&c aren't needed.
* B(attery) -- a hybrid special -- is a subset of D(rive) mode.

> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?

Maybe the UK climate isn't as extreme as where you are. I have
been fairly happy in hot summer and frosty winter. I tend to set
A/C-with-recirculate in hot weather, also in cooler weather if
things are muggy. If the windscreen (US:windshield) gets foggy
on the inside, there is the steering-wheel-mounted defog toggle
button to temporarily switch on A/C blowing up the windscreen.

The AUTO setting seems clever enough, as Ray-O observes. OTOH, I
too feel Toyota's boffins could spend a bit more time on refining
the aircon permutations for extreme conditions.

> [...] and it seems impossible to regulate airflow and
> temperature without resorting to the LCD touch-screen (getting
> fingerprints all over it).

The touch screen is meant to be touched. That's how you control
many of the car systems, nar? If fingerprints bother you, don't
have dirty fingers. IOW no sticky munchies for the driver.

For temperature, I find I have settled on an internal of 20.5 C
(that's, uh, 68.9 F for you Victorians reading this <g>).

I have cleaned the display with a water-moistened paper cloth --
those soft fibrous ones made in kitchen-roll size by Kleenex are
good for many delicate wiping jobs (including DVDs and CDs, BTW).

FWIW I am glad the reversing beep is there. It can save a crunch
through lurching in the wrong direction when one is in a hurry.
--
Andrew Stephenson
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:23:05 GMT, Scott in Florida
wrote:
>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
> wrote:
>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>wrote:

>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>
>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>
>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>extreme anxiety.
>
>LOL
>That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>They are MEANT to be touched...

BAD EXAMPLE.

Yes, the screens on a Palm or iPaq PDA are meant to be touched - but
the stylus will scratch the hell out of the glass over time. Better
to scratch up the plastic screen protector overlay that can be
replaced when it gets bad.

(Reminds me, I'm about due...)

Fingerprints aren't the problem on a touchscreen if you are using a
tapping motion for the entries. But any dirt or dust on the screen
makes a tap-and-drag type entry motion into a tap-and-scratch.

Keep it clean, make sure the kids don't use a pen or pencil as a
stylus, make sure the wife is using fingertips (skin) and NOT long
nails to make the entries, and you should be fine.

And if you are still paranoid, go find one of the plastic screen
overlays that is bigger than you need, and cut it to fit.

--<< Bruce >>--
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

"Bruce L. Bergman" wrote in message

> On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:23:05 GMT, Scott in Florida
> wrote:
>>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
>> wrote:
>>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>>wrote:
>
>>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>>
>>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>>
>>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>>extreme anxiety.
>>
>>LOL
>>That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>>They are MEANT to be touched...
>
> BAD EXAMPLE.
>
> Yes, the screens on a Palm or iPaq PDA are meant to be touched - but
> the stylus will scratch the hell out of the glass over time. Better
> to scratch up the plastic screen protector overlay that can be
> replaced when it gets bad.
>
> (Reminds me, I'm about due...)
>
> Fingerprints aren't the problem on a touchscreen if you are using a
> tapping motion for the entries. But any dirt or dust on the screen
> makes a tap-and-drag type entry motion into a tap-and-scratch.
>
> Keep it clean, make sure the kids don't use a pen or pencil as a
> stylus, make sure the wife is using fingertips (skin) and NOT long
> nails to make the entries, and you should be fine.
>
> And if you are still paranoid, go find one of the plastic screen
> overlays that is bigger than you need, and cut it to fit.
>
> --<< Bruce >>--
>

I have no scratches after 2 years on my Palm PDA. I wonder if people are
using things other than a stylus.
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 06:33:52 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
wrote:

>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:23:05 GMT, Scott in Florida
> wrote:
>>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
>> wrote:
>>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>>wrote:
>
>>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>>
>>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>>
>>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>>extreme anxiety.
>>
>>LOL
>>That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>>They are MEANT to be touched...
>
> BAD EXAMPLE.
>
> Yes, the screens on a Palm or iPaq PDA are meant to be touched - but
>the stylus will scratch the hell out of the glass over time. Better
>to scratch up the plastic screen protector overlay that can be
>replaced when it gets bad.
>

I've had Palms for a LONG time and none of mine are scratched. You
just have to use the correct instrument and NOT grind in.


> (Reminds me, I'm about due...)
>
> Fingerprints aren't the problem on a touchscreen if you are using a
>tapping motion for the entries. But any dirt or dust on the screen
>makes a tap-and-drag type entry motion into a tap-and-scratch.
>
> Keep it clean, make sure the kids don't use a pen or pencil as a
>stylus, make sure the wife is using fingertips (skin) and NOT long
>nails to make the entries, and you should be fine.
>
> And if you are still paranoid, go find one of the plastic screen
>overlays that is bigger than you need, and cut it to fit.
>
> --<< Bruce >>--

--

Scott in Florida
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 09:29:42 +0000, Truckdude wrote:

>
> "Bruce L. Bergman" wrote in message
>
>> On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:23:05 GMT, Scott in Florida
>> wrote:
>>>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
>>> wrote:
>>>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>>>wrote:
>>
>>>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>>>
>>>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>>>
>>>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>>>extreme anxiety.
>>>
>>>LOL
>>>That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>>>They are MEANT to be touched...
>>
>> BAD EXAMPLE.
>>
>> Yes, the screens on a Palm or iPaq PDA are meant to be touched - but
>> the stylus will scratch the hell out of the glass over time. Better
>> to scratch up the plastic screen protector overlay that can be
>> replaced when it gets bad.
>>
>> (Reminds me, I'm about due...)
>>
>> Fingerprints aren't the problem on a touchscreen if you are using a
>> tapping motion for the entries. But any dirt or dust on the screen
>> makes a tap-and-drag type entry motion into a tap-and-scratch.
>>
>> Keep it clean, make sure the kids don't use a pen or pencil as a
>> stylus, make sure the wife is using fingertips (skin) and NOT long
>> nails to make the entries, and you should be fine.
>>
>> And if you are still paranoid, go find one of the plastic screen
>> overlays that is bigger than you need, and cut it to fit.
>>
>> --<< Bruce >>--
>>
>
> I have no scratches after 2 years on my Palm PDA. I wonder if people are
> using things other than a stylus.


Yup...
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 09:29:42 GMT, "Truckdude"
wrote:

>
>"Bruce L. Bergman" wrote in message
>
>> On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:23:05 GMT, Scott in Florida
>> wrote:
>>>On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:14:57 -0500, "Elmo P. Shagnasty"
>>> wrote:
>>>>In article , Bill Tuthill
>>>>wrote:
>>
>>>>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>>>>
>>>>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>>>>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>>>>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>>>>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>>>>
>>>>If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>>>>is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life of
>>>>extreme anxiety.
>>>
>>>LOL
>>>That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
>>>They are MEANT to be touched...
>>
>> BAD EXAMPLE.
>>
>> Yes, the screens on a Palm or iPaq PDA are meant to be touched - but
>> the stylus will scratch the hell out of the glass over time. Better
>> to scratch up the plastic screen protector overlay that can be
>> replaced when it gets bad.
>>
>> (Reminds me, I'm about due...)
>>
>> Fingerprints aren't the problem on a touchscreen if you are using a
>> tapping motion for the entries. But any dirt or dust on the screen
>> makes a tap-and-drag type entry motion into a tap-and-scratch.
>>
>> Keep it clean, make sure the kids don't use a pen or pencil as a
>> stylus, make sure the wife is using fingertips (skin) and NOT long
>> nails to make the entries, and you should be fine.
>>
>> And if you are still paranoid, go find one of the plastic screen
>> overlays that is bigger than you need, and cut it to fit.
>>
>> --<< Bruce >>--
>>
>
>I have no scratches after 2 years on my Palm PDA. I wonder if people are
>using things other than a stylus.
>

I'm sure that is the problem. I have no problems with mine....


--

Scott in Florida
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

Ray O <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>
> The sequence for selecting gear ranges is regulated and standard
> throughout the industry so that PRNDL is familiar to everyone.
> Some transmissions add or omit some ranges so the Prius' CVT gets RND.

Aha! I've never owned an automatic transmission, and neither have my
Prius-driving friends, so I guess we didn't think of this. I still think
it's backwards, especially considering this is such an oddball car.

Scott in Florida wrote:
>
> "Elmo P. Shagnasty" on Sat 02 Dec 2006 wrote:
>> If getting fingerprints on the control screen that's meant to be touched
>> is a big source of worry for you, shoot yourself now and forgo a life
>> of extreme anxiety.
> LOL
> That is like putting screen protectors on Palm Handheld Computers...
> They are MEANT to be touched...

Nonetheless it *is* possible to control almost everything
without touching the LCD. Folders on MP3 CDs can't be navigated,
but radio stations and regular CDs do not require touchscreen.

Unless the driver is trying to "glide", the bar-graph fuel display
is more helpful than the transmission-picture display. Gliding
doesn't work at most speeds we must drive, anyway.

Thanks to the help so far, I'll try adjusting temperature (and AC)
from the steering wheel, and wait until the right stuff happens.

Andrew Stephenson wrote:
>
> Maybe the UK climate isn't as extreme as where you are. I have
> been fairly happy in hot summer and frosty winter. I tend to set
> A/C-with-recirculate in hot weather, also in cooler weather if
> things are muggy. If the windscreen (US:windshield) gets foggy
> on the inside, there is the steering-wheel-mounted defog toggle
> button to temporarily switch on A/C blowing up the windscreen.
>
> The AUTO setting seems clever enough, as Ray-O observes. OTOH, I
> too feel Toyota's boffins could spend a bit more time on refining
> the aircon permutations for extreme conditions.

What I miss most from my previous vehicle is a side vent with
a simple Fresh-Air or Climate-Control lever. That avoids the noise
and electrical consumption of the blower fan.

Consumer Reports said the two biggest drawbacks of the Prius are
"steering feel" (doesn't seem bad to me, but my previous vehicle
was a truck) and "display console". Nonetheless they graded controls
as a half-red circle, which means good but not excellent. I'd say
the display console is fine, except dust and fingerprints need to be
cleaned periodically, but I would have downgraded climate control.

> The touch screen is meant to be touched. That's how you control
> many of the car systems, nar? If fingerprints bother you, don't
> have dirty fingers. IOW no sticky munchies for the driver.

We'll wear latex gloves while driving.

> For temperature, I find I have settled on an internal of 20.5 C
> (that's, uh, 68.9 F for you Victorians reading this <g>).

That's probably the best place to start. From the factory,
it was set to Victorian 72, which would be 22 C for Modern folks.

> I have cleaned the display with a water-moistened paper cloth --
> those soft fibrous ones made in kitchen-roll size by Kleenex are
> good for many delicate wiping jobs (including DVDs and CDs, BTW).

I'll use the same OptiClean spray I use on my computer monitor.

> FWIW I am glad the reversing beep is there. It can save a crunch
> through lurching in the wrong direction when one is in a hurry.

My friends all turned it off. It really bugged me on the test drive.
With backup camera, it's easy to tell when the vehicle is in reverse.
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

Disabling the rear backup beep may seem like a good idea until you run
someone over because they did not hear your vehicle with just the electric
motor running.


"Bill Tuthill" wrote in message

> We recently bought a Prius. After disabling the backup beep,
> we're very happy with it and all drivers are getting > 50 mpg.
>
> I have two questions that I can't answer by web search:
>
> 1) Why is the R N D lever (reverse neutral drive) backwards?
> Logically, D ought to be on the top and R on the bottom.
>
> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>
> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
> Even then, it takes a long time to adjust things properly.
>
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions 

But their Prius may well have a rear-view camera.

Cathy


"Art" wrote in message

> Disabling the rear backup beep may seem like a good idea until you run
> someone over because they did not hear your vehicle with just the electric
> motor running.
>
>
> "Bill Tuthill" wrote in message
>
>> We recently bought a Prius. After disabling the backup beep,
>> we're very happy with it and all drivers are getting > 50 mpg.
>>
>> I have two questions that I can't answer by web search:
>>
>> 1) Why is the R N D lever (reverse neutral drive) backwards?
>> Logically, D ought to be on the top and R on the bottom.
>>
>> 2) Any hints on adjusting the climate control system?
>>
>> Either we haven't figured it out, or it is designed poorly.
>> The AC comes on too frequently, and it seems impossible
>> to regulate airflow and temperature without resorting to
>> the LCD touch-screen (getting fingerprints all over it).
>> Even then, it takes a long time to adjust things properly.
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: New Prius owner - 2 questions