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2013 Prius error code 303.. cylinder 3 misfire

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ACandela, Aug 4, 2018.

  1. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Are you in los angeles area? If you need a recomendation for a reliable and a resonable no bs mechanic , than let me know.
     
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  2. amos

    amos Active Member

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    HG replacement can be done right for less than $2000 or 1500 minimum.
     
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  3. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    Hello Amos...
    Thank you for the feedback.

    I revisited with the mechanic and with the check engine light on.. strangely the 303 misfire code didn't show up.
    The 'lean code" still remains, which was the only code that came up.
    I really don't know what to say at this point. The "engine light" came back on a few hours later.
    Engine coolant has dropped since I last checked.

    I'm 1.5hrs east outside of LA. I used to live there.
    Feel free to forward the info you have about your LA mechanic. Head gasket repair around $2K is still pricey for me.
    My decision is weighing more on a financial aspect than mechanical.
    The value of my car is already low with the 220K miles on it.
     
    amos likes this.
  4. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Even if check engine went off you still have that issue.it went off cause you were driving about 100 miles with no issues so the computer thinks no problem and resets itself. Please check your coolant level so you wont loose the whole engine. After i replaced my HG car was driving so well. I say its worth the expense .
    If you find a good mechanic to do a real good job replacing it than go for it . mine drives like new.
    I drove about 2000 miles or more with that engine knocks symptoms till my HG was finished. It was not a good idea. I could loose the whole engine
     
    #24 amos, Aug 11, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2018
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  5. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    You only “think” the value of your car is low. Here in my neck of the woods, the Prius is still commanding premium pricing. They are priced at 2000-3500 over bluebook value. Your car is worth repairing to “someone”. It just may not be you. A head gasket replacement around 2k, motor change in mine had me right around 1600. Yes I did my own labor, but that would have added another 1200-1600 depending on the shop.
    Mine is paid off, but my financial institution is willing to loan 4300 even with 213k miles. My personal “do not repair” point is half of ACV. So I still had 700 dollar window. It’s a shame you are on the west coast. The HG job or an engine swap can be done in about 9 hours from start to finish.

    You may not have the luxury of a second vehicle to drive, but I did. My wife and I survived 4 1/2 years with only 1 car, the 6 weeks mine was a down was a breeze. Park it if you can, the damage you are doing with a blown head gasket can result in dramatic failure.
     
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  6. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    Hello Amos...

    The engine coolant is still holding up. Gratefully, it hasn't shown a significant drop.
    I know it doesn't make it safe to keep driving for thousand miles, etc. with leaking head gasket.
    If there's damage to one of the cylinders, then it's probably another few $1000 more added to the head gasket replacement.

    What's the contact info you have on your LA mechanic who replaced your gasket?
    It doesn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion.

    Were any of your cylinders damaged once the head gasket blew?
     
  7. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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  8. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    cnc97...

    I went to a non-Toyota dealership and was told because of the high mileage they would only give me $3000
    which is the auction market value price for the area!!! That is less than what it would cost to repair this issue.
    The salesperson could be doing his "auto marketing pitch" to me, but I want to get around $6K for the Prius.

    Another aspect is since relocating to the mountains, I'm considering upgrading to a AWD vehicle.
    The Prius did very well during the past winter months. Though I need to be prepared if worse weather is to hit during the
    winter months.

    I'm a bit torn in my decision(s). This car is wonderful, but looks like I reached a (mechanical) crossroad.
    I've been used to having older (non-computer) cars and repairs being a few hundred dollars.
    I should have considered major repair costs before the purchase, then again I didn't expect to hit 220K miles!
     
  9. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    That tells me one of two things, One, they intend to repair it, and sell it for 6-7000 dollars post repair. Or two, they have someone who will buy it sight unseen for the offer they made you. Both of those options should make you angry.

    Angry that they are lowballing you on the value of your car.

    It’s unfortunate that you can’t afford to repair the car yourself. The offer they made you shows they see the value in your car that you don’t. When I saw the pricing on replacing the car I had bought in March, plus the phone call to my bank giving me that loan value, told me that repairing mine was the right decision.
     
  10. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    Well.. I can tell you that I won't be releasing my Prius for that amount!
    This is a big decision and I'll be weighing out the pros/cons in this.

    Keep in my mind, I still have a auto loan that I'm paying for the Prius.
    I'm not in a financial position to get an additional loan to pay for a pricey auto repair.

    I'll keep this thread open and give an update(s) as it happens.

    Thank you for the feedback... ~A~
     
  11. amos

    amos Active Member

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    That place is called prius express 818-4334334. In sun valley.
    When i went over there isaw lots of prius taxies that he was sevicing.one more prius with a blown HG. I didnt even finished one sentence and he already said 1400$ .minimum so he obvioulsly knew exactly the whole story about this HG issue we all experience. My luck was that i haf a warranty and i ended up not paying for the repair.
     
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  12. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Im positive about changing HG. I still think its the most reliable hybrid in the market and as you know buying a used car again dont mean you wont have any issues.and another positive thing to consider is if the engine doesnt burn oil. Lets say not over 1qt/5000 miles.
     
  13. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    Thank you, Amos.
    I'll be in LA in a few weeks and I may consider this as another option now.

    I just called and spoke with André he quoted a 2 day turnaround for about $800 to replace the HG only.
    I suspect that the price may go up, as there's always something else a mechanic will find
    If there was damage to any of the cylinders, he said at that point it would involve a new engine.
    Obviously not worth the cost considering the the 220K miles I have on it.

    I forgot to ask, but is this place a CASH ONLY business?
     
  14. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Well check @danlatu posts about doing a good job on replacing it and what other things can be done at same time like bolts water pump etc. 800$ seems pretty decent starting point.
     
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  15. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    I change the oil every month with the amount of miles I've put on the Prius. With the exception of a "possible" HG issue, the engine code saying the car is "running lean", and less engine torque... the Prius seems to be holding up ok.
    Unfortunately, my MPG is now averaging 36 mpg. More than likely because of the HG issue?
     
    amos likes this.
  16. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Not only cash. Its a big place. If you have an engine issue than thats bad luck. Did you say engine not burning oil? Im not the best mechanic here but if engine dont burn much oil than that means seals rings etc are still in good shape
     
    #36 amos, Aug 15, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2018
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  17. amos

    amos Active Member

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    Could be so. 36 mpg pretty low but still resonable if you driving in l.a strerts when a/c is constantly on. How is your mpg on pure fwy drive lets say 60 mph optimal condition. In my case with blown hg i still got 45-50 mpg mostly fwy. And now 30k miles after hg replaced i still get average of 50 mpg
     
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  18. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    I haven't seen and my mechanic hasn't mentioned anything that the car is burning oil. I feel it's fine.
     
    amos likes this.
  19. amos

    amos Active Member

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    So according to what you wrote theres some optimism that engine is fine. And you change oil every month so you're a good owner. If i had to make a decision here i'd take the risk and replace that gasket. Ask @Mendel Leisk or @Raytheeagle @danlatu or any other great members here whats their opinion
     
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  20. ACandela

    ACandela New Member

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    The AC has been on more frequently since the Inland Empire summer has averaged 100 degree days.
    It's about 5 degrees "cooler" now, but you're right that the AC is probably killing my mileage.
    With the AC off though it seems to be about 40-42mpg, still not great.