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Prius having trouble post engine swap

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by z5500x3, May 12, 2019.

  1. z5500x3

    z5500x3 New Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2019
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    Location:
    Vermont
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello,

    Last month my sister's boyfriend swapped the engine in my 2007 Prius because the engine blew. The car was not driven for a month. Then when we got tags for it and drove it around town it threw up dashboard lights.

    It showed Big red triangle, VSC, check engine. My husband went to Autozone and they got fault codes and said it was probably a sensor issue. My husband decided to drive it from Orlando to Vermont because we were moving lol.

    He made it to Vermont but had to restart the car a few times on the way. He said that he lost acceleration on hills. The back vent fan goes on full speed even when starting car from cold.

    I just got a fault code reader and getting the following fault codes. $7E8: engine, $7EA, $7EB.

    Any help would be appreciated. Hopefully included enough information.

    Thanks in advance!

    Kevin
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    What were the fault codes that Autozone came up with?

    The codes you've posted aren't useful. Which code reader are you using, as many here prefer a mini-vci cable and a copy of Techstream.

    At a minimum borrow a hybrid compatible OBD2 reader at one of the various auto chains, if the code reader you borrow doesn't offer up any meaningful codes, then move on to the next location or another chain store. Once you have codes, post them here.

    You can also buy a $2 ODB2 blue tooth adapter and use the appropriate app on your phone.

    From your included information above, it would appear that the HV (traction) battery has failed. Plan accordingly.

    The failure most likely caused by sitting to long unused, among other things.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
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    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    The HV Battery is dead/dying.

    1) Car sitting unused for a month is bad for both batteries (12V and HV Battery).

    2) Lack of power b/c the HV Battery is NOT able to provide the needed electricity for the electric motor to work in unison with the gas engine. The Prius needs BOTH the gas engine and electric motor to operate properly. Dead HV Battery means the car has just lost 1/2 of its overall power.

    3) The HV Battery fan being heard is another tell tale sign of a dead/dying HV Battery. The HV Battery is overheating thus the fan kicking into high gear so to say.

    4) You did not mention this, but the Energy monitor for the HV Battery was probably showing wild swings low SOC (purple bars) to high SOC (green bars).

    The HV Battery will last 8-10 years for most people. You got 12years!

    Indianapolis area battery repair? | PriusChat
    Read post #9 & #11. It should give you a good idea of things to consider if going used vs NEW OEM.
    Should you choose to swap modules, that is a very temporary repair.
    Member 2k1Toaster has a $1600, NEW module option, if you can't get a NEW OEM for <$1800.​


    Your code readers is obsolete; it should have reported P0A80. Many generic/universal code readers would have reported that. These universal readers, also can NOT read all Prius codes, and oftentimes report incorrect/non-existant codes, and are unable to do maintenance procedures (bleed barkes, crank the engine, activate CHRS pump, etc).

    If you want to be able to read ALL codes and do maintenance, it is in your best interest to get "mini VCI" w/ Techstream from Amazon ($25+). You will get an imitation USB cable and a hacked copy of the Techstream software. BTW, Techstream is the official software made for Toyota/Lexus, and used at all the Toyota/Lexus dealers. Install is easiest on a 32bit OS Windows laptop. If you don't have one, ask friends/family if they know someone in IT. This person will likely have some laying around, and might be able to donate to you. Mac install possible, just search. This laptop should only be used for Toyota/Lexus diagnosis purposes. No email, banking, etc, out of security concern.