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Throwing codes and shutting down

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by krmcg, Aug 22, 2014.

  1. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Three times recently my 2008 Touring Edition Prius has experienced a shutdown of the engine while driving. Each time I was able to coast and/or use battery power to get to a safe location. The “Triangle-of-Death” and the Check Engine Light was illuminated on the dashboard. Since my car is equipped with a scangauge, I was able to see the codes and clear them on the spot. After restarting the car, it showed no adverse reaction to shutting down and all was seemingly well until the next event. The codes listed below all seem to be communication lapses.
    My question is; where do I start in my pursuit to diagnose and repair?
    7/15/14 - 98,889 miles U0293 and U0100
    7/23/14 - 99,414 miles U0293 and U0100
    8/21/14 - 101,065 miles U0100 and U0000
     
    #1 krmcg, Aug 22, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think you need to have the codes pulled by a dealer or auto parts place, unless you want to get a minivci and tech stream software. your in cali, you might be under warranty.
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 22, 2014
  3. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    You start by looking up those codes; maybe someone here can help with that.
    Then you test the 12 V battery.....or if it is the original OEM one six years old.......just replace it.
     
    #3 Easy Rider 2, Aug 23, 2014
  4. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    The battery is an Optima yellow top about two and a half years old and the scan gauge shows it to be in good shape.
     
    #4 krmcg, Aug 24, 2014
  5. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Would the codes be different than the ones I was able to see with the scan gauge?
     
    #5 krmcg, Aug 24, 2014
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, the ScanGauge is not retrieving all correct codes. For example, U0000 is not valid.

    U0100 means the traction battery ECU lost communications with the engine ECU.
    U0293 means the traction battery ECU lost communications with the hybrid vehicle ECU. This is due to failure of the controller area network.

    The troubleshooting process basically is to verify the engine and HV ECUs have correct power, and if so then replace the ECUs.

    Any accident or rodent damage affecting the engine compartment wiring harness?
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Aug 24, 2014
  7. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Thanks Patrick.

    No accidents. I don't see any visible rodent damage.
     
    #7 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what does the optima show for voltage, using a digital volt meter at the posts in the morning, before starting the car?
     
    #8 bisco, Aug 25, 2014
  9. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    I'll have to check. I am in the process of buying a replacement Stock Toyota Battery (to eliminate one potential cause).
     
    #9 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    How long have you had the scangauge? Did the problem start after connecting the scangauge or before you started using the scangauge?

    I'm assuming you have it always connected? It could be you have a faulty scangauge or scangauge cable. Has the scangauge been acting up as well?
     
    #10 xliderider, Aug 25, 2014
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's very unusual for the car to shut down like that. Can it be overheating? Check all the coolant levels to make sure there's enough coolant there.
     
    #11 JC91006, Aug 25, 2014
  12. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I know you replaced the 12V but, this points to 12V power problems. I think you may have a loose connection to your 12V battery.
     
    #12 usnavystgc, Aug 25, 2014
  13. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    I have had the scanguage for 5+ years - always connected.
     
    #13 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
  14. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    The car is not overheating. The coolant levels are good and the scan gauge shows "normal" temperature (usually in the 188 degree range)
     
    #14 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
  15. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    I suspect the battery as well, a replacement battery is being worked on - good preventive measure at least.
     
    #15 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try disconnecting the scan gauge just for fun.
     
    #16 bisco, Aug 25, 2014
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  17. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Will do.
     
    #17 krmcg, Aug 25, 2014
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  18. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Linear logic has great customer service. Maybe you can contact them and tell them what's going on. Depending on the software version number, you might be able to get an upgrade, or perhaps a CAN specific cable from them to help resolve your problems.

    SCH-I535
     
    #18 xliderider, Aug 25, 2014
  19. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Well it is not only "just for fun".
    Various recent car makes and models have run into trouble when scan tools are left connected over LONG periods of time.
    While it might very well be 12 V battery problems, I'd suggest disconnecting the scan tool first.
     
    #19 Easy Rider 2, Aug 25, 2014
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