From time to time a Prius DIYer or mechanic will need to continue the engine running to perform a service or emissions inspection.  Unremarkably the engine just runs to either warm itself up or if the commuter is requesting more power, but if you lot want the engine to idle yous're stuck.  Toyota thought of this and, with a special process, yous can put a Prius into Maintenance Mode, idling the engine until the operator turns the iginition off.  It's a unproblematic procedure:

  • Plough the vehicle to accompaniment mode, Ready-off.  On 2001-2003 Prii this is two clicks forward of the key, on 2004+ this is pressing the start button twice with your foot off the brake pedal.  The brandish will non show Ready but volition otherwise be lit, the car in park.
  • Depress the accelerator two times fully.
  • Put the vehicle in neutral.
  • Depress the accelerator two times fully.
  • Put the vehicle back into park.
  • Depress the accelerator two times fully.

Y'all'll know you've done information technology correctly when on 2001-2009 Prii you come across something like this:

Maintenance Mode Warning

Maintenance Manner Warning

2010+ Prii volition show something similar to this:

Maintenance Mode Indicated

Maintenance Mode Indicated

After you run across the confirmation warming or message, depress the restriction pedal and start the Prius (Ready-on).  The engine will immediately start to idle and will practise and then until you turn off the car.  Be conscientious with maintenance mode: traction command and many other cocky-preservation systems are disabled when the auto is in maintenance way.  Driving a Prius while it is in this manner tin can result in complete inverter failure.

Then there you have it – a crook code built into your Prius.  As Eden Prairie and Chanhassen'due south contained Toyota and Lexus specialist we're ever happy to share the tricks of the trade we know and use daily.  Nosotros're Prius experts, and then if yous've got a Toyota Prius acting upwards don't hesitate to call and make an appointment at (952)426-4798 today!