01 Prius wont start

[Joekingiam]

Hi,
I am looking for help to self diagnose my startup problem. The main battery warning light is on, brake light is on, and triangle. The small battery is charged. What now?
Joe

[Jack Kelly]

Yikes. I think only a dealer (with the diagnostic doohickey) can break the bad news to you---or not. If your 12V is OK, doesn't sound good. Let us know.

[bwilson4web]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekingiam @ May 22 2007, 11:27 PM) [snapback]447847[/snapback]</div>

Hi,
I am looking for help to self diagnose my startup problem. The main battery warning light is on, brake light is on, and triangle. The small battery is charged. What now?
[/b]

What is the voltage of the 12VDC battery with the car 'off' and then 'on'?

When the battery fails, a charger may indicate it is charged. The voltage readings with and without a load is the real determinant.

Bob Wilson

[statultra]

if main battery light is on on the classic prius it indicates that the HV battery has insufficient power to start the vehicle, and / or battery ECU issues.

[Frank Hudon]

many possibilities, main relay, main fuse, ECM, fuel pump relay. The dealer THHT will tell all.

[Joekingiam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jack Kelly @ May 23 2007, 01:59 AM) [snapback]447915[/snapback]</div>

Yikes. I think only a dealer (with the diagnostic doohickey) can break the bad news to you---or not. If your 12V is OK, doesn't sound good. Let us know.
[/b]

I appreciate the obvioous take it to the dealer. The small batt is charged and starts my dodge caravan fine.
Joe

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bwilson4web @ May 23 2007, 04:49 AM) [snapback]447982[/snapback]</div>

What is the voltage of the 12VDC battery with the car 'off' and then 'on'?

When the battery fails, a charger may indicate it is charged. The voltage readings with and without a load is the real determinant.

Bob Wilson
[/b]

Thanks,
I will try the voltmeter on it disconnected, connected, and while cranking, can you tell me what these readings should be?
Joe

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(statultra @ May 23 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]448646[/snapback]</div>

if main battery light is on on the classic prius it indicates that the HV battery has insufficient power to start the vehicle, and / or battery ECU issues.
[/b]

Hi,
What does HV stand for? Does this battery function the same as standard batt cranking amps in conventional vehicle? When you say battery ECU, are those seperate issues?
Joe

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ May 24 2007, 01:49 AM) [snapback]448848[/snapback]</div>

many possibilities, main relay, main fuse, ECM, fuel pump relay. The dealer THHT will tell all.
[/b]

Hi,
Sounds like I have a lot of testing to do. The main fuse has continuity both ways. How can I test the main relay or the ECU?
Joe

[bwilson4web]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekingiam @ May 24 2007, 08:16 AM) [snapback]448958[/snapback]</div>

. . .
I will try the voltmeter on it disconnected, connected, and while cranking, can you tell me what these readings should be?
. . .
[/b]

Above 12.5 VDC when starting and with the key to "ON" and the check engine light on. If it is in the 11 VDC range, it is too low and the 12V battery is suspect.

Once running, it should settle around 13.5 VDC.

If the other vehicle is handy and you are careful about the polarity, you might use its battery as a boost but don't run the engine. The 12 VDC battery is supplying electrons for the control computers, not actually cranking the ICE. However, they do like to have enough voltage or they get a little 'cranky.'

Bob Wilson


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekingiam @ May 24 2007, 08:16 AM) [snapback]448958[/snapback]</div>

. . .
I will try the voltmeter on it disconnected, connected, and while cranking, can you tell me what these readings should be?
. . .
[/b]

Above 12.5 VDC when starting and with the key to "ON" and the check engine light on. If it is in the 11 VDC range, it is too low and the 12V battery is suspect.

Once running, it should settle around 13.5 VDC.

If the other vehicle is handy and you are careful about the polarity, you might use its battery as a boost but don't run the engine. The 12 VDC battery is supplying electrons for the control computers, not actually cranking the ICE. However, they do like to have enough voltage or they get a little 'cranky.'

Bob Wilson

[Joekingiam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekingiam @ May 24 2007, 09:16 AM) [snapback]448958[/snapback]</div>

I appreciate the obvioous take it to the dealer. The small batt is charged and starts my dodge caravan fine.
Joe
Thanks,
I will try the voltmeter on it disconnected, connected, and while cranking, can you tell me what these readings should be?
Joe
Hi,
What does HV stand for? Does this battery function the same as standard batt cranking amps in conventional vehicle? When you say battery ECU, are those seperate issues?
Joe
Hi,
Sounds like I have a lot of testing to do. The main fuse has continuity both ways. How can I test the main relay or the ECU?
Joe
[/b]

Hi,
I tested batt when turnng key and there was no change from 12.1
Battery starts my caravan no problem.
Joe

[bwilson4web]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekingiam @ May 24 2007, 04:56 PM) [snapback]449387[/snapback]</div>

I tested batt when turnng key and there was no change from 12.1
Battery starts my caravan no problem.
[/b]

I don't think anyone has done a full study by IMHO, 12.1 seems on the low side. But regardless, it is time to get the vehicle to the dealer and let them read out the codes. Ask them to write them down on the ticket and let us know what they find.

Bob Wilson

[Joekingiam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bwilson4web @ May 25 2007, 12:37 AM) [snapback]449610[/snapback]</div>

I don't think anyone has done a full study by IMHO, 12.1 seems on the low side. But regardless, it is time to get the vehicle to the dealer and let them read out the codes. Ask them to write them down on the ticket and let us know what they find.

Bob Wilson
[/b]

Hi, thanks for the replys, Its not time yet so I'll wait until I find out more info and learn a little more before I give it to the dealer. I have all the time in the world right now.
Joe