QuestionHi,
I am working on a repair manual for a PRIUS model and I am doing a research on the difference and functioning of the power switch and the igniton switch.
Does power switch refer only to the Hybrid electrical ignition system? are power switch and ignition switch synomyms for hibrid models? in what way are these two switches different?
We know that power switch on standard models is related to electrical power supply and we wonder if it may mean something else in a hybrid vehicle, as the ignition operation.
Please let me know asap so that we can see the light in this dark issue. Thank you very much indeed for your experience and knowledge.
Kind Regards,
Rafael
AnswerThe first generation of Prius models(2001-2003) had what looked like standard ignition switch, the second generation has a push button switch on the dash that does basically the same thing, our repair manual refers to this push button as the power switch.
In the early prius models the engine could be started by just turning the key while the shift selector is in the park position, in later models with the button the engine will not start unless the brake pedal is depressed, however the ignition can be turned on by touching the switch twice, this will turn on all the dash warning lights but the engine does not start, kind of like turning the key to the on position in a non HV car.
New model Avalons and Camrys also employ the push button start system as well as Lexus even though they are not Hybrid.
They use the "Smart key system", so does the Prius.
There is no key, there is a small black remote that sends an RF signal to receivers in the vehicle, this allows the doors to be opened and the engine to be started without doing anything else as long as the driver has the remote in posession.
The term power switch is not normally used in when referring to ignition systems which use a key type of switch.
I hope this answers your question and if there is anything else let me know.
