Archives

In reading about the MIMA for the Insight, and considering my own wishes for improving the FE of my Mariner Hybrid, it got me to thinking that an extremely useful "mod" would be an ICE shutdown switch/button. Not an "EV only" mode like for the Prius, rather a button that would allow me, the driver, the ability to institute an ICE shutoff in certain situations. I don't want an override, and would want the computer controls to be able to restart ICE as soon as conditions required it. I would just like the ability to instantly shutoff ICE when I know I don't need it....for example: on long downgrades where I can coast, or as I am approaching a stop sign/light, or if I am idling at a stop due to a low SOC, etc. Turning off the key isn't safe or probably legal either. Having to shift to L and tap the brakes seems like wasted steps and requires slowing down and makes drivers behind you think you are braking.

I'm just wondering if anyone out there in Hybrid land has considered such a project and/or the feasibility of doing so.

what you are describing is the FAS ( Forced Stall ) used in insights... you push a button and it stops the ICE from running.... no matter what speed you are at.... In an Insight the way it is setup you shift to neutral press the button and the ICE turns off so you can coast.... when you want the IC back just put it in gear and off you go.... if you used the brakes too much the ICE would also kick back on.... Depending on how the Mariner Hybrid system restarts the engine from a Stop like when you are at traffic lights and such.... You might be able to do the same thing ... in an insight since the car thinks you have stalled the engine the normal Auto Stop light does not come on, I would expect somethign simular if you forced the fuel to stop in other hybrids.... Ultimately it will take some brave and smart people with Mariner Hybrid's to look at the system and do some testing to figure out exactly how to do it.