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Prius shut off while driving

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Wilby, Dec 30, 2019.

  1. Wilby

    Wilby New Member

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    First I'll tell what happened. Sat for a bit and now the battery is dead. Was able to get it jumped and was driving and it suddenly died. No lights on the dash at all, no electric at all, just dead. There was a high pitched alarm ringing for about 5 min. Checked engine, and it was hot, noticed the oil was low, topped off, and when tried to jump the alarm came back on. Disconnected the battery for five min to reset the computer. Tried to jump and it worked. Drove for 30 min then it happened again. Engine not hot this time. Waited five min to reset computer, then it jumped off and made it home fine. Doesn't seem to be the HV battery. Wondering if the dead starter battery is tripping the computer into shutting it down somehow. Any advice would be great. Thanks
     
    #1 Wilby, Dec 30, 2019
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Lack of maintenance probably killed the car. You should check everything, including your 12v battery health.

    You probably overheated, you were low on oil, you may also be low on coolant.

    I don't think a low/weak battery would cause it to shutdown while it's on. And then you're able to start it again later. A dead battery won't allow you to do that
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 30, 2019
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    When you say the oil was low, how low do you mean?

    The first thing I would do is get the 12v battery fully charged and then see where things are at.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Dec 30, 2019
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    is there turbulence in the inverter fluid reservoir?
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 30, 2019
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  5. George W

    George W Active Member

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    Have you ever gotten yourself an OBD2 code reader and a smart phone app like Torque, or Dr. Hybrid, to give you more information about your Prius? A better picture of your battery's health would focus your resources better.
     
    #5 George W, Dec 30, 2019
  6. George W

    George W Active Member

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    Maybe I misread, but it seemed like he did have to jump it a 2nd time. Anyway, a weak cell may not hold the 13.8 V that is continuously applied during Ready mode. Agree with TMR-JWAP, would definitely pull that 12V and take it to get tested.
     
    #6 George W, Dec 30, 2019
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There are probably multiple issues with the car, but I don't think the 12v is what caused the car to stop while driving. It definitely is a problem is you have to jump start it
     
    #7 JC91006, Dec 30, 2019
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  8. George W

    George W Active Member

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    True, BUT the reason the 12V is being emphasized, is that it adds all kinds of weird issues when it's sick. A healthy, properly connected 12V will allow you to focus on other real issues insteadof chasing after ghosts.
     
    #8 George W, Dec 30, 2019
  9. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Please check the maintenance history at http://toyota.com/owners

    What is the current vehicle mileage?
     
    #9 SFO, Dec 30, 2019
  10. Wilby

    Wilby New Member

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    thanks for the response. Not sure what this means. Does this mean turn it on and see if there are bubbles in the reservoir tank?
     
    #10 Wilby, Dec 31, 2019
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  11. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    That sounds like the alarm on the ABS computer. The computer is located just above the gas pedal. That really loud and annoying alarm is there to tell you there is something wrong with the brakes!

    As others have said, get a good 12 volt battery and read the error codes.
     
    #11 strawbrad, Dec 31, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2019
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, make it ready and open the reservoir. the fluid should have some movement
     
    #12 bisco, Dec 31, 2019
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