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"Check engine" light on/Dashbord doesn't light up

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Katia P, Jan 4, 2015.

  1. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    This morning I tried to drive my 2008 Prius and the "check engine" light quickly blinked and the dashboard didn't light up. The monitor did turn on and I could hear the engine running. The monitor showed that the hybrid battery was almost full. While trying to go in reverse, the camera did not work. We just had an oil change done. The 12V battery was replaced almost 2 years ago. The car has almost 150K on it. I also tried tightening the gas cap. It's obviously winter and it snowed last night (in case that might be a factor). Please, let me know if anybody encountered the same issues and how they can be resolved. It's a Sunday and my Toyota dealership is not picking up their phone :( Thank you in advance!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The mfd screen where the camera shows didn't turn on or the speedometer didn't come on?

    Check engine could be your oil being low
     
  3. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    The backup camera didn't turn on, but the screen which shows the battery & audio DID turn on (the only thing that worked). The dashboard which shows the speed DID NOT turn on, just the "check engine" light flashed. I JUST changed the oil last week.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There is an tsb extended warranty on the speedometer not turning on. Your dealer should know about it.

    They just have to be told that happened, doesn't have to happen in their presence. The replacement is free.

    Not sure why your camera doesn't work unless your car didn't think it was in reverse. Probably related to the speedometer not turning on
     
  5. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Thank you. My main concern is the "check engine" light that lights up. I think it's related to the whole issue of the dashboard and the backup camera not working. I did not feel comfortable driving it out like that, even though my husband said I should :/
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The combination meter not turning on is a serious issue. You might be able to get toyota to tow your car in for free.

    You should still check the oil, it might be too full

    While you're at it, check your 12v battery too
     
  7. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    I've had a similar issue before I changed my 12V battery about 2 years ago. I had the "!" triangle & other lights flash & the car wouldn't turn on. After we changed the battery, the issue went away. Now this, which is very similar...We have a friend who owns a tow trucking business, but I really hope it doesn't come to this :( We will check the oil. How do you check the 12V battery?
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If the battery is 2 years old, chances are that's not the problem, unless it's drained. Doesn't explain the combination meter not turning on if the car has started. You would need a multimeter to check the voltage reading.
     
  9. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Thank you for your help! I just called Toyota service & it's over $100+ to just diagnose it! I also don't think the battery is a problem considering it's semi-new...That's really unfortunate :/
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    #10 JC91006, Jan 4, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2015
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  11. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    That's a good point! I would've not known that...Are you concerned about the "check engine" light coming on?
     
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    just check your oil level, if there is too little or too much oil in there, it could light up.

    I would solve the combination meter problem first, then see if the lights return. One problem at a time.
     
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  13. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Thank you, I like that :) Would you recommend driving it to the dealership? I'm concerned. Not because of the dashboard but "check engine" sign. I will definitely check the oil & battery first.
     
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Many things can cause "check engine". Like a loose fuel cap.

    I read if it's not "blinking", then it should be safe to drive. It's usually emissions related.....
     
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  15. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    if its full of oil and coolant, it should be safe to drive if you must, but have someone follow you to the dealer just in case.
     
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  16. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    I'll check the oil! I don't know how to check the coolant :/ I don't want to damage the engine by driving...
     
  17. Yakoma

    Yakoma Active Member

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    >>While trying to go in reverse, the camera did not work. ...It's obviously winter and it snowed last night (in case that might be a factor).

    This is probably dumb, but any chance the camera lens is covered with snow?
     
  18. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    The camera doesn't work when the combination meter is blacked out because the indicator doesn't know it is in reverse.

    Your car will also be hard to power off. You will have to hold the power button for 4-5 seconds to power off.

    It will intermittently start working again when it warms up but will also fail again and get progressively worse.

    It will function perfectly when you get to the dealer:) Take a video for proof to make it easier and less hassle.
     
  19. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    No, my husband cleaned the car this morning & there wasn't that much snow :)

    Hmm. The car turns off with no problem...I'm sorry I didn't quite understand what you meant by "It will intermittently start working again when it warms up but will also fail again and get progressively worse". Why will it get worse? Yes, I'll take a video then!
     
  20. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    The problem with the combination meter is internal in the circuit board where a solder was done insufficiently. As circuit boards age the solders become weak and as they heat and cool they expand and contract. When it is cold the solder contracts breaking contact which causes the odometer to go black. As it warms up the contact is made again but the frequency of good contact becomes less and less until it doesn't work at allBecause the computer cannot read the odometer it is unable to determine if you are parked or going 100MPH or if you are in P R N or D so it will not turn off sometimes unless the power button is held.
     
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