Prius with a few codes: need advice

What sort of scanner do you have?

If you have one that can read out the 19 module pairs, we can quickly identify the problem(s).

Bob Wilson

 

Great timing Bob.

 

Depending upon how far off, it will. We need metrics to understand what is going on.

Bob Wilson

 

I'm going to bow out for now. The expert has arrived and its time to "knock off".

Good luck.

 

You did fine. <grins>

As for expert, we're all pretty much that here. Best of all, we're not jerks about it!

Did you try contacting Eric Powers? I believe he is in Madison WI and a good local resource.

Bob Wilson

ps. I've offered to loan my extra miniVCI while waiting to find out if anyone is going to buy it. He'll be done by the time I need to forward it to the next owner.

 

Do you have:

• minimum block voltage
• minimum block index
• maximum block voltage
• maximum block index

Not enough information to tell and the reason why:

1. Code points you towards an area of interest
2. Use data from that area to diagnose what is going on

Bob Wilson

 

The three primary ECUs save error codes:

• Engine ECU - three
• Hybrid Vehicle ECU - three
• Battery ECU - three

We need to know all codes and by which ECU to understand what is going on. This should include the letter prefix which lets us know the code scanner is prius-aware.

The next step is to measure the minimum and maximum traction battery voltages. With a Prius-aware scanner, we measure all 19 module pairs but it is usually enough to measure:

• minimum module-pair voltage
• minimum module-pair index
• maximum module-pair voltage
• maximum module-pair index

The voltage difference and index changes tells us:

1. Less than 1.2V - a soft problem, possibly unbalanced module, can 'cure' itself with use.
2. Over 1.2V - a failed module, can not 'cure' itself.
3. Low voltage pair fixed - a single module pair has a problem and unlikely to fix itself.
4. High voltage pair fixed - a single module pair may have a problem. and may or may not fix itself.
5. Zero voltage - a sense wire has broken, another code in addition to the P3006. This is why all codes are necessary.
6. Reproducible or intermittent - perhaps there is a loose nut or failing connector.
7. When does the error happen? - always when the car is first turned on or after driving "n" minutes

The other thing we need are the four, traction battery temperatures. Three are from the pack and the fourth is the ambient air temperature. A failing battery will show a rapid temperature change in excess of 3C as a failing module runs hotter than the others. What are your four traction battery temperatures?

Now you may have a loose gas cap too. The only way to tell is read out all nine codes from the three, primary ECUs. You might also have some brake and other car issues. The only way to tell is to have a Prius-aware scanner that accurately reports all facts and data.

When I was qualifying ReInVolt about four years ago, we discussed the technology they use and business practices. I understand they had one warranty repair out of hundreds which seems about right. Also, there have been problems with damage in shipping.

The traction battery assembly weights nearly 100 lbs and shippers are notorious for poor handling practices. Installers are not always as skillful as they should be. But even so, we had to do a little 'metal bending' on the first ReInVolt pack . . . 'some assembly is required.' But ReInVolt needs the same information I've asked for before being able to make a warranty call.

One last thing, I'm Southern and so too are ReInVolt. A little courtesy goes a long way South of the Mason Dixon Line but your comment about 'gas cap' does not help. Most of us posting here work 'for free' but our patience is not unlimited. Like the Monty Python skit, 'the argument,' this is not 'abuse.'

Bob Wilson