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Hybrid System Warning Light and Car Stalling

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Linda L, Apr 1, 2012.

  1. Linda L

    Linda L Junior Member

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    I was on my way home (a 50 mile trip on very rural roads) when my hybrid warning light came on. The car seemed to be operating fine, so I continued on. About 20 miles from home, the computer display lights flashed on and off and the car died. After coasting to a stop, I let it sit for a couple of minutes and turned it back on, and continued on. Warning light was still on. Probably ran about 7 miles or so and died again. This same scenario happened a couple more times, but I did manage to get home.
    My Prius is a 2002 with a little under 150000 miles on it, and it has never given me any problems since I bought it at 70,000 miles four years ago.
    I will be calling the Toyota dealer tomorrow, but I wanted to ask whether or not this sounds like a possible battery pack failure.
     
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Please tell us the codes the dealer/repair shop is able to retrieve.
     
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  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    This sounds like the inverter pump.
     
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I agree. Classic inv pump symptoms. I just hope the inverter held out.
     
  5. WendyJ

    WendyJ New Member

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    Hi Linda,
    I am having the same problem at the moment with my 2002 Prius. Was wondering if you had your car fixed and what was the diagnosis? thanks.
     
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    It would help to provide us w/the codes.
     
  7. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    Inverter water pump and battery failures will sometimes allow you to re-start the car and drive a short difference. It is very easy to determine if the inverter water pump is working. You can find some info on it here: Luscious Garage | Blog | Gen 1 Prius code P3130: Inverter System Cooling Malfunction
    Usually the MFD will show a red square with a battery in it when the battery is the problem. Keep in mind, these are only the most common problems and you may have something else a fault.
     
  8. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    Sorry for the happening. But a 150000 miles car can still let you drive home was a bless from God. We are waiting for the finding of your dealer.
     
  9. Linda L

    Linda L Junior Member

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    It was diagnosed with inverter coolant pump failure. I also had the inverter fluid changed at the same time. The car has run great since then, and now has 152K on the odometer.
     
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