Starting Problems

solson · 10-31-2005, 12:11 PM

I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating. I took the car into the Toyota dealer and talked to a service "manager" who told me if he couldn't duplicate the problem he probably wouldn't be able to fix it, which was not what the service technician had told me on the phone earlier (unfortunately can't remember his name).
I have not had the stalling problem that I have heard about, nor have I received a recall - and the service manager didn't mention it.
Any suggestions.
Thank you.

ScottY · 10-31-2005, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solson@Oct 31 2005, 01:11 PM
I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating. I took the car into the Toyota dealer and talked to a service "manager" who told me if he couldn't duplicate the problem he probably wouldn't be able to fix it, which was not what the service technician had told me on the phone earlier (unfortunately can't remember his name).
I have not had the stalling problem that I have heard about, nor have I received a recall - and the service manager didn't mention it.
Any suggestions.
Thank you.

[snapback]147909[/snapback]

It'll be helpful if you describe the steps.
But I've read about people getting into Ig-On mode when trying to start. That caused by not pressing the brake pedal when pushing the power button.

**efusco** · 10-31-2005, 12:16 PM

Happens from time to time...usually due to inadvertently 'double tapping' the Power button.

Read the following article for more info.
http://priuschat.com/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=12

Usually, though, the best solution is to 1)Take your foot off the brake, 2)Push the Park button, then 3)Press the Power button. You should power down then be able to reboot to READY.

If that doesn't work, though, you should 1)Take your foot off the brake and then 2)Press and hold in the Power button for about 5-10 seconds which should force a reboot.

Frank Hudon · 10-31-2005, 12:28 PM

is your 2k4 one of the cars with the brake switch recall? if the brake light switch dosen't make contact the car will not go into Ready. If repeatable have some one watch the brake lights and see if they come on when the car refuses to start, if they come on it's some other problem but if they don't come on that would be the problem. Also it's just possible that the switch has move and just doesnt' quite make contact when you depress the brake pedal to start the car. This would just take and adjustment to repair.

PeteB · 10-31-2005, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solson@Oct 31 2005, 05:11 PM
I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating.
...
Any suggestions.
Thank you.

[snapback]147909[/snapback]

Get someone to check if the brake light comes on when you press the pedal (when you're having the problem). There have been one or two instances of the switch on the brake pedal having an intermitted fault, and if the lights don't light up, the system will think you're not pressing the pedal.

If this is your problem, a replacement brake pedal switch will fix it (the middle pedal, not the parking brake).

kam · 10-31-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solson@Oct 31 2005, 12:11 PM
I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating. I took the car into the Toyota dealer and talked to a service "manager" who told me if he couldn't duplicate the problem he probably wouldn't be able to fix it, which was not what the service technician had told me on the phone earlier (unfortunately can't remember his name).
I have not had the stalling problem that I have heard about, nor have I received a recall - and the service manager didn't mention it.
Any suggestions.
Thank you.

[snapback]147909[/snapback]

There was a TSB for some 2004 models relating to a defective brake light switch. Defective switches would malfunction intermittently before complete failure. The switch turns on the brake lights when you press the brake pedal, but this is also used to ensure you're stepping on the brake prior to starting the car. If the switch fails the car won't start.

Don't know if you're aware of this TSB or if your car falls within the range of those needing the switch replaced. You should be able to get the dealer to look it up though.

**efusco** · 10-31-2005, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank Hudon@Oct 31 2005, 11:28 AM
is your 2k4 one of the cars with the brake switch recall? if the brake light switch dosen't make contact the car will not go into Ready. If repeatable have some one watch the brake lights and see if they come on when the car refuses to start, if they come on it's some other problem but if they don't come on that would be the problem. Also it's just possible that the switch has move and just dosent' quite make contact when you depress the brake pedal to start the car. This would just take and adjustment to repair.

[snapback]147919[/snapback]

Ah, good point Frank & Pete. I'd totally forgotten about that recall, it happened so long ago and I haven't heard a thing since. I just assumed everyone affected woulda gotten the recall done and forgot that that isn't always the case.

DanMan32 · 11-02-2005, 02:57 PM

Cars produced August 04 or later I don't think needed it. Mine doesn't and I bought mine August 04.

I get that hang every now and again too, often in waves.
Pressing and holding the power button doesn't work. I think that normally puts you into Ig-On, which is where you are already stuck at.

10-31-2005, 12:16 PM	#3
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,231 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	Happens from time to time...usually due to inadvertently 'double tapping' the Power button. Read the following article for more info. http://priuschat.com/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=12 Usually, though, the best solution is to 1)Take your foot off the brake, 2)Push the Park button, then 3)Press the Power button. You should power down then be able to reboot to READY. If that doesn't work, though, you should 1)Take your foot off the brake and then 2)Press and hold in the Power button for about 5-10 seconds which should force a reboot. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." -Andrew Jackson

10-31-2005, 12:28 PM	#4
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,144 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	is your 2k4 one of the cars with the brake switch recall? if the brake light switch dosen't make contact the car will not go into Ready. If repeatable have some one watch the brake lights and see if they come on when the car refuses to start, if they come on it's some other problem but if they don't come on that would be the problem. Also it's just possible that the switch has move and just doesnt' quite make contact when you depress the brake pedal to start the car. This would just take and adjustment to repair. __________________ You can quote me on this, People who drive vehicles that idle at a traffic light, are idiots. mine 2k3 avg. 5.36 for 46,915Km Best tank 4.4L per 100K 64.2 Imperial 53.4 U.S. gallon, MiniScanner, SilverStars, block heater, winter lips, in as of Oct 15, out on April 25. In again on Sept. 21st. her's 2k4 "B" avg. 6.01 for 42,317 Km Best tank 4.02L per 100K, CAN-view with OBD11 module and flashloader, SilverStars, 06 Chrome grill bar, Michelin HydroEdge, upper and lower grill blocker,upper out as of April 7, lower out on April 28. In again on Sept 21st.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Starting Car	priusmaybe	Gen II Prius Main Forum	9	05-12-2007 11:44 AM
Misc. Problems: Sat Radio, Smart Key entry, Starting noise	jsgreenfield	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	5	01-21-2007 01:04 AM
Starting new	Begreen	Gen II Prius Main Forum	6	01-19-2006 03:07 PM
Car not starting.	cbadland	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	7	12-06-2005 08:09 PM
Starting the car	Poppajack747	Gen II Prius Main Forum	22	08-23-2004 03:41 PM

10-31-2005, 12:11 PM	#1
solson Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating. I took the car into the Toyota dealer and talked to a service "manager" who told me if he couldn't duplicate the problem he probably wouldn't be able to fix it, which was not what the service technician had told me on the phone earlier (unfortunately can't remember his name). I have not had the stalling problem that I have heard about, nor have I received a recall - and the service manager didn't mention it. Any suggestions. Thank you.

11-02-2005, 02:57 PM	#8
DanMan32 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 3,775 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Cars produced August 04 or later I don't think needed it. Mine doesn't and I bought mine August 04. I get that hang every now and again too, often in waves. Pressing and holding the power button doesn't work. I think that normally puts you into Ig-On, which is where you are already stuck at.