'04 prius (212K miles) Red triangle, ABS, VSC & Check ENG lights on

Hi Guys,

My 2004 Prius has 212K miles (second owner). I started my car 2 days ago, and I drove it for 5min without problem, I parked my car in front of my house (left car running) to get my dog, when I got back to the car, all lights were on: red triangle, check engine, ABS, VSC, (!) & stability control off. Then I drove my car to my parking spot, I knew something bad had happened to my car.

Yesterday I spent all my day googling what the problem(s):

Checked gas cap(totally fine)
Checked engine oil fluid level (added half qt)
Checked inverter cooling pump, I guess it's working, it makes waves inside tank
Checked and cleaned hybrid fan, it wasn't that dusty. I can't confirm if fan works
Checked 12V battery (running 14.2v, not running [vehicle signal check mode] 11.5) still not sure if the problem is the 12v battery.

I disconnected the battery to clear all dashboard lights (it worked); and also, the car started with no problem; 3 minutes later, engine went off, all lights on and I couldn't put car in reverse nor drive. I'm trying to avoid taking my car to the dealer, it's a 2004 car with 212K miles on it, I feel like if I take it to those sharks, they are going to eat me alive, I'm just trying to check few things first.

QUESTION - if 12v battery is 12.0v or less I must replace it right away or it means should replace it soon?

After I cleaned hybrid fan, once again I disconnected the battery to clear all dashboard lights (it worked); and also, the car started with no problem; 3 minutes later, engine went off, all lights on and I couldn't put car in reverse nor drive, THIS TIME I SMELLED SOME GAS AND ENGINE MISFIRING AND I DO RECALL HAVING LACK OF ACCELARATION, so at this point I'm going to change all spark plugs


ANOTHER QUESTION - if the problem I'm having is really a bad spark plug, you guys think I'll have all these problems starting the car and all warning lights on?



Thank you all. I think I read all forums in here.



ANY IDEAS?

 

Hi Bisco,

thank you for your help!

Yes, I'm planning to keep the car, my car is in mint condition, I took it to the dealer for a regular oil change and tires' rotation on last May and everything was OK (see attach). I'm going to try to start it and take it to my nearest auto part, so they can read the codes, and hopefully it's just a new 12v battery.

When I press brake pedal to start it, volts drop from 11.8 to 11.3v 11.1v. FORGOT TO MENTION, all this happened after my car was sitting for 8 days since I was out of town.

Once again THANK YOU!!

 

Hi!

I going to try to take my car to my nearest auto part, I don't know if I can drive it with all those warning lights on, if not I going to buy one of the code reader Dr. Prius recommends (Carista). I don't need my car this week, so I have time to do one step at a time, as I mentioned I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer this time.

Thank you!!!