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Check hybrid system warning after manifold cleaning

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by thomassurdi, Mar 17, 2018.

  1. thomassurdi

    thomassurdi Member

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    Ny to Atlanta Twice?! Wow. Very scenic trip though.
     
  2. thomassurdi

    thomassurdi Member

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    DId the “Italian tune up” just now on the interstate. Went up around 82 or so in power mode. It was driving a little funny with some inconsistent deceleration. Then I heard a little bit of rattling from the airbox. I assume prius_Angie was right that the car and computers needs to time to resettle into themselves and cycle the carbon and junk through the system. I’ll let everyone know if it smooths out over the next few hundred miles so.
     
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  3. taxibuddy

    taxibuddy Member

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    Just one leg driving. Flew the other three legs. And it rained almost all the way back. Anyway, OP has a new CEL so back to the topic.
     
  4. thomassurdi

    thomassurdi Member

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    Ok, I took everything back apart today and did a thorough inspection of my job. I was starting to put things back together somewhat stumped when I realized I had left off the gasket underneath the throttle body. So that must be why I’m having eratic idling issues. I guess I’m not gonna be up for any mechanic of the year awards any time soon.

    Amazing how such small things can cause such big issues. Gives you a new respect for what a complicated machine it is that we depend on every day.

    Lesson to anyone having problems that didn’t occur organically but instead suddenly popped up after you worked on your car: It’s probably something YOU did. Retrace your steps and finger it out.

    The end. ...I hope.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It get's easier and easier, everytime you do it eh? You get into a routine. As an example, when I'm taking bolts off the air box and intake snorkel, I've taken to just throwing them in the air box.

    I hate that thing. It takes just the right pinch to lock it open, and yeah, it's like a bear trap.

    I wonder, if you were taking the throttle body off, if you could just leave that piece on, at least until you've lifted the throttle body out.
     
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  6. thomassurdi

    thomassurdi Member

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    Some bent nose pliers helped me with that clamp. I learned to make sure it’s locked open before removing the tube from the throttle body because trying to get it to close when it’s all the way open is a while different experience. I almost lost my fingers a few times with that dam thing.
     
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  7. Prius_Angie

    Prius_Angie Active Member

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    overall NICE JOB in resolving the issue.
    good light-hearted humor gets us through
    the problem was Feasible, Acceptable, Simple, Explainable...

    i know many non-DIY'ers would have taken it to the stealership & spend some of their hard earned $
    i say treat yourself to a tall drink or your car a new airfreshener ; )

    BUT
    - you have the temprament/attitude to return and do car-things over and over without boredom/frustration; this is the tedium that sends others' to FLIGHT
    - agree with Mendel, you are going to get better, quicker at it; make your own short cuts even
    - NOW you are getting nearer to visualizing the process/goal in your head prior to project; all making the act smoother and faster

    im not a fan of that air box either, but what i dont like MORE are bigger & dumber designs like
    - windshield wiper cowel; what is you only wanna get access to sparkplug #2?! or even put a bit more DOT3 fluid in the brake reservior; c'mon
    - PCV location
    - cabin reverse noise for passengers' situation awareness
    - drive shifter access design; Gen2 had it away from the passenger, now kid passengers can knock the shifter or play with the PARKING button or hazard button; we KNOW kids love to play with and put in their moth shiny things like TIDE PODs

    bent nose pliers are great... more special purpose tools in the tool kit ; )
    if you havent already, consider long-extended needle nose pliers; things in this Prius are recessed deep
    it took me 2 years before i got a set & THEN i realized i should've had these coming out of the womb
     
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  8. Prius_Angie

    Prius_Angie Active Member

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    OBTW, I did that to a spark plug ignition coil once.
    i did them so fast and in low light conditions that i lost/misplaced an ignition coil but never noticed it.
    the Prius was not at full capacity for half a week, while i was dumbfounded
    i retraced my steps and had to buy a new one for ~$7 at an autoparts store

    so YES the Prius is quite sensitive but CAN operate while not at full capacity
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The brake fluid reservoir is accessible, there's a little removable piece of the plastic cowl, for just this purpose. But total agreement about spark plug access, it is not a trivial endeavor. At least @NutzAboutBolts video walks you through it, #13 here:

    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat
     
  10. Prius_Angie

    Prius_Angie Active Member

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    Mendel,
    I FORGOT about that "little" & convenient plastic pullout from the cowel. ; )
     
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  11. thomassurdi

    thomassurdi Member

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    My biggest complaint about my gen 3 Is that any time i put the car in park all the doors automatically lock. I drive for Uber so sometimes I forget that I was in park for a few a moments and then when I go to pick someone up they grab the handle and it’s locked which Is annoying for them, I’m sure. I wish there was a way to disable the automatic locks.
     
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  12. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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