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Check Engine Light On

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by travelon, Feb 21, 2013.

  1. travelon

    travelon Junior Member

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    07 Prius has 188,000 miles on it. Inverter Pump replaced 10/2011. At that time, dealer recommended "replace Heater Pump-making noise and pending code." I have not done this repair yet. In 12/2012, the heater is no longer operating instantly and takes about 10 miles to heat up and occasionally acts up and supplies heat intermittently. About a month ago, the Check Engine Light came on. I noticed that when I re-screwed my gas cap on, that light would go off. About 2 weeks later, light stayed on continually so I replaced gas cap. Light still will not go off and I have driven it 6 times on trips more than 40 miles each. My question is, is it the Heater Pump? What exactly does the Heater Pump do? Does it have anything to do with the actual heater issue and how much does this repair run? Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 travelon, Feb 21, 2013
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    You need to post the OBD2 codes for us to give you help. Where are you in CA? There are several reliable independent Hybrid Repair facilities in CA.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Feb 21, 2013
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Since the Prius gasoline engine will stop periodically during the course of normal hybrid powertrain operation, the heater core plumbing includes a coolant pump which continues to circulate coolant when the engine stops running. Apparently this pump has failed in your car, which causes the heater core to take an extended period to create cabin heat.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Feb 21, 2013
  4. terrileew

    terrileew Junior Member

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    I'm reading this thread because my check engine light came on today. I purchased my 2006 last March so have had it almost a year. I've replace the battery, spark plugs, water pump and timing belt. It just had the combination meter and steering recall repairs done by the dealership. After getting it back, it seemed a bit sluggish and mileage has been in the low 40s, but it has also been pretty cold at least at night. I had been getting close to 50 mpg before this, after replacing the battery.

    The heater has never done much for the first few miles, but does well after. The check engine light came on several times before replacing the battery, and I'll try doing something with the gas cap. But I doubt that is it since I've learned to really crank it on since going through that.

    Can someone suggest a next step before going back to the dealership? I've been looking and will continue, but haven't so far seen any posts that address what I am seeing.
     
    #4 terrileew, Feb 22, 2013
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the check engine light is on, then the engine ECU has logged a DTC. Your local discount auto parts store may offer a service of reading those DTC without charge. If so, then post what the DTC is.

    If a skid control ECU warning light comes on, such as BRAKE, ABS, VSC, and/or ((!)), or an MFD warning icon (like the traction battery icon or the outline of a car with an ! superimposed, which indicates a hybrid drivetrain problem) appears, then a generic OBD-II code reader probably will not be able to read the DTC.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Feb 22, 2013
  6. travelon

    travelon Junior Member

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    I'm in Temecula. This is the only warning light that is on. Will post those codes as soon as possible.
     
    #6 travelon, Feb 23, 2013
  7. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    You may be within driving distance of Avi's Hybrid repair (95 miles)
    Avi's Advanced Auto Homepage
    He has been a very helpful contributor on PC.

    JeffD
     
    #7 jdenenberg, Feb 23, 2013
  8. travelon

    travelon Junior Member

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    Update: According to Auto Zone, California is the only state where they can't give OBD codes. They did give me some place in town where they can. But it's a repair shop and knowing they will then try and talk me into repairs, I decided to call Avi's. He said that Check Engine Light could mean many things, not all of them serious. Sounds like a reasonable and fair guy and since he comes recommended, I'm taking the Prius there next week. We'll see then what the issue is and I will post it here.
     
    #8 travelon, Mar 9, 2013
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