my prius not reliable any more

[auricchio]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 28 2007, 08:08 PM) [snapback]451278[/snapback]</div>

the 12v only matters when the car is being started. once it's running, loose connections don't do anything to it.
[/b]

Duh. Of course. There would still be 12v at the battery cables coming from the 200v system.

Although I assume the 200v system only charges the 12v periodically, on and off as necesary. So if the 12v battery disconnected momentarily, wouldn't all the 12v equipment see a momentary power loss?

[brucefern]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rick Auricchio @ May 28 2007, 09:51 PM) [snapback]451272[/snapback]</div>

Bruce, it's understandable that you couldn't remember details about the displays. You did the right thing---getting out of people's way. That goal was more important than reading the dash.

(In flying, we were taught to Aviate, Navigate, and Communicate in that order. Fly the plane first and foremost.)

The error codes we're talking about must be read by the dealer with an instrument called a ScanGauge.

Do you recall if you hit a bump or slippery patch just before the power failure? The VSC and AntiSkid systems will cut engine power. If they don't have a few seconds to restore power, then you could experience a longer term loss. (You have to get your foot off the pedal for the system to let go.) Is it possible you got onto the gas immediately and perhaps the system wouldn't clear the condition?

You would have seen the yellow light on the dash.

When you say you just completed the 10K service, how long before?
[/b]

hi Rick
now that you mentioned it ,there was a flashing sign on the road warning "rough road ahead 5 miles " on the 680 .i can remember going over atleast 1 bump . if it was within this 5mile patch that the failure happened, (cannot say for certain but yes this could be a possibliltiy) . I did not release the gas pedal during this time. Also I Wasnt paying attention to the display. I exited and pulled over there was a sign board saying 3mile to Mt Diablo .I had completed the 10K service a week ago and did 390 miles without any hiccups.

Bruce

[landstander]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brucefern @ May 28 2007, 05:04 PM) [snapback]451133[/snapback]</div>

Toyota Motor Corporation

I would like a complete investigation into this event .
I was driving on hwy 680N CA when suddenly I lost ALL power!
I managed to take the nearest exit at 20 miles/hr ,
pulled over to the shoulder.
Hope you get the seriousness of this situation
My passenger and I could have died.

BF
[/b]

You do realize, I assume, that this board isn't actually run by Toyota... calling for "a complete investigation" here won't initiate anything of the sort. You didn't say if the car was taken to the dealer for troubleshooting, but that's most likely what would be required to get any official action moving.

I don't mean to downplay the numerous helpful responses that you've already received, of course.

[richard schumacher]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brucefern @ May 28 2007, 05:04 PM) [snapback]451133[/snapback]</div>

3> A/C on was changing setting ( moved from front vent to front and bottom vent ) just before failure
heard a beep and then NO power .tried flooring the accelerator
[/b]

You may have bumped the shift lever while/after adjusting the A/C. You would not have been the first one to do that.

[subarutoo]

This could happen in any car, at any time. It happened on my '85 Mustang, at 10 pm on the 118 freeway a few years ago. Do you think all the broken down cars, many of them new, are parked along the freeways to enjoy the view? I also had a rented RV that blinked the alternator charging light, and died on Hiway 99 near Delano in the middle of the night. What makes you think the Prius is a SUPERCAR ! that will never die at any time at any place? Just like power outages, PC crashes, s*** happens. Take it to the dealer and get it checked out.

[brucefern]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(landstander @ May 29 2007, 07:59 AM) [snapback]451407[/snapback]</div>

You do realize, I assume, that this board isn't actually run by Toyota... calling for "a complete investigation" here won't initiate anything of the sort. You didn't say if the car was taken to the dealer for troubleshooting, but that's most likely what would be required to get any official action moving.

I don't mean to downplay the numerous helpful responses that you've already received, of course.
[/b]

hi All
the dealer said there was no code stored and nothing is wrong with the car

B

[priusincc]

Would be interesting to see what dealer will say about incident. The 07 owners manual says car is equipped with a "black box" recorder something like a commerical airplane. I wander if that would record anything significant in this case? Don't know if 06 has it. Also, don't know who would have access to the recorder.

Update:
Missed the reply from brucefern, scratch the recorder idea.

[rachmaninoff]

perhaps i am misinformed but my dealer told me specifically after i signed that i should never fill up with premium gas. infact filling up with more than regular on a regular basis was decidedly bad for the prius.

is this false?

[dogfriend]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius Toric @ May 30 2007, 05:43 AM) [snapback]452009[/snapback]</div>

perhaps i am misinformed but my dealer told me specifically after i signed that i should never fill up with premium gas. infact filling up with more than regular on a regular basis was decidedly bad for the prius.

is this false?
[/b]

In the Toyota service manual, it specifically notes that using Premium gas (aka 91 octane US) may cause starting issues. It also notes that starting issues will be more problematic than a regular car because the Prius starts the engine more often (whenever the HV ECU commands).

There is no advantage to using Premium gas because the engine is designed to use Regular (87 octane US).

[rachmaninoff]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ May 30 2007, 09:54 AM) [snapback]452039[/snapback]</div>

In the Toyota service manual, it specifically notes that using Premium gas (aka 91 octane US) may cause starting issues. It also notes that starting issues will be more problematic than a regular car because the Prius starts the engine more often (whenever the HV ECU commands).

There is no advantage to using Premium gas because the engine is designed to use Regular (87 octane US).
[/b]

so maybe this could be an issue for the OP? vpower, atleast at my shell station is 93 octane. you might want to try using the right octane gas in your prius