hybrid system malfunction. engine not kick in

[hc167]

hi, I have a problem with my 2005 prius with about 64000 miles on it. It has check engine light on today with the red triangle today. Because I only drive for short distance today (about 4 miles). So I ignore it and try to worry about it tomorrow. Then on my way back to home. Another light beside the check engine come on and the car run in full electrical mode (engine is not on at all). So I park on the side of the street and call someone to tow my car to the dealer. because today is sunday. I am not sure I can park my car in the dealership overnight. anyway. I stop the car and start again few time and hit the gas. but no luck. the engine is still not on. Then the fourth time I re-start the car. the light on the side of the check engine light is gone and the engine is kicking in again. Well. at least I can drive home today. anyone know what will cause this problem?

[prius729]

How much gas do you have in the car?

[hc167]

3 out of 10 bars. is that matter? do you mean low gas will make the check engine light come on?

[donee]

Hi hc...,,

Could be lots of things. Two common ones are bad gas, and the throttle body mechanism is sticking and needs to be cleaned.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by hc167

3 out of 10 bars. is that matter? do you mean low gas will make the check engine light come on?

Not low, but no. Running out of gas will do it.

Tom

[prius729]

Originally Posted by hc167

3 out of 10 bars. is that matter? do you mean low gas will make the check engine light come on?

no, but from the previous posts I read here on PC your problem seems similar to others running out of gas.

[Genoz World]

HEY!!!!!!!!!!! wait a minute! i was always an avid poster about NOT running out of gas, but this thread is a bit concerning................THREE PIPS LEFT AND HC167 ran out of gas??????

let me clarify my question/comment.................CAN YOU BE OUT OF GAS AT 3 PIPS?
2 PIPS? IS THIS A POSSIBILITY?

[hc167]

I do not think the problem is out of gas. because the ICE can be kicked in again today and last night. anyway, it is at the dealership and I should know soon.

[hc167]

just back from dealership. they said there are about 9 codes plus 6 penging codes. two codes for battery, 1 for ABS. 1 for AC, ....... doesn't matter anymore. this is unusual. and the dealer said the same too. so what they do is they clear all the codes and do a 10 mins test drive. and the codes did not come back. they have no idea why. I just drove about 30 mins (30 miles too since I was driving 60mhp on highway) my car seem to be ok. is it a bug in prius computer system????? anyone??

[bwilson4web]

We need the codes. An intermittent problem could cause a lot of codes and clearing them without recording them, leaves us blind to potential problems.

Bob Wilson