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Low tire pressure and stalling with check engine, check hybrid system, and exclamation lights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by wm581, Jan 11, 2018.

  1. wm581

    wm581 Junior Member

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    Over the past month my 2010 has stalled on me twice. It has 80,000 miles on it, gets serviced regularly, and after my last inspection was told it should be good for at least another 30-50k miles if not more.

    Both times it happened after slowing down to stop at traffic lights. The check engine light, check hybrid system, and exclamation point icon all lit up and the mph indicator went blank about a minute prior to slowing down for the lights. Once I came to a stop, the car remained on but it would not move if I pressed on the gas pedal. After this occurred both times I turned the car off, started it back up and could drive it again. The mph display came back on although the check engines light, check hybrid system indicator, and exclamation point were all still lit up.

    After doing some research I read tire pressure might be the issue. So sure enough my tire pressure was about 30lbs each time this happened and after increasing it to 42/40 the three indicator lights shut off and everything went back to normal a few minutes later after turning the car back on. Both times it happened it was after a a major swing in the weather (mildly cold to well below freezing temps the first time and then well below freezing temps to moderately cold the second time) causing the tire pressure to drop.

    I talked to a tech in service department at my dealership and he said he had never heard of such an instance before but said I should not be concerned, and that I did not need to schedule a service appointment since everything was going back to normal after putting air in my tires.

    Has anyone else had this issue or have any insights as to why the car is doing this or if I should be more proactive despite what the service tech at the dealership said? Thanks!
     
  2. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Absolutely, totally ridiculous.
    If you take medical advice from the same sources, you aren't likely to live very long. :eek:

    Is this post a troll......now honestly ??

    If it is a serious issue, then the most likely culprit is the 12 V battery.......or a loose connection to same.
     
  3. wm581

    wm581 Junior Member

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    Not a troll, sadly a real post. I have very limited knowledge about how my Prius works, any input/thoughts are much appreciated.
     
  4. Quattro

    Quattro Member

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    I'd guess the 12V battery is on its last legs causing problems when it's below freezing temperature.
     
  5. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I would also lean towards a bad 12v battery that is not supplying adequate voltage to the Engine Management system. Also it might be noted that when you are slowing down for a stop, the brake lights turn on and, with a extremely weak battery, probably drops the voltage down bellow minimum voltage for the ECM. As for the TPMS, the voltage requirement for it’s RF receiver is probably falling below minimum requirements. BTW, the tire pressure monitor measures pressures differentially . You can run the tires at 30 PSI as long as all 4 tires have equal pressures. It’s when one tire becomes (just an example) about 10% lower in pressure that the system displays the low tire flag.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    it has nothing to do with tire pressure.

    when you get trouble lights, you get trouble codes. take it in and have the codes read, ask for the printout, and post here for confirmation of the dealers assessment of necessary repairs.
    all the best!(y)
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Do this. It'll cost you maybe $50~100. If your "regular service" is at a Toyota dealership, they may do it for free.
     
    jerrymildred likes this.
  8. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    While there are older TPMS systems that measure only differences between tires using the ABS' wheel speeds, called Passive TPMS, I think the Prius uses Active TPMS, with pressure sensors/senders in each wheel that compare each tire's pressure to a "set point" and alarm when any or all fall below a threshold.
     
    jerrymildred likes this.
  9. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    A ‘10 Prius, the battery is 8-9 years old, if it’s origional, it needs to go, if it’s the second battery it’s 4-5 years old and needs to go, read the Manuel, set the tire pressure at whatever and press the button under the steering wheel to resync the system, trickle charge the new battery for a day or two before installing, clean the terminals, use dielectric grease and yer good to go.
    Get a good air gauge and check the air once a month, 30lbs isn’t low, 20lbs is low, 40lbs is a good spot for prii to run.
     
  10. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Dielectric grease is an INSULATOR.
    It should NOT be put inside a connection.
    It is intended to be put on the OUTSIDE of connectors to keep moisture and dirt out.
     
    jerrymildred likes this.