With the iKAMAND, BBQ ribs for dinner on a weeknight is now possible and the ribs will be ready by the time I return home from work. In this article, I write about my experiencing using the iKAMAND remotely from my work to control pit temperature and prepare dinner a few miles away.
iKAMAND by Kamado Joe – How to Update the Firmware
Keeping your devices updated not only enhances its performance and open up new features. It also fixes known issue(s) and plug security holes. This article guides you through the steps involved in updating the iKAMAND’s firmware.
Smart BBQ Controller iKAMAND – Unboxing and Setup Guide
So what is an iKAMAND? The iKAMAND is a smart temperature controller and monitoring accessory developed by Kamado Joe in conjunction with Desora amidst a growing market of barbecue grill temperature controller and monitoring devices. This is a short unboxing, installation and set up guide.
Observed Increase in Fuel Efficiency For the 2012 Prius
As the 2012 Prius was approaching its 120k mile milestone, I noticed a dip in fuel efficiency among other issues (cold start rattle, struggling acceleration, rough ride). In its glory days, I was getting and average of mid 50’s MPG on a full tank. On rare driving circumstances, I was able to bump that number to beyond 60 MPG. Ever…
Repainted OGS Intelligent Position Switch With Custom Logo
I have painted my OGS Intelligent Position Switch to satin black a while back due to fading of the original paint job. I am repainting the OGS switch again, this time color matched to the exterior of the Prius, Winter Grey Metallic (8V1). I have uncovered spare cans of Paint Scratch.com touch-up spray paint, clear coat, adhesion promoter, primer and…
DIY: How to Wash and Clean Your Engine Bay
Has it been a decade since you’ve last cleaned your engine bay? Does it look like the engine bay on my 2012 Prius? I’ve never washed it since it left the lot at Cabe Toyota of Long Beach, CA back in May of 2012. If your engine bay is like mines, then it’s about time we give them a nice…
Pet Project: G’s Taillights With EDM OEM Style Rear Fog Lamp
I had a pair of authentic UKDM Prius G’s taillights with integrated rear fog lamp supplied by LS Japan and ordered through Tenso around late 2013’ish (or 2014? I cannot remember), but never gotten around to install it and ended up selling them to raise funds for our wedding in 2015. I’ve been building, organizing and stocking up our garage…
DIY: How to Clean Your 3rd Gen Prius High Voltage (HV) Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan
The hybrid battery cooling fan impeller needs to be cleaned from time to time, and a trip to the dealership can cost you $400. Do it yourself for $0.
DIY: How to Exchange the Engine Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to the inverter coolant drain plug. Toyota recommends inspecting and topping off the inverter coolant reservoir every 5,000 miles and a…
DIY: How to Exchange the Inverter Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to the inverter coolant drain plug. Toyota recommends inspecting and topping off the inverter coolant reservoir every 5,000 miles and a…
DIY: How to Exchange the Automatic Transmission Fluid WS (World Standard) on Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need four jack stands to lift your entire car up so that it is level and parallel to the ground. To ensure your car is leveled, use a leveling tool and place it on the side skirt with…
DIY: How to Replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV) On Your 3rd Gen Prius
If your 3rd gen Prius is approaching or passed the 100,000 mile mark, it’s time to replace the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV valve). If your Prius is consuming noticeable amount of motor oil, say 1 quart every 2,000 ~ 3,000 miles, the PCV valve may be clogged with carbon build-up and may need to be changed. It’s definitely a…
DIY: How to De-haze Your Faded Headlights (Quick Fix)
If your car has plastic headlights and you do any type of constant long distance commute in a year, chances are, your headlights will become hazed and foggy. This occur because the headlights are being blasted against the atmosphere as the car travels at high speed, oxidizing and fading the surface layer of the headlights’s plastic covers. You can pay…
120k Mile Recommended Services For The 3rd Gen Toyota Prius
So I just took my 2012 Prius Four into the local dealer to perform the routine major service (done every 30,000 miles) as it was approaching 120,000 miles and I received a recommended laundry list of pricey maintenance work. Spark plugs replacement was suppose to be on this list, but I replaced them myself and saved ~$300. Here’s the list…
DIY: Spark Plugs Replacement On a 3rd Gen Prius
Spark Plugs Replacement on a 3rd Gen Prius My 2012 Prius Four has reached 120,000 miles and symptoms of rough idle, cold start rattle, decreasing fuel efficiency and sporadic loss in power (especially during acceleration), has become almost a once-a-week routine. I figured it is time to replace the spark plugs. I am having major service as recommended by Toyota…