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cold weather power loss

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DeLayne, Nov 21, 2014.

  1. DeLayne

    DeLayne New Member

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    2005 Prius
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    II
    My 2005 prius just had a sudden power loss after 5 minutes of regular driving on a -4F (-20c) morning. The check engine light went on and the car seemed limited to 10mph. The battery symbol rapidly drained to 2 bars. This happened last winter once but when brought to the mechanic, they found nothing and the car worked normally afterwards til now. any advice welcome.
     
  2. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Since check engine light was on there are codes on memory. You should check them. Check engine codes can be read with normal obd2 reader. But to get all codes and more information you need Toyota hybrid capable scanner. If you want to do it yourself get techstream. Post codes here and probably somebody can help you.
     
  3. IanIanIanIan

    IanIanIanIan Member

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    Sounds to me like lack or restriction of fuel.

    It there any chance that the fuel line has frozen? (water in the fuel). I can't believe it would, but stranger things have happened.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    probably too cold for battery use.
     
  5. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Back on the farm, it used to happen like clockwork as soon as it got well below freezing. Ice would collect in the fuel line and restrict fuel flow. A few ounces of gas line antifreeze usually did the trick. It rarely happens nowadays; fuel tanks are better sealed, and the ethanol in most gasoline acts like gas line antifreeze.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your gas cap.