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Red triangle, check engine, and brake warning lights. No codes

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by GoldenChariot, Jul 7, 2018.

  1. GoldenChariot

    GoldenChariot Junior Member

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    2004 Prius
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    II
    I live in LA and we have been going through a heat wave over 100 degrees since Thursday.

    Thursday I was driving on the freeway when suddenly I got the red triangle, check engine, and brake system warning lights along with a message on the MFD that says very aptly "problem". The car did not seem to be running any different than normal. After turning the car off for a bit and then turning it back on, all lights except the brake system warning light remained on. So I took it to the mechanic and he plugged in 2 different code readers but did not receive any codes past or present.

    He looked over the car, changed the oil and the air filter and also replaced the rear brakes. He said he couldn't find anything else wrong with it.

    Today (Saturday) I was driving on the freeway again for the first time since getting the first round of warnings. Right around when I hit 60mph, the same lights came on again. I will take the car back to the mechanic on Monday when they open, but if they once again get no codes I don't know what we should do.

    What is most likely causing this?

    Some possibly relevant details:
    I am at 162,000 miles
    I did check the oil level, it is normal
    Transmission fluid, inverter and engine coolant, drive belt were replaced at 149,000 miles
    About a month ago, got a code "Idle Control Malfunction" and cleaned the throttle control valve and mass airflow sensor which seemed to fix the problem.
    MFD is not the original
    12v battery was replaced at 135,000 miles
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    You are going to the wrong mechanic if that person is unable to retrieve the DTC. Find a mechanic who specializes in Toyota hybrids or visit your local Toyota dealer.

    You can check the proper functionality of the inverter coolant pump by making the Prius READY, then looking for fluid turbulence in the inverter coolant reservoir. If you do not see this then have the inverter coolant pump replaced as that is the root cause of your car’s problems.
     
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  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Take it to AVI at hybridfix.com. He's next to USC
     
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  4. GoldenChariot

    GoldenChariot Junior Member

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    Thank you everyone. I have ordered the inverter coolant pump and will replace it. Stand by for updates!
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    DIY attempt?
     
  6. GoldenChariot

    GoldenChariot Junior Member

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    Yup!
     
  7. GoldenChariot

    GoldenChariot Junior Member

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    UPDATE!

    I confirmed that the inverter coolant pump had indeed failed. I just replaced it and it is definitely working. However, the warning lights have not gone away. Does this mean there's another issue? Or if they simply need to be actively turned off, how do I do that?
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You pulled code P0A93? That would point to the inverter pump
     
  9. GoldenChariot

    GoldenChariot Junior Member

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    No, we were not able to get any codes. I was following the advice of Patrick Wong above in replacing the pump. But still trying to figure out how to get the warning lights to turn off.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If it's a pump issue, after you install the new pump, the warning lights will turn off.

    But you should really confirm your issues before doing repairs.

    What city are you in? I can help read your codes if you are not too far away
     
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