1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Start here! Back to basics....

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by FazilHussein, Sep 30, 2014.

  1. FazilHussein

    FazilHussein Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2014
    63
    32
    0
    Location:
    Perth, Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello All,

    Seems we repeat the same advice for a variety of issues; I'd like to propose a sticky for newbies....troubleshooting 101 for Prius if you will.

    First and foremost, buy a Mini VCI; over the course of owning your Prius you will need it.

    If you Gen 2 Prius starts acting weird, for any reason, do the following:

    1) Check the +12V battery.
    2) Check the inverter coolant pump.
    3) Read the codes.

    Is there any other obvious quick tests you guys can think of? Once complete, a 'Start Here' sticky could be made.

    Faz
     
    Britprius likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,703
    48,946
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    we have that over in the pip section, no one reads it. and even when you point them to it, they say, why can't you just answer my question.:p
     
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    5,131
    1,338
    0
    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Excellent idea since most of these topics have been thoroughly discussed. As bisco points out for some reason when one of these problems is seen by another member for the first time, they seem to think that their problem is in some way unique and special so they start their own thread.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,703
    48,946
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    on the other hand, it could make priuschat a very lonely place...
     
  5. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2007
    546
    473
    26
    Location:
    Germany
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    What you don't see are all the people who do read it and then don't ask their questions, or ask their questions in the appropriate already existent threads.

    Have a pancake.

    Good start Faz.
    In my opinion, a Mini VCI is not absolutely necessary.
    You should have more detailed descriptions, or, preferably, links to good threads or other detailed instructions.

    Just off the top of my head:
    Doesn't shift into D or R - check brake pedal switch
    Brakes grind and rotors are rusty - shift to neutral while braking a few times
    Gasoline engine quits immediately or up to several days after oil change - check for overfilled motor oil
    Smart-key doesn't work - check smart-key button under steering column
    .
     
    uart likes this.
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,312
    3,588
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    ...there is a long sticky thread on known Gen2 issues and solutions...of course it is not concise.
    If someone wants to update and summarize, that could be handy.
    For example, I wrote a summary of CARB Warranty Ins and Outs...well it doesn't get much traffic but there it is

    In my opinion HV battery issues is one top "draw" for Gen2 readers.
     
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,673
    6,492
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I can see the utility of some sticky threads, but remember....all things Prius can also be learned by reading the manual.
    IMHO the object of a forum is to discuss things.

    Providing people with a one-stop-shop for simple answers (i.e. resetting the service reminder) might be helpful but in the end you're still going to have people asking the questions....

    ....and I hope that people on this forum will continue to take time to provide the answers.