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Common 2G Problems, and What to Do About Them...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Patrick Wong, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. Hank Dietz

    Hank Dietz New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lexington, KY
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    My daughter was driving my 2006 Prius when she heard a short sound and dash lights for problem came on, so she pulled over and stopped. After restarting, the car barely moved, so she turned it off again. When I arrived about 15 minutes later, I was able to start the car and drive it the few miles to home, and parked it outside. The rear seat fan was running full force -- even after sitting for a while, it turns on full force within 30s if I turn the car on. Here's what the displays show:
    _DSC0565sm.jpg _DSC0564sm.jpg
    One of the tire pressure sensors died and hasn't been replaced, so that means nothing. Anyway, it's hard to read, but the car does have just over 184,000 miles -- all on the original battery pack.
    So, I'm suspect the battery pack is dead. Two questions:
    1. Should I just have somebody (e.g., Green Bean) come out and replace the battery pack?
    2. Should I take it to the dealer to get things checked first and, if so, should I get it towed there?
    Basically, I'd really just like this car to last another six months or so and I don't do any maintenance on it myself -- it's been all dealership serviced. The only regular problem for it has been burning a bit of oil, but next scheduled maintenance is at 186,000.
     
  2. Stoner

    Stoner Junior Member

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  3. Stoner

    Stoner Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Two
    Hello...I'm new with chat and don't know all the acronyms you and others, are using.
    Could you please direct me to an acronym library or spell them out at least once, in your fine post?
    Much appreciated by all of us newbies.
    Stoner
     
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  4. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four

    Don't feel bad, they still make me scratch my head of some of them.
     
  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Sorry, but this sounds a lot like like a failed traction battery. You'll need to have the codes read to be sure, though. There are other possibilities. The best case would be a bad inverter coolant pump. If the dealer is within a couple miles and the streets are low speed, you could try limping over there, but towing is safer since it could just quit on you in that condition.
     
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  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Stoner,

    If you compile a list of the acronyms that require definition, I will endeavor to tell you what they mean.
     
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  7. Stoner

    Stoner Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Two
    Thanks, will do!
    Stoner
     
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  8. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Chesterton, Indiana Another third world country.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Actually there needs to be two groups of acronyms.

    One list for internet slang acronyms.

    The second list pertaining the actual car acronyms.

    Here is the list on the Prius.

    [​IMG] "A"[/paste:font]
    A
    Amperes

    ABS
    Anti-Lock Brakes

    ABRS
    Air Bag Restraint System

    AC
    Alternating Current

    A/C
    Air Conditioning

    ACCS
    A/C Cycling Switch

    ACCUM
    Accumulator

    ACCY
    Accessory

    ACT
    Air Charge Temperature Sensor

    ADJ
    Adjust or Adjustable

    ADV
    Advance

    AFS
    Airflow Sensor

    AI
    Air Injection

    AIR or A.I.R.
    Air Injection Reactor

    AIS
    Air Injection System

    Alt.
    Alternator or Altitude

    Amp./amp/amps
    Ampere

    ASCS
    Air Suction Control Solenoid

    ASD
    Auto Shutdown

    ASDM
    Air Bag System Diagnostic Module

    ASV
    Air Suction Valve

    A/T
    Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

    ATC
    Automatic Temperature Control

    ATDC
    After Top Dead Center

    ATF
    Automatic Transmission Fluid

    ATS
    Air Temperature Sensor

    Aux.
    Auxiliary

    Avg.
    Average

    AXOD
    Automatic Transaxle Overdrive (Ford Models Only)

    [​IMG] "B"[/paste:font]
    BAC
    By-Pass Air Control

    BAP
    Barometric Absolute Pressure Sensor

    BARO
    Barometric

    Batt.
    Battery

    Bbl.
    Barrel (Example: 4-Bbl.)

    BCM
    Body Control Module

    BHP
    Brake Horsepower

    BMAP
    Barometric and Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

    BOO
    Brake On-Off Switch

    B/P
    Backpressure

    BPS
    Barometric Pressure Sensor

    BPT
    Backpressure Transducer

    BTDC
    Before Top Dead Center

    BTSI
    Brake Transmission Shift Interlock

    BTU
    British Thermal Unit

    BVSV
    Bimetallic Vacuum Switching Valve

    [​IMG] "C"[/paste:font]
    ° C
    Celsius (Degrees)

    Calif.
    California

    CANP
    Canister Purge

    CARB
    California Air Resources Board

    CAT
    Catalytic Converter

    CB
    Circuit Breaker

    CBD
    Closed Bowl Distributor

    cc
    cubic centimeter

    CCC
    Close Coupled Catalyst

    CCC
    Computer Command Control

    CCD
    Computer Controlled Dwell

    CCOT
    Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube

    CCW
    Counterclockwise

    CDI
    Capacitor Discharge Ignition

    CEC
    Computerized Engine Control

    CID
    Cubic Inch Displacement

    cm
    Centimeter

    CMP
    Camshaft Position Sensor

    CO
    Carbon Monoxide

    CO2
    Carbon Dioxide

    Cont.
    Continued

    CONV
    Convertible

    CP
    Canister Purge

    CKP
    Crankshaft Position Sensor

    CTS
    Coolant Temperature Sensor

    Cu. In.
    Cubic Inch

    CVC
    Constant Vacuum Control

    CV
    Check Valve or Constant Velocity

    CW
    Clockwise

    CYL or Cyl.
    Cylinder

    C3 I
    Computer Controlled Coil Ignition

    C4
    Computer Controlled Catalytic Converter

    [​IMG] "D"[/paste:font]
    "D"
    Drive

    DC
    Direct Current Or Discharge

    DDD
    Dual Diaphragm Distributor

    Def.
    Defrost

    Defog.
    Defogger

    DERM
    Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module

    DFI
    Digital Fuel Injection

    Diag.
    Diagnostic

    DTC
    Diagnostic Trouble Code

    DIC
    Driver Information Center

    DIS
    Distributorless Ignition System

    DIST
    Distribution

    DLC
    Data Link Connector

    DOC
    Diesel Oxidation Catalyst

    DOHC
    Double Overhead Cam

    DOT
    Department of Transportation

    DPF
    Diesel Particulate Filter

    DRB-II
    Diagnostic Readout Box

    DVOM
    Digital Volt-Ohmmeter

    [​IMG] "E"[/paste:font]
    EACV
    Electric Air Control Valve

    EATX
    Electronic Automatic Transaxle

    EBCM
    Electronic Brake Control Module

    EBL
    Electronic Back Light

    ECM
    Engine Control Module

    ECT
    Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

    EDIS
    Electronic Distributorless Ignition System

    EEC
    Electronic Engine Control

    EECS
    Evaporative Emission Control System

    EEPROM
    Electronically Erasable PROM

    EFE
    Early Fuel Evaporation

    EGO
    Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor

    EGR
    Exhaust Gas Recirculation

    EOT
    Engine Oil Temperature

    ESA
    Electronic Spark Advance

    ESC
    Electronic Spark Control

    EST
    Electronic Spark Timing

    EVAP
    Fuel Evaporative System

    EVIC
    Electronic Vehicle Information Center

    EVP
    EGR Valve Position Sensor

    EWMA
    Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (MODE 6)

    Exc.
    Except

    [​IMG] "F"[/paste:font]
    ° F
    Fahrenheit (Degrees)

    F/B
    Fuse Block

    Fed.
    Federal

    FI
    Fuel Injection

    FICU
    Fuel Injection Control Unit

    FIPL
    Fuel Injector Pump Lever

    FLI
    Fuel Level Indicator

    FPR-VSV
    Fuel Pressure Regulator Vacuum Switching Valve

    Ft. Lbs.
    Foot Pounds

    FWD
    Front Wheel Drive

    [​IMG] "G"[/paste:font]
    g
    grams

    Gals.
    gallons

    GND or GRND
    Ground

    [​IMG] "H"[/paste:font]
    HAC
    High Altitude Compensation

    HC
    Hydrocarbons

    H/D
    Heavy Duty

    HO2S
    Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor

    Hg
    Mercury

    Hgt.
    Height

    HLDT
    Headlight

    HO
    High Output

    HO2S
    Heated Oxygen Sensor

    HP
    High Performance

    HSC
    High Swirl Combustion

    HSO
    High Specific Output

    HTR
    Heater

    Hz
    Hertz (Cycles Per Second)

    [​IMG] "I"[/paste:font]
    IAC
    Idle Air Control

    IACV
    Idle Air Control Valve

    IAT
    Intake Air Temperature

    IC
    Integrated Circuit

    ID
    Identification

    I.D.
    Inside Diameter

    IFS
    Independant Front Suspension

    IFS
    Inertia Fuel Shutoff (Ford)

    Ign.
    Ignition

    IMRC
    Intake Manifold Runner Control

    In.
    Inches

    INCH Lbs.
    Inch Pounds

    in. Hg
    Inches of Mercury

    Inj.
    Injector

    IP
    Instrument Panel

    IRS
    Independant Rear Suspension

    ISC
    Idle Speed Control

    IVD
    Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (Ford)

    IVSV
    Idle Vacuum Switching Valve

    [​IMG] "J"[/paste:font]
    J/B
    Junction Block

    [​IMG] "K"[/paste:font]
    KAPWR
    Keep Alive Power

    k/ohms
    kilo-ohms (1000 ohms)

    kg
    Kilograms (weight)

    kg/cm2
    Kilograms Per Square Centimeter

    KM/H
    Kilometers Per Hour

    KOEO
    Key On, Engine Off

    KOER
    Key On, Engine Running

    KS
    Knock Sensor

    kW
    Kilowatt

    kV
    Kilovolt

    [​IMG] "L"[/paste:font]
    L
    Liter

    lbs. (Lbs. when used in table)
    Pounds

    LCD
    Liquid Crystal Display

    L/D
    Light Duty

    LDP
    Leak Detection Pump (Part of EVAP system.)

    LED
    Light Emitting Diode

    LH
    Left Hand

    [​IMG] "M"[/paste:font]
    mA
    Milliamps

    MA or MAF
    Mass Airflow

    MAFS
    Mass Airflow Sensor

    MAP
    Manifold Absolute Pressure

    MAT
    Manifold Air Temperature

    Mem.
    Memory

    MEM-CAL
    Memory Calibration Chip

    mfd.
    Microfarads

    MFI
    Multiport Fuel Injection

    MICU
    Multiplex Integrated Control Unit (Acura/Honda)

    MIL
    Malfunction Indicator Light

    MPI
    Multi-Point (Fuel) Injection

    mm
    Millimeters

    MPH
    Miles Per Hour

    mV
    Millivolts

    [​IMG] "N"[/paste:font]
    NA
    Not Available

    NAC
    NOx Adsorber Catalyst

    NCA
    No Color Available (Wiring Diagrams)

    NGS
    New Generation Star

    N.m
    Newton Meter

    No.
    Number

    Nos.
    Numbers

    NOx
    Oxides of Nitrogen

    [​IMG] "O"[/paste:font]
    O2
    Oxygen

    OBD
    On-Board Diagnostics

    OC
    Oxidation Catalyst

    OD
    Overdrive

    O.D.
    Outside Diameter

    OHC
    Overhead Camshaft

    OSS
    Output Speed Sensor

    O/S
    Oversize

    oz.
    Ounce

    ozs.
    Ounces

    [​IMG] "P"[/paste:font]
    "P"
    Park

    P/C
    Printed Circuit

    PCM
    Powertrain Control Module

    PCS
    Purge Control Solenoid

    PC-SOL
    Purge Control Solenoid

    PCV
    Positive Crankcase Ventilation

    PFI
    Port Fuel Injection

    PGM-FI
    Programmed Fuel Injection

    PID
    Parameter Identification

    PIP
    Profile Ignition Pick-up

    PNP
    Park Neutral Position Switch

    P/N
    Park/Neutral

    PRNDL
    Park Reverse Neutral Drive Low

    PROM
    Programmable Read-Only Memory

    psi
    Pounds Per Square Inch

    P/S
    Power Steering

    PSPS
    Power Steering Pressure Switch

    PTC
    Positive Temperature Coefficient

    PTO
    Power Take-Off

    Pts.
    Pints

    Pwr.
    Power

    [​IMG] "Q"[/paste:font]
    Qts.
    Quarts

    [​IMG] "R"[/paste:font]
    RABS
    Rear Anti-Lock Brake System

    RECIRC
    Recirculation

    RH
    Right Hand

    RPM
    Revolutions Per Minute

    RWAL
    Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake

    RWD
    Rear Wheel Drive

    [​IMG] "S"[/paste:font]
    SAS
    Steering Angle Sensor

    SBC
    Single Bed Converter

    SBEC
    Single Board Engine Controller

    SDARS
    Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service

    SES
    Service Engine Soon

    SFI
    Sequential (Port) Fuel Injection

    SIL
    Shift Indicator Light

    SIR
    Supplemental Inflatable Restraint

    SOHC
    Single Overhead Cam

    SOL or Sol.
    Solenoid

    SPFI
    Sequential Port Fuel Injection

    SPK
    Spark Control

    SPOUT
    Spark Output

    SRI
    Service Reminder Indicator

    SRS
    Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bag)

    STAR
    Self-Test Automatic Readout

    STO
    Self-Test Output

    SUB-O2
    Sub Oxygen Sensor

    Sw.
    Switch

    Sys.
    System

    [​IMG] "T"[/paste:font]
    TAB
    Thermactor Air By-Pass

    TAC
    Throttle Actuator Module

    TAD
    Thermactor Air Diverter

    TBC
    Body Control Module (General Motors)

    TBI
    Throttle Body Injection

    TCC
    Torque Converter Clutch

    TDC
    Top Dead Center

    Temp.
    Temperature

    TFI
    Thick Film Ignition

    THERMAC
    Thermostatic Air Cleaner

    TPM
    Tire Pressure Monitor

    TPMS
    Tire Pressure Monitor System

    TPS
    Throttle Position Sensor/Switch

    TS
    Temperature Sensor

    TV
    Thermovalve

    TWC
    Three-Way Catalyst

    [​IMG] "V"[/paste:font]
    V
    Valve

    Vac.
    Vacuum

    VAF
    Vane Airflow

    VAPS
    Variable Assist Power Steering

    VCC
    Viscous Converter Clutch

    VCRM
    Variable Control Relay Module

    VIN
    Vehicle Identification Number

    VM
    Vacuum Modulator

    Volt.
    Voltage

    VOM
    Volt-Ohmmeter (Analog)

    VRV
    Vacuum Regulator Valve

    VSS
    Vehicle Speed Sensor

    VSV
    Vacuum Switching Valve

    [​IMG] "W"[/paste:font]
    W/
    With

    W/O
    Without

    WAC
    Wide Open Throttle A/C Switch

    WOT
    Wide
     
  9. Stoner

    Stoner Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    ah, very nice...thank you!
    Stoner
     
  10. KatHeath

    KatHeath New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Yes the battery always reads between 11 to 14
     
  11. KatHeath

    KatHeath New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Did they figure out the problem?
     
  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The post you're asking about is over 9-1/2 years old and that person only posted six times total. I imagine they are long gone.
     
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  13. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2009
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    Location:
    Tacoma wa
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Sorry I can reread the question but if he dropping to 11v and the car charging it at 14v then on it a bad 12v battey

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    padroo likes this.
  14. hybridheidi

    hybridheidi New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2019
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Hi...I have a 2007 prius, bought used in 2013 from one owner. It got a new battery in 2012 and it's doing well. I took it in due to the combo meter issue and also had a diagnostic test done. They recommended new spark plugs, water pump, drive belt, and the combo meter as items that need immediate attention. They also said I need to change the lower control arms within 6 months or so, and hybrid battery cooling system filter, inverter coolant pump, control arm bushings, and stabilizer bar end links in the near future.

    My car is probably worth 1200 at trade in, and some more for private party. I'm not sure if I should fix all this, and possibly have more things to fix in the future that is not coming up now. Any suggestions/recommendations on whether to fix and keep or get a different car? If these are the only issues (estimating $2,700) and I can drive it for 300k miles, I'll keep it, but I don't know what else could happen and not sure what's the best action to take.

    The mechanic said he has a 2006 prius with 330K on it and it's doing great with the engine and everything, but then again, he probably took excellent care of the car, fixing it with any signs of problems while me, not so much. :/ Any insight is appreciated!
     
  15. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Model:
    Two
    Welcome. I don't think anyone can say what you should do. I don't get too attached to stuff, so I doubt I'd invest that much in fixing all those issues. But I'll offer some thoughts on them. First, though, you said it got a new battery in 2012. But which battery? If it was the hybrid battery, was it new or rebuilt? Since it lasted this long, I'll guess new or else it was the 12V. If it was the 12V, you're still on the original traction battery so don't be surprised if it needs to be replaced soon.

    Combo meter - it is not hard or expensive to replace. You can get a rebuilt one from Matt at Prius Speedometer Replacement. He's a well respected member here.

    New spark plugs - if you're at or over 115,000 miles (iirc) they are due. Not terribly hard to replace on a Gen 2 Prius.

    Water pump - I'd only replace it if it's leaking. Some people replace it after a certain number of miles just in case.

    Serpentine belt - If it has cracks or even if it's at the age specified in the maintenance schedule, replace it. You do NOT want that to break. You won't know it happened till you get a light on the dash and by then the head will probably be warped. The belt is a $15 part.

    Hybrid battery fan - It doesn't have a filter. The fan itself may need cleaning. Again, not hard to do.

    Inverter coolant pump - Did they say why? That's another thing some people replace just in case. I've never done it and have had two Gen 2s with over 150k miles on them. If you can afford to replace something not broken, it will give you some assurance that the pump won't surprise you some dark, rainy night.

    Steering parts - Well, if they're worn out, they have to go. Of all the stuff they mentioned, this is the only thing that takes anything like special equipment or skills.

    So, if I was strapped for cash, I'd do the belt, clean the battery fan, and get a rebuilt combo meter from Matt right now. Those are things a do-it-yourselfer with access to YouTube can handle at home. Then save for the others or sell it.

    I'm sure others will have other perspectives.
     
    Data Daedalus, Fern1461 and padroo like this.
  16. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2008
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    Location:
    Chesterton, Indiana Another third world country.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Paying a dealer on an old high mileage car for non hybrid work is expensive. I would find a local shop that has done work on Prius especially if just changing parts.
     
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  17. Karl Goh

    Karl Goh Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2019
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    Location:
    New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    i-Tech
    Just noticed a mild electric burning scent in cabin of my 2004 base model. Smells similar to what u get when using a battery drill. What should i be looking out for?
     
  18. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    What warning lights if any are on?

    What you should be looking out for:
    1. The inverter coolant pump motor having a short and overheating.
    2. A high voltage traction battery module overheating.
     
    maleko likes this.
  19. Karl Goh

    Karl Goh Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    i-Tech
    No lights. The car was parked at the supermarket in the sun during winter and driven within 1 min and i notice the smell that lasted for about 10 seconds.

    Other than my dad noticed it while he was using 1 day, and that time i was at the supermarket, haven't notice the smell since. i use the car 5 days a week mostly short distance and maximum 1hr highway trips
     
  20. Karl Goh

    Karl Goh Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2019
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    Location:
    New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    i-Tech
    would it be A/C blower motor about to go?