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TechStream Codes P0117 & B1423

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jonicraw, Aug 29, 2016.

  1. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Just happened to buy a Toyota Prius 2004 used with 210,000 miles roughly from local craigslist. The car runs fine and had an oil change at the dealer prior to being bought. I have owned and still currently drive a 2005 Prius for about 12,000 miles now so I know exactly how it feels to drive a good shape Prius.

    Anyhow, after driving for about 35 miles on the 2004 and trying to use A.C which did not work, red triangle appeared on dashboard and a temperature logo appeared on the LCD. Pulled out my laptop and Techstream software and got the following codes:

    P0117 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input

    B1423 - Open in Pressure Sensor Circuit / Abnormal Refrigerant Pressure

    My question is what approach should I take to resolving the issue? Car runs fine, only slight difference from my perfectly fine 2005 to the 2004 I bought is upon starting up, a pump sound is heard slightly near the cabin filter section. My thought is maybe its causing a short for the engine coolant code? Bad pump? Also the A.C not working and the code for low pressure is my best bet that the A.C is out and needs to be refilled. Please give me some feedback as it would be much appreciated!

    12V Battery is original so defiantly going to replace that sucker but seems fine at the moment.
     
  2. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Forgot to mention during this process, check engine light came on as well. After seeing codes with Techstream, I cleared the DTC and all lights for check engine went away. Drove around the block for half a mile with no A.C and gunned it at 60mph for few seconds before parking back in my driveway and nothing seemed faulty. Brakes feel more different "too sensitive almost" than my 2005 but the last owner must have not used original Toyota brakes so will definitely replace them out as I did with my 2005.
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Sounds like this could be a handful. AC problems can be difficult and expensive to fix. Hope you got a great deal on the car.

    Have you checked the coolant level on the car?
     
  4. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Have not checked since I got home late with the car and it was dark already. I did get a good deal. Considering it is smart key enabled, fairly good condition tires, and everything else looking in functional shape. Needs some TLC with some small rust spots here and there.

    Where should I be able to check if the coolant level is appropriate? It is possible that the level of coolant is low.
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You would need to check at the radiator level, remove the front plastic cover on the front of the engine....this is covering the radiator. Once the cover is removed, you can see the radiator cap. Remove the cap (only when car is cooled), and check to see if it's full. If you need to add, you would get the fluid at the dealer. It's Toyota Super Long Lasting Coolant, it's pink. There's also a reservoir there too.

    Since you just bought the car, if there's no service records, I would probably suggest you change out the fluid all together. Check the water pump and make sure it's in good working order and not leaking. The entire system is connected. That way you do a proper maintenance item that's probably needed.
     
  6. Kevin_Denver

    Kevin_Denver Active Member

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    The pump sound is normal on startup - that's coolant in the insulated tank being pumped into the engine.

    I would address P0117 first and see if getting that resolved helps clear the other code. Most likely cause of P0117 is a bad Engine Cooler Thermometer (ECT), with the second most likely cause being a loose connection between the sensor and ECU somehwere.

    However being the Prius, I would check the 12V battery first to see it could potentially the cause. What voltages do you get with the car off, ACC-ON and headlights on, and in READY?
     
  7. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Thanks for the feedback JC91006. Appreciate it. In any event, is it difficult to replace the water pump? Any direct way to tell it is having issues or in need of replacement? I have scene an extended you-tube video as well with replacing the coolant. Does not appear difficult but does require few tools and patience.
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you want to do this maintenance item, you can do it yourself. It doesn't take that long and it's not that difficult. You just need a simple socket set and a set of metric wrenches.

    You will need to buy the following

    1. water pump
    1 belt
    2 gallons pink long life coolant

    There are some really good write ups on this site on doing this. I think they even include the thermostat change on some of the write ups.
     
  9. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Thanks. I checked the coolant the other night (Car was not used for 24 hours at this point) and the color appeared somewhat dark pink. Most likely needs a definite replacement since new looks much more clear. All 3 items noted appear to be available through Amazon's website.

    Genuine Toyota (G9020-47031) Water Pump Assembly $110
    Toyota Genuine Parts 90916-02570 Alternator and Fan Belt - $18
    Toyota Genuine Fluid 00272-SLLC2 Long Life Coolant - 1 Gallon $26 x 2 = $52

    Cost wise this is very good. Is this all I need? Anything else worth mentioning? Any good recommended tutorials to follow?
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The water pump on Amazon is about $43.xx. get the Aisin water pump, they make the pump for Toyota.

    Patrick Wong made a very good tutorial, do a Google search for his post here on priuschat
     
  11. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Been doing more research and watching more videos and reading up on forums here. Plenty of awesome information which is incredible! The power of the internet and Prius community. Anyhow, I noticed that rather than bleeding the valve and going old school which takes about 45 minutes or so, a faster and much more efficient way to change coolant is with the vacuum hose approach. Any tutorials on this process?

    I seen some Youtube videos with poor angles but good enough show how the inverter coolant and engine coolant are drained then closed up. After that, a $50 tool is placed on the inverter cap and with an air compressor sucks out air creating a vacuum in the system. This allows to checks for leaks in the system as well. Then once ready, a tube inserted in a brand new coolant box can be opened and all the coolant shoots through entirely back in the tank making the process almost a 5 minute job.

    I only wonder though if I want to replace the "Genuine Toyota (G9020-47031) Water Pump Assembly", should the approach be drain then replace pump and then refill coolant or replace pump, test, and then replace coolant.

    I am still in the major learning process of all this stuff but I am planning to work on more Prius' soon since they are affordable, generally easy to tune up, and cost effective and futuristic even for 2nd gen models. I appreciate all those with experience that provide input and feedback. I plan to make high quality multiple angle video tutorials myself once I learn everything to give back to the community :)
     
  12. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Planning to order the stuff mentioned since I have been pretty busy with other life events and Labor day just passing by.

    When I mentioned A.C was not working, I didn't mean it didn't work but rather, no cold air would be emitted. Just normal airflow and somewhat warm. Most likely needs an A.C recharge and there are some videos showing this so going to follow them and report back.

    So anyhow, I noticed that the pump you mentioned by Aisin was the engine coolant pump. What I had initially linked which was the "Genuine Toyota (G9020-47031) Water Pump Assembly" is actually the inverter coolant pump? Correct me if I am wrong. Would it be reasonable and fine to replace this also? Yes it is about $100 original Toyota part but I am perfectly fine investing a good $600 on a full all around tune up on coolant, sparks, battery, wipers, transmission fluid, brakes, so on and on. This is also a project to learn so I can do on my own 2005 Prius soon and feel more comfortable working on my daily driver Prius since this current 2004 I bought is a project Prius and a give away from my father once It is ready to go.

    Hoping to make some high multiple angle videos of doing basic maintence as well since pictures are great but video is superior if done correctly. Let me know! I love to contribute back if I can be contributed correctly to begin with.
     
  13. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Thanks for the report back Kevin also. I will be sure to test this as soon as I get home from work to see how bad the current battery is considering it is original as well.
     
  14. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    2007, 146K miles, no AC damage or refigerant ever added, b/c no leak.

    Rule out the leak first. You most likely have a leak due to an accident or road debris damaging the condensor or some other AC part(s).
     
  15. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Just wanted to say did a variety of tests and many different tune ups.

    Changed the following:
    4 of Denso (3324) SK16R11 Iridium Spark Plug
    Oil with Extended Performance Mobil 1 - 5W30 Synthetic
    Original Toyota Oil Filter
    Engine Air Filter
    Cabin Air Filter
    Bosch Wiper Blades 2 front and 1 back
    A/C PRO (HYB-134A) R134a Refrigerant Refill - 10 oz. - (Refilled A.C and got rid of the B1423 DTC)
    Optima Batteries 8171-767 (DS46B24R) YellowTop Prius Battery
    Rotation of tires using an "X" pattern (Many debate this since booklet says otherwise forward-back but I believe it is fine)

    Planning to change this weekend:

    Genuine Toyota (G9020-47031) Water Pump Assembly (For Inverter Coolant pump)
    Genuine Toyota 16100-29157-83 Water Pump Assembly (Engine water/coolant pump)
    Genuine Toyota Lexus Automatic Transmission Fluid 1QT WS ATF World Standard (4 Pack) (Transmission Fluid)
    Toyota 16325-62010 Water Inlet Housing Gasket (Gasket for Thermostat)
    Toyota 90916-03093 Engine Coolant Thermostat (Thermostat to rule out possible culprit of DTC code)
    Toyota Genuine Parts 90916-02570 Alternator and Fan Belt (Serpentine belt as they say)
    Genuine Toyota (04495-52040) Brake Shoe Kit (Brake Shoes for Rear tires)
    Toyota Genuine Parts 04465-47050 Front Brake Pad Set (Brake Pads for front tires since currently there are non original on the car)

    I bought an Air Lift tool and air compressor to also speed up the filling of coolant and doing it professionally since it works the best. All in all, spent about $500 for all the necessities. This is fantastic.

    Hopefully this clears up any remaining DTC of P0117. Will keep thread updated on status after and results.
     
  16. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    My inverter pump failed this week and the ac suddenly cut out when the car overheated. The ac would work after the car cooled off

    Toyota is out of stock on the inverter pumps, so I get a free rental car in the meantime. The car has not completed it's recall for the pump
     
  17. Jonicraw

    Jonicraw Junior Member

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    Just wanted to follow up finally and report issues have been resolved. Turned out there were various potential conflicts but all solved in one swing. Replaced the thermostat and found out the older part was a generic USA branded part. Different style and all but it fit. Installed an original after with an original gasket as well. Removed the water pump and again, another generic part which was the pump. Had neither Asin pump branding or Toyota. Replaced with an original part as well. The coolant for the engine was also yellowish and perhaps another generic. Drained it out completely from all 3 cocks. I ended up drainer the inverter coolant as well just cause I wanted to do everything at once. In total I had about 2 gallons of coolant combining the coolant from the inverter and the engine. Ended up leaving the belt for now only since it got dark outside and had to wrap things up it also was a generic. Managed to use the Air lyft generic tool and it worked amazingly well! Filled about 1 Gallon and 1/2 gallons of coolant on first shot in the engine. Then the remaining half went into the inverter reservoir. Ran the car for 3 minutes and then manually topped off the engine coolant 3 times in repetition until after the 3rd time of checking the cap, the coolant would not jump from the engine. I topped the reservoir for the engine and also topped the inverter. Car runs great. No issues or lights anymore. I did get a misfire cylinder one issue but bought some Royal Purple fuel cleaner and the issue went away. Nice to know everything is functional at last :D
     
    #17 Jonicraw, Oct 6, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2016
  18. Figster10

    Figster10 Member

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    Did anything come back? I know it's been a few years since this post but a friend is dealing with the same