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Prius not starting

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by larryt1026, Jul 25, 2013.

  1. larryt1026

    larryt1026 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hello,

    So this has already happened to me a 2nd time so far.

    I depress brakes and hit the power button once when I first drive it in the morning after the Prius has been sitting for a while.

    Instead of the power LED turning green, it turns red/amber, and the ready light does not show up blinking or come on at all. To me it almost appears to be in IG-ON mode.

    I hit the power button again (can't remember if my foot was on the brake) and all the accessories shut down/car shuts down and I see the shifter indicator on the screen.

    I then try to start again by depressing brake and hitting power button once. Now everything starts up fine and the ready symbol is there.

    What is happening? Thanks!
     
    #1 larryt1026, Jul 25, 2013
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    2012 Prius
    Park so you can see the brake lights (reflected off a window, another car, etc). Test that the brake pedal lights the brake lights when you step on it as if you were going to start up the car. A poorly adjusted brake light switch will cause the problem you are experiencing.
     
    #2 David Beale, Jul 25, 2013
  3. larryt1026

    larryt1026 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three

    Thanks! Now if the brake light doesn't turn on all the time....it would need to be adjusted? Is the brake light switch something I can adjust?
     
    #3 larryt1026, Jul 25, 2013
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    you can if you know how, it's above the brake pedal. not sure if there's a how to in here somewhere, or perhaps someone who has done it will jump in. the dealer should do it under warranty if you're under 36,000.
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 25, 2013
  5. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
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    When I first received my 2005 Prius, a number of times I thought I had depressed the brakes and hit the start button and the same thing happened to me. What I found was, I was just a split second to quick pushing the start button, I took a little more time. Press the brakes firmly, wait a second then press the start button. I found that my problem went away. Just a thought. If this does not work take to dealer.

    Enjoy Your car! :D
     
    #5 retired4999, Jul 25, 2013
  6. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    2018 Prius Prime
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    N/A
    FWIW, the manual states that you should not press the power button unless the light is on green and steady. There are couple situations listed in the manual where the green light might not come on right away.
     
    #6 rdgrimes, Jul 25, 2013
  7. phoenixgreg

    phoenixgreg Senior member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
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    I copied this tip some years ago but have not made any adjustments:
    To adjust brake light sensitivity (The brake light switch is adjustable, in discrete notches):​
    Remove the panel under the dash, and find the switch that's a little plastic thing touching the top of the brake pedal arm.​
    Grab the plastic body (where the wires come out) and twist it about 45 degrees - then it will slide in and out. Back it out one notch and twist it back to lock it. Then the switch will have the right sensitivity.​
    One notch back out from the original position is about perfect.​
     
    #7 phoenixgreg, Jul 25, 2013
  8. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    If the car has been sitting for a while, the green "ready" light on the start button will take a second or two to come on. You need to wait until the green light is on before pushing the button.
     
    #8 drysider, Jul 25, 2013
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