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Found a disconnected plug, not sure what it is

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Johnny KIlo, Nov 29, 2014.

  1. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    Found this near the front passenger headlight. Any idea what it is
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    block heater?
     
  3. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    Not sure, I believe the previous owner put in aftermarket HIDs so that might be the factory harness assuming it is hard wired, I cant quite tell. THe block heater only heats the engine right? I ask because I am not getting any hot air in the cabin.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, if you plug it in, it keeps the block warm so when you start it, it's somewhere above ambient temp.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no heat in the cabin could be damper control, cabin radiator, thermostat, coolant control valve? are there any codes?
     
  6. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    No codes. I suspect air in the coolant system, gonna bleed it tonight.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good thought.
     
  8. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    Heat was definitely the result of low coolant. It took nearly an entire gallon.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yikes! is there a leak?
     
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Look at the engine coolant pump. You'll probably see a pinkish stain at the pump bearing, you may see residue deposited on the air conditioner compressor.

    If you see this, you need to replace the engine coolant pump now. If the engine coolant really was almost one gallon low, that probably caused permanent damage to the engine depending upon how long this condition persisted.

    The Prius engine coolant capacity is ~9 US quarts of which three quarts are for the coolant heat recovery system. Thus, around six quarts are circulating in the engine and cabin heater core. If you were four quarts low then you only had two quarts circulating around, which would result in the engine head overheating and potentially warping due to lack of coolant. This would lead to low cylinder compression, mixing of engine coolant and engine oil, poor performance, bad mpg, etc.

    Check the engine oil to see if it is contaminated with coolant. Check the coolant to see if it is contaminated with oil. If you see either, time to start looking for a replacement engine.
     
  11. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    I have replaced two engines that had overheated and had warped heads. Neither one showed oil in coolant or coolant in oil. When they would get warm the coolant hoses would become hard as a rock and coolant eventually blows out through overflow tank.
     
  12. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    yeah, I replaced the thermostat and the water pump and the gaskets were past their prime.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, good outcome!(y)
     
  14. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    Thanks Patrick, I'm gonna check it today. When I replaced the water pump and thermostat I didn't notice and oil in the coolant. Ill check the oil for coolant as well.
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ever figure out the plug?
     
  16. Johnny KIlo

    Johnny KIlo Junior Member

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    haha, no I didn't. It's a little further down my list right now. I'll post once I get to it