Prius Recall-anyone notice a difference?

I strongly suspect that the colder weather is making the difference. I had the upgrrade just before the cold weather hit here in Colorado and my subsequent 3 tanks of gas were right on. Then when the colder weather hit the mileage dipped which is normal compared to last winter. MyPrius is an 04 so I have last winter's stats to compare. The Pruus is affected by cold temps more than traditional vehicals because its first priority is low/zero emmisions. To accomplish that is preheats the catalytic converter thus using energy. i have noticed that, in a year and a half of driving, the two biggest factors affecting mileage are weather (cold and wet) and hard accelerations.

I posted this same question in another topic and received no replies. I, too, have noticed decreased gas mileage since having the software re-programmed. I wish I could blame it on the cold weather, except that it hasn't been cold here in Tennessee, at least not consistently.

I tend to keep an eye on the engine monitor when I drive, and I try to use the "pulse and glide" method of driving, keeping the engine in electric-only when I'm cruising and don't have to accelerate much. What I've noticed is that I'can't ssem to keep the engine in electric-only by just touching the accelerator like I used to be able to do, even when the battery registers full or nearly so. This occurs irrespective of the temperature lately (here in TN the high can be 40 one day, and 70 the next!).

It seems to me the computer fix involves lowering the speed/acceleration/torque/whatever threshold for the gasoline engine to kick in. I am definitely getting poorer mileage this winter compared to last in my '04 Prius.

I have 2005 Prius bought in Jan. I have been getting excellent average of above 48MPG. After I took it to the 'recall' programming at the local Toyota dealer, I have been seeing a notable mileage drop apprx 34MPG. I even contacted TOYOTA corp office and they filed a case. It seems they need more number of cases/complaints inorder to act upon the issue. Then why not we all keep calling the manufacturer with these complaints and get this one resolved ? We have to be proud PRIUS owners and hold our head for paying the high price on this car.

Thanks!
Sam

I have noticed a drop in mileage since the reprogramming. I used to avg 45 mpg around the burbs and 49 highway. Now I get 39/44. PLease let us know how to contact Toyota Corporate to register our complaints!

I found some contact info, if enough od us complain, perhaps they'll do something about this:

Customer Experience Center
Phone: 800-331-4331
Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PT
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PT
Fax: 310-468-7814

Or send correspondence to:
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
19001 South Western Ave.
Dept. WC11
Torrance, CA 90501

I thought I was just imagining it. My battery indicator was always staying green and the gas engine hardly ever shut off. The car even feels more sluggish (like I'm dragging a lead weight behind me). Is Toyota responding to this problem?

Have a 2005 Prius in Minnesota for about 10 months. After recall the battery indicator is about one bar higher, usually on green with one bar missing. Used to be two bars low and blue most of time. After 5,000 miles in spring and summer driving, got about 55 mpg on three consecutive tanks in fall. Winter fall off was noticed in 2004-5 with a 2002 Prius. After recall, noticed empty flash coming on with about 4 gallons left in talk, instead of about 3. Do not like filling up with only 8 gallons. This morning the screen showed 370 miles on tank, and it took about 7 gallons! Am now starting to track odometer mileage and filling station gallons. Noticed a long time ago that computer mileage was always less than gas station fuel divided by odometer mileage. Worse in winter, presumably due to gas used with car not moving not recorded. FYI, I found this discussion while trying to figure out why the empty signal comes on with so much gas supposedly in the tank.

I previously owned a MKII Prius which was a flawless car. I could get just less than 60 (UK) mpg. It’s obvious that any car petrol, diesel or electric is going to be less efficient in the colder weather.
I now have the MKIII T Spirit 1800cc model. It is far more efficient and I am getting 70 (UK) mpg on the same runs. Again it does drop a small percentage in the colder weather. I have not notiiced any difference in mpg since the recall/update. Earlier this week I started the car with the outside temp gauge showing -4deg C. To my horror the engine fired and sounded as if the connecting rods were trying to hammer through the engine casing. I hit the “kill” switch and stopped the engine. The red engine management warning light was also flashing and would not extinguish. Thinking that immense damage had occurred I pressed for a restart. To my surprise the warning light disappeared and the engine started and ran quietly as normal. I have had no problems since. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this.