Okay, at the ripe old age of 39, I think I?m losing my senses. I pride myself in my quick wit, sharp verbal repartee and above average ability to solve problems or answer trivia questions. None of that explains why I forgot I was in the ?B? mode after descending a steep hill. I got on the freeway and traveled about 10 miles to my destination while using cruise control and showing off the NAV to my mom all while caring on regular conversation like, ?hey that idiot is driving with no lights on!? I guess I didn?t hear anything different because I was driving through a rainstorm (rare for Los Angeles) and had the A/C defrost going full fan. I parked at the destination and OOPS! ?B? was selected. I wonder how many extra drops of gas I used? ((((argh!!!!)))

&gt;?B? was selected. I wonder how many extra drops &gt;of gas I used?<br><br>Not one drop. "B" mode is turned off by Prius when cruise is engaged. Probably why you didn't notice.

Ee Gads! If you are "old" and "ripe" at 39, where does that leave me? I've got 30 years on you!<br>Don't worry your Prius can handle the larger than normal meal. Bet the cat. converter was kept nice and warm. :)<br><br>Regards, Pudwuzzy<br>Waste not, want not?

That kinda answers our question-my hubby noticed you could shift to B or N w/o using the button but we both wondered if you could accelerate while in B. We managed to get 2 1/2 "stars" of regen going down a long hill.

Hmm... Didn't know that about cruise and "B" mode.<br>Learn something everyday.<br><br>Pud.

I've never heard before the B "disconnects" with cruise on. What I think I know is that B only has an effect during deceleration.<br><br>As you probably know, the Prius simulates "engine braking" by using the wheel motor (MG2) to generate electricity when you take your foot off the pedal. In "B" it generates more electricity than in "D", and thus provide more simulated engine braking. If generates more electricity (or at too high a rate) than can go into the battery, it uses the electricity to turn MG1 (the generator) which forces the engine to turn, making it sound like actual engine braking.<br><br>So if all of the above is true, my conclusion is the same: running on cruise is not going to change much in B or D because in cruise you are not doing much decelaration. In normal city driving, you can waste gas because you are always stepping on and releasing the accelerator. When you release it in B the car slows down more (and thus requires more power to get back up to speed) than in D.<br><br>Comments and corrections welcome.<br><br>Burns

Page 101 of 2001 Owner's Manual:<br><br>"When the cruise control is being used even if you shift the selector lever to "B" position, engine braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled."<br><br>Jerry

I'll be darned. Thanks for the reference.<br><br>Burns

Hi,<br><br>After reading your comments, I think you guys have great understanding of the car. As a new owner, I have yet to try B shift. Can you guys advise me when I should or when I should not use B?<br>Thanks in advance!<br><br>Henry

It does decelerate VERY well so I would definitely recommend it on steep declines. My husband has also used it in conjunction with the brake with getting on an off ramp-helps you slow down quicker w/o as much wear on the brakes.

on a downhill. Use it to control coasting speeds instead of holding down your brake pedal.