First 'trouble' at 10900 miles

[efusco]

Yesterday I experienced my first 'issue' of partial hybrid failure somewhat different from anything else I've heard described before...and yet similar in some ways.

I was tooling along at about 35mph in normal mode (i.e. EV mode was NOT activated) and needed to accellerate hard suddenly. I floored the gas pedal. There was a very brief surge, as if the car was going to accelerate as expected. Then there were 3 rapid beeps--just like when the car goes from EV mode back into normal mode.

Then I had very little power, it felt like I was in EV only mode. I switched over to the Energy screen but was in the middle of the road so needed to continue driving. Pressing the pedal harder was of no use for reactivating 'normal' driving. The Energy screen DID show ICE kicking in briefly once or twice, but there was not change in the power provided. The dash was lit up, red triangle, VSC, etc all lit up. I pulled over after maybe 1/4 mile.

At that point I shut down, waited a few seconds and held my breath for restart. Upon restart the MFD said "problem" the red triangle was there, but all other warning lights were off and the car functioned normally. I continued to my destination. Upon arrival there I shut down and restarted 2 more times (total of 3 cycles) and, as usual with those types of warnings, the triangle and 'problem' indicator went away. The car has continued to function normally since.

I have not, yet, tried to reproduce the problem by flooring the accelerator, normal brisk acceleration has demonstrated no sign of problem, delay, hesitation, or anything of concern.

I may, when closer to the service dept., try to reproduce it just to let them see the problem and have them pull the DTC code. In the mean time I think I'll watch it.

This is posted as and FYI, looking for any "me too's" that might be out there.

[Wolfman]

The trouble code should still be stored. I wouldn't wait untill the next service to find out what went funky on you.

[mboileau]

I agree with Wolfman. If you got all the warnings and red triangle, then a code has been stored, so you're entitled to have it checked out under warranty. Better safe than sorry.

[MarinJohn]

EFUSCO the only time I have experienced something remotely similar was while trying to peal out from a standing stop. I assumed it was the anti skid kicking in. Sorry this problem has happened with your car.

[Jonnycat26]

Your problem sounds really similar to what I experienced earlier, and you may want to check out my "Prius Down!" thread for more info on that. The only difference was my red triangle wouldn't go away. Turns out the inverter was bad, and it is a semi-common issue. Just out of curiosity, had it rained recently?

You definetly want to get it checked out ASAP tho... if the same thing happens to you on a freeway, you could be in a world of hurt.

[jchu]

Wonder if you had the same failure that we had. Similar symptoms, Same lights, similar mileage. Turned out to be the HV computer (said to be the "drive" computer in the acronyms thread). Waiting for the replacement to show up.

Jon

[efusco]

Originally posted by jchu
Wonder if you had the same failure that we had.  Similar symptoms,  Same lights, similar mileage.  Turned out to be the HV computer (said to be the \"drive\" computer in the acronyms thread).  Waiting for the replacement to show up.

Jon

Jon, describe your problem and how it evolved. Again, I've had 2 full days of totally normal operation since restarting. I'll try to make time to have the DTC code checked, but I'm honestly not too worried about it if it isn't reproduced. I'll go out and try to reproduce it at some point.

Thanks for the advice guys.

[Ken Cooper]

Yesterday it looked like I had my first problem (8, 000 miles). I had just driven down the long hill from Placitas to the freeway, got onto the freeway, got up to speed (~ 75 mph), tried to set the cruise control and it wouldn't set. Furthermore, the engine started reving when there were slight elevation variations in the road.

Probably most of you have guessed by now that I had neglected to switch back from B to D after going down the hill.

I'm going to throw in an 'oh by the way' here though, my average mpg increased at a quicker rate than usual while taking that freeway drive while in 'B' mode (from about 47.2 to about 48.9). Hmmm.

[jchu]

Evan,

I actually don't have the error codes or the exact sequence of events. My wife had the car. Red Triangle light on diminished power though my wife wasn't too concern as she has just the opposite of a lead foot. No VSC light but would be alarmed if we got one as this Pruis is a pkg. #3 (no VSC for those who haven't got the #'s down yet). Red Triangle haunted her all day but was gone the next and the car seemed to behave normally. Wife took it in and after querying the computer, the tech attached and monitor to the car which apparently sat inside the passeger compartment and drove the car around some. Reported "wide voltage swings" (I think she said -100 to +100). Conclusion: "Needs a new HV computer. We think we can get one in 2 days. Meanwhile you can continue to drive the car safely." Wife forgot to get the codes and just wants it fixed before our vacation in 2 weeks.

Wish I could give you more but that is everything that my wife has told me. I can call Mark and ask for the codes if you would like. (I must admit to being a little concerned that I am on a first name basis with the local Prius tech already.) How is the new Prius lover doing?

Jon

[DaveinOlyWA]

well i for one would be very interested in how this is resolved and any info passed on would be appreciated i suspect by more than just me.