Posted by NeoPhyte_Rep on December 12, 2006, 5:22 am
mrv@kluge.net wrote:
> However, there is a new icon - an orange/yellow
> snowflake on a perspective road symbol, which indicates that the
> outside temperature is below 3C/37F (that roads may start to freeze/ice
> over). This flashes on the MFD and then stays next to the outside
> temperature reading. On the 2004-2005 models, it also appears on the
> dashboard and stays there (scaring many new owners when the weather
> gets cold), but was removed from the dash starting in 2006. This icon,
> sometimes called "Flakey" by owners, is even listed as a safety feature
> in some countries...
>
OK, so what is "Flakey" trying to tell me to do? It showed up during my
trip to Yellowstone National Park and we couldn't figure out from the
owner's manual what to do in response.
Posted by Paul Russell on December 12, 2006, 10:53 am
NeoPhyte_Rep wrote:
> mrv@kluge.net wrote:
>
>> However, there is a new icon - an orange/yellow
>> snowflake on a perspective road symbol, which indicates that the
>> outside temperature is below 3C/37F (that roads may start to freeze/ice
>> over). This flashes on the MFD and then stays next to the outside
>> temperature reading. On the 2004-2005 models, it also appears on the
>> dashboard and stays there (scaring many new owners when the weather
>> gets cold), but was removed from the dash starting in 2006. This icon,
>> sometimes called "Flakey" by owners, is even listed as a safety feature
>> in some countries...
>>
> OK, so what is "Flakey" trying to tell me to do? It showed up during my
> trip to Yellowstone National Park and we couldn't figure out from the
> owner's manual what to do in response.
I think it's just warning you that the roads may be icy. Poeple don't
always think about the possibility of black ice etc when they set off
for work on a cold morning, so it's not a bad idea to remind them that
they may need to moderate their driving style when it's close to
freezing outside.
Paul
Posted by mrv@kluge.net on December 12, 2006, 2:40 pm
NeoPhyte_Rep wrote:
> >
> OK, so what is "Flakey" trying to tell me to do? It showed up during my
> trip to Yellowstone National Park and we couldn't figure out from the
> owner's manual what to do in response.
The yellow snowflake is telling you that it is colder than 3C/37F
outside. At this temperature, black ice may start forming on the
roads, particularly bridges/overpasses or some shady areas by the side
of the road. (Ever see "bridge freezes before road" signs before?)
"Flakey" is just there to remind you to drive cautiously as it is cold
enough outside for ice to start forming on the roads.
Posted by NeoPhyte_Rep on December 13, 2006, 1:54 am
mrv@kluge.net wrote:
> NeoPhyte_Rep wrote:
>> OK, so what is "Flakey" trying to tell me to do? It showed up during my
>> trip to Yellowstone National Park and we couldn't figure out from the
>> owner's manual what to do in response.
>
> The yellow snowflake is telling you that it is colder than 3C/37F
> outside. At this temperature, black ice may start forming on the
> roads, particularly bridges/overpasses or some shady areas by the side
> of the road. (Ever see "bridge freezes before road" signs before?)
> "Flakey" is just there to remind you to drive cautiously as it is cold
> enough outside for ice to start forming on the roads.
>
So why doesn't every Toyota, or for that matter every car on the road,
have this new indicator light. They all suffer the same control
problems on black ice, don't they? Is there not something unique about
the Prius that instigated the creation of this indicator?
Posted by richard schumacher on December 13, 2006, 3:44 pm
> So why doesn't every Toyota, or for that matter every car on the road,
> have this new indicator light. They all suffer the same control
> problems on black ice, don't they? Is there not something unique about
> the Prius that instigated the creation of this indicator?
Wellll... the anti-wheel-slip system is kinda aggressive, in that it
doesn't take much slippage to engage it; it has to do this to prevent
damage to drive system components. Consider the snowflake a reminder to
drive with a light foot so that you don't get surprised when the
anti-slip system kicks in. One practical effect is that you need to
give yourself more time/distance from oncoming traffic to get up to
speed from a standing start.
At the same time, a damp or slightly gravelly road will do the same
thing and there is no warning about those conditions.
> snowflake on a perspective road symbol, which indicates that the
> outside temperature is below 3C/37F (that roads may start to freeze/ice
> over). This flashes on the MFD and then stays next to the outside
> temperature reading. On the 2004-2005 models, it also appears on the
> dashboard and stays there (scaring many new owners when the weather
> gets cold), but was removed from the dash starting in 2006. This icon,
> sometimes called "Flakey" by owners, is even listed as a safety feature
> in some countries...
>