How to Activate EV-Mode in a Toyota Prius

In Japan and Europe the Toyota Prius comes with the EV mode button already in place and activated. Although the EV mode button is installed, it is not activated for cars sold in North America. But you can still modify your Toyota Prius to activate the EV-Mode, and this will allow the Prius to run fully in electric mode without the use of gas.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Philips screwdriver
• Jeweler's flat head screwdriver
• 22 gauge speaker wire, 6 feet in length
• Soldering Iron
• Solder
• Power drill with 1/2-inch drill bit
• Electrical tape
• Momentary switch

1. • 1

     Take off the bottom portion of the steering wheel cover on your Prius. Remove the flasher plug.

   • 2

     Remove one to three of the connector pins after opening up the plug. Put the steering wheel cover back together.

   • 3

     Detach portions of the dash board, including the vents, to allow you to remove the lower portion of the glove compartment. Find the HV ECU plugs and remove the lower one. These plugs are gray in color.

   • 4

     Solder the wire to the connector pin then plug it into ECU plug #27. Splice the EV button ground wire to the ECU plug ground wire #1. Stick the ECU plug back into the ECU.

   • 5

     Run the wire behind the dash board to the dimmer switch. Secure the switch to the cover then solder the wires. Put the dash back together then try it out and see if your Prius works with the EV mode button activated.

Tips & Warnings

• Activating the EV-Mode on the Toyota Prius may void your warranty. It may also damage your car if done incorrectly.