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2008 Prius Combination Meter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MacksBee123, Nov 1, 2018.

  1. MacksBee123

    MacksBee123 New Member

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    Hi Everyone

    I just bought a used 2008 Prius and the dashboard is dark, so I can't see my speed, gas, etc. I am almost certain it is the combination meter.

    Does anyone know an average cost to replace this at a third party mechanic? Is it difficult to do yourself?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Are your headlights on? Also there is a brightness adjustment wheel to the left of the steering wheel. Try adjusting that
     
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  3. MacksBee123

    MacksBee123 New Member

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    Thanks for the tip, I will definitely try the brightness adjustment. It just concerns me that the speedometer and gas gage dont even light up faintly. Does the wheel let you go that dark?
     
  4. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Contact Matt at Texas Hybrid Batteryies for a repaired combo meter.

    Level of Difficulty is subjective. Lots of Youtube videos of people replacing the combo meter; judge for yourself.

    Since you are in SF, you can contact Art's Automotive (Berkeley) and Luscious Garage (SF) for labor rates.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    And test the 12v
     
  6. MacksBee123

    MacksBee123 New Member

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    Thanks for the tip. What does that entail. The garage I was going to go to quoted me almost $1000 to fix the meter
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    in the morning, before starting the car, put a voltmeter on the jump point under the hood. if it is 12.5 or better, you probably need a new combo meter.
    unfortunately, 99% of the $1,000. cost is labor. the whole dash has to come apart. good for diy'ers, but expensive at a hundred bucks an hour.
     
  8. marcs_carhole

    marcs_carhole Junior Member

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    $1000 is quite expensive for this. The dealers around here charge $750-$800 to replace a failed CM (parts and labor), and an independent shop will do it for around $400 with a rebuilt one from ebay or someone like Matt (who is referenced above). Someone who knows what they are doing can swap one out in under an hour. A good DIYer or mechanic doing one for the first time should be able to do it in under 2 hours. (My first swap took just under 2 hours, but I'm much faster now.)

    There are many videos describing the process ... this one is the best IMO:
    .

    There is a several other threads on this topic. This one is about the most comprehensive: combination meter repair - DIY | PriusChat

    I suggest you get another quote.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not if you live in san fran
     
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    If it's not the dimmer wheel or the 12V battery, replacement is not hard at all to replace the CM. I've had two of them out. That video that @marcs_carhole linked is the one I followed. It makes the process very clear.

    And as mentioned, check with Matt at Texas Prius Battery Replacement. He sells rebuilt ones for $150.
     
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  11. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Yes that’s the video I used too pretty concise and it worked.
     
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  12. WebVixen13

    WebVixen13 Junior Member

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    Just went through a saga with my mom's old car. So I helped her buy a used 2009 Prius with only 99k from a local lady. We paid 6k, but it needed stuff like tires etc. Before purchasing we took it in to Toyota for a pre purchase inspection. They assured us it was in good condition aside from needing 4 tires.

    Mom's retired, and we're low on money, so we were hoping this Prius would be stress free.

    Tonight the dashboard didn't turn on, for the first time since we bought it a month ago. It's 48 outside, but not super cold. It happened a second time later on after going to the store. The key fob trick worked.

    I'm so worried this will get worse, it's stressful!! We don't have enough money to go the new route, car was bought 9/2008 so it's out of warranty. We definitely definitely aren't good at DIY car stuff. Lol.

    What options do we have? Any suggestions? We live in the south bay area of california.

    I feel sick that we spent all our money on a car that might need more expensive repairs. :/
     
  13. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Very common issue the dashboard module is called the Combo Meter. Just replaced mine. There $100 and require dismantling of the dashboard to swap the module in and out. Pretty easy there’s a great YouTube on it labeled Combo meter.

    Lots of chatters use Texas Hybrids for there module purchase.Use the search forum button up top and search

    Combo meter.

    For more threads about it. The combo meter does not like the cold that’s when it fails.

    Good luck.
     
  14. RD James

    RD James New Member

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    Could a leaky windshield cause this problem.It's just above the combo meter. I am sealing the windshield to see if it changes anything.
     
  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It does not help to expose the electronics to water, but I doubt that is the reason for the combination meter not working.
     
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