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Replaced 12v battery, RED TRIANGLE popped up

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BDHyde, Sep 17, 2018.

  1. BDHyde

    BDHyde Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
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    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Hello all,

    I'm fairly new into the Prius world as I have only had my 2004 model for about a year and 3 months and never done much work on it because it's been great. Today, as I was driving, I got a red triangle. Then everything started to shut down; A/C, radio, power steering, etc. I got it to a safe spot. Then it was completely dead. Non-responsive to key fob or anything. From reading on here, it sounded like the 12v battery. I went and pulled it and took it to a parts store. They tested and it showed dead. So, again, by recommendation of this site (thanks!), I used the optima yellow cap. Put it in, everything seemed to be back to normal.

    Started on the 10 minutes home. About 7 minutes in, I got another red triangle. Nothing seemed to shut down and I got it home the rest of the way without a problem. I did the diagnostic screen and checked the voltage on the 12v and it said 12.3 Volts. It still boots and has no issues but I'm afraid to drive it for very long until I know more. So, do I have another problem? None of the hybrid battery cells have ever been replaced. Is that where I should start? Also been reading about inverter cooling pump being a problem with this gen. Living in FL in the summer would qualify for it going out in hot weather. I'm at 126k miles.

    Many thanks in advance!
    Brandon
     
    #1 BDHyde, Sep 17, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,689
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    if you are going to diy, get tech stream diagnostic software. repairs are much easier when you know what is wrong.
    you can check the inverter by looking for movement in the fluid reservoir.
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 17, 2018
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Well, the red triangle is telling you the car's computers have something they want to tell you about the car. There are a couple hundred things they might want to tell you about. So finding out what they're trying to tell you is where I would recommend you start.

    Then there'll be time to worry about what's next. Or not, if it turns out something simple.

    -Chap
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Sep 17, 2018
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