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Prius doesn't start, plethora of issues leading up to it. Suggestions?

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

  1. heptagon

    heptagon New Member

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    Hey guys, my prius is at the dealership mechanic and they're trying to get me to replace some modules on my car looking like 1-2k. I'm wondering if yall have any ideas on what my problem might be.

    The car is a 2006 Gen 2 Prius, 236k miles. I purchased it two years ago.

    Around 8 weeks ago, the car would get the red triangle while making hard lefts. I did some research and replaced the oil and that issue went away entirely.

    Around 5 weeks ago, the car had some lights on randomly sometimes while driving. (the ((!)), ABS, and VSC lights) This had no effect on the cars driving. These would usually persist for the whole drive but didn't always come on.

    Around 3 weeks ago, sometimes while driving, those lights on the dash would light up, and a loud beep would emit from the car. The brakes at this stage wouldn't work as well(?). This would continue until I turned the car off, and when turned on again would go away. At this point it would sometimes take a try or two to start the car as well.

    Finally, last thursday the car shut off entirely while driving. Luckily it was close to my house. The entire dash - odometer and everything - shut off and the only lights that would be on were my hazards (I turned them on). The center console would work as normal and the car would still get power from the sockets (my bluetooth adaptor still worked). I was able to drive it, however the gear indicators didn't work, I could still change gear. The power steering also stopped working at this stage. I drove it home (was close, hazards on the whole time) and at times the power would start working again - power steering, ac would flicker on and off, dash lights. I pulled it into the drive way and haven't been able to start it. I had it towed to the dealership and they ran their electronic thing. Error codes for almost everything popped up (I have pictures if needed). They're telling me they're not totally sure the issue and want to replace modules. Minimum cost for one they said is 900.

    Anyone have any suggestions? I can get it towed to a different local mechanic or I can suggest something to the place.

    Car issues are new to me as I haven't been driving for too long, my troubleshooting skills are minimal

    Thanks for reading!
     
    #1 heptagon, Nov 7, 2018
  2. James1964

    James1964 Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    II
    Dang man. I'm fairly new with the Prius but we have similar vehicles, mileage. It''s almost always a bad 12 volt and/or HV battery failure. If you have the original HV battery in there than it''s likely dead or dying. There are multiple helpful experts on PC and they'll have more a more qualified diagnosis or next step recommendation.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 James1964, Nov 7, 2018
  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat (y).

    @Travis Decker is in your neck of the woods and works on hybrids for a living and could offer a second opinion;).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #3 Raytheeagle, Nov 7, 2018
    bisco and James1964 like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    a toyota dealership is willing to replace modules?
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 8, 2018
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Rule #1:

    Get things fixed as they come up.
    IF......you let things go until you HAVE to do something because now it won't run anymore......
    the process becomes more complicated, confusing and costly.

    Alas, that won't help you any now.
    Good luck.
     
    #5 sam spade 2, Nov 8, 2018
  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I thought he was talking about computer "modules".
     
    #6 sam spade 2, Nov 8, 2018
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, thanks. sounded like battery modules to this old brain:oops:
     
    #7 bisco, Nov 8, 2018
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  8. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    Welcome!

    So the oil is not being checked routinely?

    Oh yes it did! Just because the driver did not perceive the effect, does not mean there was none. This is typical of a HV pack issue, but not conclusively so.

    You have a known brake problem and you continue to drive it without getting it fixed?!?!?!

    They obviously have not followed a single diagnostic routine as doing so will tell them exactly where the problem(s) is/are. So, tell them them that for the kingly sum per hour they are charging you, you expect that every diagnostic routine will be completed accurately - NO GUESSWORK. They will find the problem and from the descriptions, it seems like some type of High Voltage (HV) issue, might be the HV battery itself or elsewhere.
     
    #8 05PreeUs, Nov 9, 2018
  9. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    B/C you have limited DIY abilities, all the money you will be spending on parts/labor, will be better applied to a Corolla, Yaris, Civic, Fit, Cruz, Focus, Accent, etc. Best to get a new vehicle (new or used).
    • vehicle has engine damage due to repeated driving w/ insufficient oil level
    • brake issues/failure - DANGER Will Robinson, DANGER.
     
    #9 exstudent, Nov 10, 2018
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