stormchaser

It's inevitable in this weather. Mines 5 years old too but I just keep the AC on which as said dehumidifies the car. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The battery is at about 50% state of charge with2 purple bars showing. However running on the battery with no fuel will take the battery to a level where the engine will no longer start. This can also happen if the car is left in neutral with the AC left running as the engine cannot start in neutral to keep the HV battery charged. This has a knock on effect on the charge to the 12 volt battery as this receives it's charge via a dc to dc inverter from the HV battery The computer does not let the engine start when the HV battery is discharged to low to protect the battery from cell reversal, and this is well documented on the Prius forums. The Lexus CT200H uses all of the Prius drive system. The battery self discharge rate is so slow that batteries that have been stood for 5 years have still maintained enough charge to register on the bar graph display, and start the car. Any bars showing on the display shows a charge level of above 40%, but not more than 80%. This is the range that the system is designed to work in to give long battery life. John. Thanks John for explaining this in detail. I'm still learning about this as I go along. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The vehicle won't deplete the batteries to an unsafe level in EV mode, there will always be enough reserve to start the engine unless you leave it for an extended period of time and the batteries naturally discharge. Yes very true. I've been down to 2 purple bars and it's fired up and recharged quickly. I should stop reading the US Prius forum and all the scare mongering of what happens haha. They certainly push there cars over the limits just for a few mpg more. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly this. This is how it was explained on the Prius forum. You can run out of fuel (if you wish at your risk as many have done)and run on EV until depleting your batteries but as explained you're completely goosed then and in need of assistance. I think I'll stick to 35 litres as you have done and I've got to before. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The tank capacity is 45 litres. It seems to keep 10 litres spare as zero comes up at around 35 litres used. Some people have gone beyond this and managed another 100 miles or so. It's well documented on the Prius forum about this but it's not really advised to let the CT get low on fuel. I've just filled up tonight as my range showed 32 miles. I only managed to put in 31 litres before it clicked off (£37). Still great on fuel and managing 55 mpg (calculated). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good luck I hope you sort it out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome. That's a beautiful GS you have. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I investigated the issue on my car. At the time I posted details of it on one forum or another. I suspect I probably posted it on the american forum since the UK forum is quite a bit less interested in DIY. The issue on my car was caused by the stock bolt being low tensile instead of high tensile. The stock low tensile bolt simply stretched in service thereby allowing the top steering shaft spline to move inside the intermediate shaft. I have a lot of spare high tensile bolts and simply threw the factory bolt away and replaced it with a high tensile bolt. This was about 2 years ago and I have not had any problem since. I do recall the american dealers telling similar stories involving great expense. If you would like to err on the side of safety, don't spend £880, I would recommend taking the vehicle to another specialist for a second opinion. The job I did solved the problem in 15 minutes and most of that time was spent in finding the right spanner for the job! Ah yes it must of been about yours I was reading. A great simple repair for much less money. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting. I need a spare but I don't want to part with my underfloor compartment. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On the US Prius forum for the Gen 3 they suffered with this problem. One guy decided to investigate it and found out it's only a worn bolt on the shaft and has replaced this himself and it's cured the problem. It's in one of the threads there I have read. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pm,d Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Beautiful. Great colour combination. Enjoy! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I must remember that before I book it in. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd be very interested in that Paul. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mines White but could only buy a Silver one :( Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes they are bright. I noticed it too when I got it. I just put mine in park if it's on a flat surface waiting a long time in traffic. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is yours the Pearlescent Artic White? Mines this colour and I love it and also the flip up Sat Nav. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Be interesting to see this too. Apparently the CT has a different PCD to other Lexus models. Some Prius wheels fit but you have to be careful of the offset of them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seen a few CT spacesavers on eBay for £37 (excl tyre) recently. Might have to re check those. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the research DanD. I'm using a scraper for the windscreen and the rubber part for the side windows. I've had it for years and is still very good. I don't like de-icer because when you drive off it just freezes again. Tonight was a hard freeze but I'm still amazed how quick the CT heats up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad all is ok. Could've been worse/expensive:( Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I know, I'm just being lazy! Actually, when it comes to good visibility I guess there's no room for laziness. Haha yes me too. Rains ok but just the damp that blocks them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree. My Octavia diesel took forever to warm up in the cold. Even ice on the inside of the windscreen too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes it's priceless the reactions of people. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I must admit the CT does warm up quick. I like that compared to what I've had to put up with in the past. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk