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Turtle light??

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Allikins, Apr 14, 2013.

  1. Allikins

    Allikins Junior Member

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    Okay so I was just wondering if anyone knows what's wrong with my Prius. I changed gears to reverse but the car did not move.. It kind of felt like I was in Neutral. And a turtle light popped up at the same time. I went forward and braked after about a minute. When I pushed down on the gas the car did not move again and the turtle light came on again. The car drove forward after a couple of seconds and the turtle light is off now. Does anyone know what that means? My coolant light has also been on for a while.. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.
     
    #1 Allikins, Apr 14, 2013
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Your car has over heated, often the battery but it could be something else. Your options:
    1. Drive it slowly to a Toyota dealer for diagnosis - expect to pay $150+. Be sure they give you a printed listing with all codes. Also ask for the 19 battery module voltages.
    2. Take it slowly to an independent Prius repair shop - Auto Careers Development Center - Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Training
    3. Update your profile with the city and state - collaborators on this list may have suggestions
    4. Prepare to spend $30-$150 for a Prius aware scanner - so you can read out the specific errors from your car and share with us. Use the forum search function to see your options.
    Stop driving the car until the problem is diagnosed! Especially avoid speeds over 40 mph!!

    A correctable, minor problem can become very expensive if ignored.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Apr 14, 2013
  3. Allikins

    Allikins Junior Member

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    Would I be better off getting a coolant/ radiator flush?
     
    #3 Allikins, Apr 14, 2013
  4. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    No because the 'turtle' is specific to the traction battery and possibly the transaxle and inverter.

    You can buy an affordable, Prius aware scanner for a lot less than the coolant/radiator flush. Heck, you could even go to an AutoZone or other auto parts stores and see if they will give you a free readout of the error codes. It will NOT be complete but even the emissions codes can sometimes give a clue.

    A Prius-aware scanner is not one of the cheap, over the counter units at AutoZone. They only read out emissions related data and poorly at that. You'll need something like a Scangauge II ($150) or the 'miniVIC' from Ebay ($30).

    Bob Wilson
     
    #4 bwilson4web, Apr 14, 2013
  5. Allikins

    Allikins Junior Member

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    Okay thanks a lot!
     
    #5 Allikins, Apr 14, 2013
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