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Inconsistent start fail.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by InspectorBoss, Sep 21, 2015.

  1. InspectorBoss

    InspectorBoss New Member

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    I have a 2008 that has always been dependable. 1 mo or so ago when driving, lost all power. Had it towed to Toyota and they replaced main fuse. 2 weeks later, would not start. Replaced 12 v battery. 2 weeks later, won't start again. Towed to Toyota again. (300 for the two tows, 225 for battery, 350 for fuse) and Toyota said working fine. No failure and they didn't find anything. No error codes. Any insight? I need car for work and can't keep getting stranded and needing tows.
     
    #1 InspectorBoss, Sep 21, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did you do the inverter pump recall?
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 21, 2015
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    wow, it's time to get AAA.....quick!
     
    #3 JC91006, Sep 21, 2015
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Brake switch/sensor going bad?
     
    #4 xliderider, Sep 21, 2015
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Please provide the part number of the "main fuse" that had been replaced.

    The issue sounds like an intermittent electrical connection between the DC/DC converter (which is part of the inverter and produces power to feed the 12V bus when the Prius is READY) and the main relay/fuse box which is next to the inverter. The reason there are no error codes is because when 12V power is lost, the memory on most ECUs (other than skid control and SRS ECUs) is erased.

    Next time the issue happens, it sounds like if you wait for a while, the car might become READY again - since the dealer tech cannot locate the problem.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Sep 22, 2015
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    What happens when it does NOT start? Central locking works? Key in the slot or not? Lights in the instrument cluster? MFD (display screen)?
     
    #6 valde3, Sep 22, 2015
  7. InspectorBoss

    InspectorBoss New Member

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    Well key in dash. First a slight whirling sound, dash lights flash briefly then nothing. Start button then continues to flash.
     
    #7 InspectorBoss, Sep 22, 2015
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