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Red Triangle/Check Engine/Red Car w/ Exclamation point diagnosis...

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Subtleist, May 18, 2017.

  1. Subtleist

    Subtleist New Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2017
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    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I purchased my 2001 Prius used with 175k miles on it it currently has 185k. Today while driving I heard a loud beep followed by the Warning/Problem sign on my in-dash monitor followed by a red car symbol with exclamation as well as a Check Engine and Red Triangle. I took it down to AutoZone to get a scan on the code but after 3 tries the scanner retrieved no codes. We had Triple A come down to try to tow the car to a trusted mechanic and once he arrived, he turns the vehicle on and fidgets with a few things then says the lights are on due to low tire pressure in my rear passengers side tire. I highly doubt that is the case but he seems confident that once I replace the tire the lights will go away in 72 hours...I know the tires have been needing replacement for a while but has anyone ever gotten a check engine from having low tire pressure? also any suggestions as to what to do next or what to look out for? Need to know how worried I should be about possible repairs or if it really is just a lot of commotion for an easy fix. Car drives just fine, nothing out of the ordinary.. no lagging on start up and no strange noises from engine or anything. Please HELP! I love my Gen 1 Prius :(

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    #1 Subtleist, May 18, 2017
    Last edited: May 18, 2017
  2. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Location:
    Franklin TN
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    Hi! Do you know if this car has had any replacement parts such as 12v battery, hybrid battery, or inverter? I'd check the 12v starter battery first. Make sure it's changed up and holding a strong charge.

    Your hybrid battery is 17 years old if it is original. In my mind, if any battery last 17 years... that's amazing!
     
    skyway420 likes this.
  3. Subtleist

    Subtleist New Member

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    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I was shown a receipt for a recently replaced new hybrid battery or at least that is what was claimed upon purchase a few months ago, unsure about the inverter or the 12v battery but i will have the mechanic take a look at all of these things ty for the heads up!
     
  4. Subtleist

    Subtleist New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Update: retrieved a code P3006 Fuel & Air Metering and Auxiliary Emission Controls

    should i be concerned?
    when searching p3006 i get issues with battery...
     
  5. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Yes you should be concerned with that code. You need to figure out what the Hybrid battery was replaced with (New from Toyota, used, rebuild) so you can figure out how much warranty it has.
     
  6. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
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    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    P3006 is bad. Very bad.
    Hybrid Battery failure.
    Levels are unusually different.

    Here is a post about it from Hybrid guru, Carolyn of Luscious Garage
    Gen 1 Prius Battery Failure, P3006 - Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists

    If you are lucky you still have a copy of the receipt for the hybrid battery and it was done by a reputable company and it is still under warranty.

    How long ago was the battery replaced?
    What company did the replacement.

    In the meantime you may be able to peel back the carpet in the trunk to reveal the builder's information.

    You'll still likely need the receipt. Or at least the company and where/when it was installed.
     
    Brian in Tucson likes this.
  7. jason wakeman

    jason wakeman New Member

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    Jul 21, 2020
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    Location:
    bend, or
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I Found out it was a loose gas cap. Screwed it 3 clicks and warning went away
     
    WHCSC likes this.
  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    You found out what was a loose gas cap?
     
  9. Josey

    Josey Active Member

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    Jun 10, 2019
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I think he was lost