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

Seldom Used 2004 - Check Engine Light - What Next

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by baumgrenze, Sep 29, 2014.

Page 1 of 2
  1. baumgrenze

    baumgrenze Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    44
    2
    0
    Our 2004 Prius began displaying its 'check engine light' on Saturday, 9/27/14.

    The car is seldom used. It currently has 72024 miles on the odometer. It was last serviced on 2/18/13 at 70053 miles. This was done during a dealership performance of a recall.

    That's not quite 2000 miles in ~18 months.

    Yes, it has an eLearnaid Optima 12V battery and a proper trickle charger running 24/7. I did a Display Check/Vehicle Signal Check and the battery reads 12.4 V.

    There was a item marked chek - "Audio H/U". Does this mean anything?

    The gas cap was on tight (slight vacuum perhaps) when I checked it. Last fuel purchase was 8/14/14 at 71939.

    I checked 'vital fluids. ' The dipstick showed oil about 3/8" over the upper mark. The front of the car is parked slightly downhill from the rear.

    What should I try next?

    thanks

    baumgrenze
     
    #1 baumgrenze, Sep 29, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I think your overfilled oil needs to be drained out and then you should reset the car by disconnecting the negative on the 12v for a few seconds
     
    #2 JC91006, Sep 29, 2014
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Need to get the codes that resulted in the CEL. Since it sounds like you don't have a OBD2 code reader, go to a place that offers codes to be read for free. Call your local chain auto supply stores, chain repair shops, even local Toyota dealer might have a free check engine promotion going on. Bear in mind generic code readers won't be able to accurately display all of the Prius codes.

    What are all the recalls you have had done?

    Oil level 3/8" above upper dimple, means overfilled, which can be bad. BUT, it seems like you measured on a declining slope, w/ the engine at the bottom of the decline, producing a false high. However, your decline is small. Do as JC recommends: drain excess. Yell at the dealership for overfilling it and not checking it after filling. Insist that the dealership pull the codes and clear the CEL. File a complaint with Toyota too, to put the Dealership and Technician on notice for being incompetent.

    You can update your profile w/:
    • Prius Year (2004, Base or Touring)
    • Location (Actual State or lie and put a neighboring State if you are concerned about privacy). This will help us, to help you, by directing you to a repair facility or parts store, that other PriusChat members in your area, have had a positive experience with. For example, if you are in Scottsburg, Indiana, you would hear very positive recommendations for Steve at Autobeyours.com.
    Ask the moderator to move this thread to Gen2, Care, Maintenance, Troubleshooting.
     
    #3 exstudent, Sep 29, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2014
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,693
    48,945
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    is it running okay? might be an mfd issue, although, 12.4 volts isn't spectacular.
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 29, 2014
  5. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I was thinking that too. But OP didn't say MFD was acting weird. And can a weird MFD cause a CEL, or just coincidence.
     
    #5 exstudent, Sep 29, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,693
    48,945
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    good question.
     
    #6 bisco, Sep 29, 2014
  7. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    773
    228
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Why not sell the car if it gets so little use?
     
    #7 vskid3, Sep 29, 2014
    kenoarto likes this.
  8. baumgrenze

    baumgrenze Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    44
    2
    0
    Thank you, everyone, for your input.

    Our Prius is a Package 9 or BC Option machine, 'top of the line.'

    Our other car (the one that gets driven most of the time because most of our driving, in retirement, is local) is a 2012 Leaf.

    I've not driven the car since I filled the tank on 8/14/14. On that occasion I drove it ~7.5 miles from home and back again, total trip 15 miles. I can't comment on changes in the MFD. What changes might be expected? I will look for them.

    Next I will try getting it parked as level as possible and try checking the oil again. Doesn't it seem improbable that it would have taken 18 months and 200o miles for the CEL to turn on if there is an oil overfill? Depending on the outcome I will decide where to have the codes checked.

    I'm in Palo Alto, CA. The dealership is not unfamiliar with the Prius. I can stand in my driveway and see 6 in neighboring driveways without effort. The recall was the WT93 steering shaft intermediate extension shaft campaign and the driver's floor mat check.

    We have talked about selling the car, but we do make regular trips that exceed our Leaf range anxiety range. Inertia and the desire to be able to spontaneously make such a trip have been enough to cause us to keep it for now. I'm not at all certain that we would invest significant money in apparent needed repairs. I performed the last one. I overcame the clicking shifter problem with the help of posts on this forum.

    thanks again,

    baumgrenze
     
    #8 baumgrenze, Sep 30, 2014
  9. baumgrenze

    baumgrenze Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    44
    2
    0
    Moderator,

    Please move this thread to Gen2, Care, Maintenance, Troubleshooting.

    thanks,

    baumgrenze
     
    #9 baumgrenze, Sep 30, 2014
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I would be interested in buying the car .

    You should go and get the codes for the cel, autozone should do it. No need to guess at it.
     
    #10 JC91006, Sep 30, 2014
  11. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Lucky you! You have two great repair shops with great reputations.
    Luscious' Garage - San Francisco
    Arts Automotive - Berkeley

    Carolyn of Luscious' also works on Leafs.

    Maybe plan a trip to the city, and check out both shops to see which one you feel more comfortable with?

    Since the CEL (Check Engine Light) is on, it means there's something wrong with the Emissions System. It can be simple or major. Your car is probably drivable, and it sounds and feels like it always has, before the CEL appeared. If so, we encourage you to get the codes read, so you know what it is and can plan for this repair accordingly.
     
    #11 exstudent, Sep 30, 2014
  12. uart

    uart Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2009
    4,215
    1,200
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Yes that could be the problem. It might have been even higher before some it got drawn into the throttle body and intake.

    Maybe. But if it isn't normally driven much and has recently been driven harder than normal then it's possible. The idea is that the oil can get churned up when overfilled and drawn though the crankcase ventilation system to the throttle body and intake.
     
    #12 uart, Sep 30, 2014
  13. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    773
    228
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Maybe renting a gas car when needed would be a good alternative to keeping the Prius? Insurance, registration, and maintenance costs can add up.

    With as little driving as the car gets, it would probably be in the engine's best interest if you change the oil yearly instead of based on miles.
     
    #13 vskid3, Sep 30, 2014
  14. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If you have a battery maintenance charger on the 12v, you may want to consider a maintenance charger on the high voltage battery as well. No battery likes to be left unused for long periods of time. A weak high voltage battery can throw codes.
    Would be helpful to know what you are getting.
     
    #14 ericbecky, Sep 30, 2014
  15. baumgrenze

    baumgrenze Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    44
    2
    0
    Thank you, everybody, for your input.

    I will run the car by Jim Davis Automotive here in Palo Alto for a diagnosis tomorrow.

    Here's his rating on Click-n-Clack's Mechanics Files (if this does not violate terms of participation):

    Jim Davis Automotive, Palo Alto CA | Car Talk - Mechanics Files

    I checked the pitch on the driveway and used some old 4x4 ramps and a few scraps to get the car dead level. The oil on the dipstick is now right on the mark.

    For the record, I calculated the forward pitch at ~1"/foot or` 9" for the ~9' wheelbase. I make that 1/8" inch on the dipstick for every 3" down-pitch along the wheelbase.

    While I had the hood open, I popped the air cleaner. It was 'nice and clean' inside. I noticed that I could look straight down into the MAF. The 'amber bulb' looks pretty dirty (kind of a dull, metallic grey) to me. I uploaded a digital photo.
    PriusMAFSensor.jpg
    Perhaps this is the culprit?

    Eric, you suggested a maintenance charger for the NiMH battery. Do you, does anyone, have a recommendation? How difficult is it to find an appropriate way to connect such a device?

    Thanks to everyone for your input.

    baumgrenze
     
    #15 baumgrenze, Sep 30, 2014
  16. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    They are sold in the PriusChat shop. Hybrid Automotive is the company. If the codes point to "replace hybrid battery" ignore it and go the hybrid battery maintenance charger route first.
     
    #16 ericbecky, Sep 30, 2014
    exstudent likes this.
  17. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,212
    900
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Ingenious! Looks like a desktop power supply. I looked at the install instructions, and they even cleverly incorporate the HV Battery fan too, to be used during this trickle charge. Smart guys.
    LINK to Gen2 HV Battery trickle charger, on PriusChat Shop (yay).
    LINK to the install instructions.
     
    #17 exstudent, Sep 30, 2014
  18. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yep. By buying it via the PriusChat store, you not only get a good product, you help support PriusChat as well.
    Win, win.
     
    #18 ericbecky, Sep 30, 2014
  19. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,198
    6,464
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes, it might be. You could start by buying a can of MAF sensor cleaner, removing the sensor and spraying the bulb and the sensor wires to clean them off.
     
    #19 Patrick Wong, Oct 1, 2014
  20. baumgrenze

    baumgrenze Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    44
    2
    0
    Thanks again for everyone's input.

    True to form, when I started the car this morning the Check Engine Light was OFF. I took the car to Jim's anyway. The stored code on all 3 readers in the shop was P1121 (Acellerator Pedal Sensor.) They cleared the stored code and advised me to watch for the reappearance of the CEL.

    thanks,

    baumgrenze
     
    #20 baumgrenze, Oct 1, 2014
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 2