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Hey all, I've talked the service manager at my dealer into considering installation of the block heater and OEM Japanese EV button, but says he'll need the official part numbers, be they Toyota North America, Canada, or Japan. His take is that if they are official Toyota parts, he'll install them and assert that his Toyota techs leave all warrante intact.

If they are Toyota parts installed by Toyota techs, how can there be a warrante issue?

He may be blowing smoke, but if he'll do it without gouging me, I'll let him give it a shot.

Anybody have the offical Toyota Part numbers (and countries) for the block heater and EV button for an '07 Prius?

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Hi Dan:

___Toyota dealerships will install the EBH (Engine Block Heater) without question but the OEM EV button is questionable. I have doubts in that I do not think it has a US part number given they are not equipped that way (EPA legalities) in the US or Canada.

___CoastalTech offers the EV Button as a stalk switch, which is even more convenient. Brick (Tim) did a great thread on its install w/ pics and detailed instructions as well as commentary. Two or more Prius drivers (Jared was one) with the stalk EV switch installed added there own thoughts as to how to use it for maximum effectiveness as well.

___With the winter season over in Houston and HF2007 coming up, why not wait until you figure out a way to get up here? Wayne (Fire Engineer) will surely help you with a EBH install as he has more then 20 under his belt the last time I spoke with him.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

___Toyota dealerships will install the EBH (Engine Block Heater) without question but the OEM EV button is questionable. I have doubts in that I do not think it has a US part number given they are not equipped that way (EPA legalities) in the US or Canada. Houston dealerships won't. They said they "wouldn't even know where to begin, 20 years with toyota and your the first customer to bring it up". I mentioned that it's a Toyota part and he warmed to the idea. Then I said that the EU Prius has an EV button. Said I could get one from Sigma. He said "If it's made by Toyota, we'll install it". He may be full of it, but I'd like to at least try.

___CoastalTech offers the EV Button as a stalk switch, which is even more convenient. Brick (Tim) did a great thread on its install w/ pics and detailed instructions as well as commentary. Two or more Prius drivers (Jared was one) with the stalk EV switch installed added there own thoughts as to how to use it for maximum effectiveness as well. Yeah, guess I got a sentimental attachment to the factory button. I figure since it's in in the '08 HiHy, it might be in the '08 Prius. Nice way to make my '07 look like an '08.

___With the winter season over in Houston and HF2007 coming up, why not wait until you figure out a way to get up here? Wayne (Fire Engineer) will surely help you with a EBH install as he has more then 20 under his belt the last time I spoke with him.
I'm hoping to come up with DeltaFlyer, but I don't know how much free time there will be. Maybe I could offer up my Prius as a sacrificial EBH install demo? If the dealer agrees to do the EV button, I'll probably let him do both. If not, I'd love to take FireEngineer up on the install or assist. All I need now is the solar panel to power it when parked at the mall. mparrish and I are thinking about running them all year round. Most of our gas on our commutes is burned in the first 5 minutes.

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Block heater part number CO140-00889 for '04-'07. You can get it at http://www.metrotoyota.com/ou/brookpark-toyota/console.do?page=s_order_accessories for $50. Your dealer will probably charge you 2 hour minimum labor, heck you could drive to Chicago and back for that money. If you can wait I would be glad to do it for you at Hybridfest, take about 30 minutes. If you can't then a trip to Houston........

For the factory EV switch try Sigma Automotive http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php. May not be the cheapest but Edward gives good service. I can also do the EV button at Hybridfest if you can wait. Actually at Hybridfest, Hobbit would probably like to rip into your dashboard.

Wayne

Heck ya'... Never thought to enlist someone from HF2007 for the EV button.

Thanks a ton guys.

Do you think anyone would want to make it a workshop? Let everyone watch the install or something.

I'll get the parts ordered and have them on hand at HF 2007. Now I really can't back out.

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If I had to do it all over again I might go with the Sigma button rather than the cruise option. Using the stalk to activate EV is convenient 95% of the time, so nowhere near worth the money or effort to swap it out for the alternative. But 5% of the time I'll want to disengage EV while I'm coming around a turn and I'll wind up chasing the thing around the steering wheel as it turns. Kind of funny but mildly annoying.

Either way you do the mod I definitely recommend it. It's good to be able to override the car's decision to run the ICE at times when I know there's no good reason.

OK, I've ordered:

Block Heater (Metro Toyota)
OEM EV Btn. (Sigma / Monolith International)
Scanguage II (PriusChat shop... I know Danny's out btw).

I'll bust the 66 MPG yet.

Thanks for the links

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Maybe I could offer up my Prius as a sacrificial EBH install demo? If the dealer agrees to do the EV button, I'll probably let him do both. If not, I'd love to take FireEngineer up on the install or assist. All I need now is the solar panel to power it when parked at the mall. mparrish and I are thinking about running them all year round. Most of our gas on our commutes is burned in the first 5 minutes.
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Dan, after reading some great "how-to" detailed posts with pictures by Evan, Hobbit, & others over at priuschat, I felt much more confident about installing my own EBH. So I ordered mine last week and expect it next week. It does look like some work, and I will get dirty, but I don't see any reason why the resources out there aren't enough for me to get it done.

At any rate, if I am able to do it (relatively) pain-free, I'll be more than happy to lend a hand with yours if you have time for a trip to Austin at some point. If you can't make it to Austin, I can send you "my install story" for help.

If I can't pull off the install, well, then, that will suck :). haha. But I bet that won't happen.

I'll try to find those priuschat threads and post them here.

Hi Dan and Marc:

___I do not know about Evan’s Prius II EBH install but after speaking with Fire Engineer, all you need to do is expect a few cuts along the length of your arms and its an hour tops. He and a few others have been installing them like crazy up here and have the minor disassembly and install technique down to a science!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Yeah, my comfort level with mods is increasing day by day.

I'll probably bite the bullet, but may pull in some other Houston Prius owners.

Marc, We have friends in Austin too, so I still might take you up on your offer.

Thanks agian

PS. Where are you gonna run the cable out? Grill slits?

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Dan and Marc,

If you have problems maybe I can come down to Austin and do a couple of heater installs. My daughter is on spring break next week and she's been wanting to take a trip with Dad.

Wayne

PS. Where are you gonna run the cable out? Grill slits?

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That's my plan right now. Hey, the block heater arrived last night! Woohoo! I think I'll give the install a shot this weekend during "naptime".


Dan and Marc,

If you have problems maybe I can come down to Austin and do a couple of heater installs. My daughter is on spring break next week and she's been wanting to take a trip with Dad.

Wayne

Wayne,

I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the offer! I'll keep you posted.