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Multiple error codes and faulty cell, advice needed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by ArchaeoPrius, Jan 4, 2020.

  1. ArchaeoPrius

    ArchaeoPrius New Member

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    Fix or sell? 2007 with 200,600 miles and hybrid battery replacement (albeit a refurbished battery) 20 months ago. Red triangle and all warning lights that indicate battery failure appeared while out driving last month. Pulled over, disconnected 12V to reset, warning lights gone when car was restarted. Drove car to shop and had the following issues detected: error codes C1241, U0073, U0121, U0123, U0124, U0126, U0293, one battery cell failing and two others potentially failing. Technician recommended battery refurbishment and possible ECU replacement if battery refurbishment doesn't clear all the codes. Still using car to run small errands, and DH has purchased a new EV for commuting. Now debating if we should fix the Prius to use on long road trips (two trips a year, 1600-2000 miles each) or if we should sell it and use the $ (plus savings on property taxes and insurance) to rent a car for the road trips. Car not leaking oil and runs well; only other issue (to our knowledge) is the gas gauge that drops from half a tank to blinking pip in just a few miles.
     
    #1 ArchaeoPrius, Jan 4, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Are there other DTCs not listed, as none of the above point toward a failed HV battery module.
     
    #2 SFO, Jan 5, 2020
  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    What code reader was used to obtain these codes?
     
    #3 dolj, Jan 5, 2020
  4. ArchaeoPrius

    ArchaeoPrius New Member

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    Thanks for the welcome! Have been a fan of PriusChat for years. The other DTCs were for tire pressure monitors (decided to go old school to check the tire pressure rather than pay for replacements) and B1421. The codes were read with an Autel but I don't know the specifics of the software.
    Separate from the codes the tech checked the HV battery and detected 1 faulty cell and two potentially bad cells. The car had been a more sluggish than usual when accelerating, with battery charge levels going up and down quickly at times, so the battery problem seemed possible to me. If we could avoid an expensive repair we would be very happy.
     
    #4 ArchaeoPrius, Jan 5, 2020
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if i were keeping it, i'd invest 2k into a new battery. but i still would only use it locally, i don't like traveling in an old car that might break down.
     
    #5 bisco, Jan 5, 2020
  6. ArchaeoPrius

    ArchaeoPrius New Member

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    Thanks for the advice bisco. We don't want to travel in an unreliable car if we don't have to.
     
    #6 ArchaeoPrius, Jan 5, 2020
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I guess the perception is in the mind of the beholder.

    Yes, my Prii are 13 and 14 years old this year, but I would have no hesitation taking either of them on a long-distance road trip. Neither has given me cause for concern and by far the Prius is easily the most reliable car I have owned. Not to mention the most easily serviced one as well.
     
    #7 dolj, Jan 5, 2020
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if i had your knowledge and ability, i might feel the same way.

    but i do feel that the older and higher mileage a car is, the more likelyhood of breakdown, whatever the percentages might be.
    and i'm just more comfortable mentally, with those thoughts.

    i'm definitely not a risk taker in any facet of my life. i'm even beginning to be concerned about our 2013 hycam with 65,000 on the clock, and our upcoming 4,000 mile road trip.
     
    #8 bisco, Jan 6, 2020
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  9. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Those U codes point to a failed ABS computer. U codes are communication errors on the CAN bus which is what the computers talk to each other on. A failed ABS computer can make a Prius seem possessed and look like the HV battery is failing.
     
    #9 strawbrad, Jan 8, 2020
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  10. ArchaeoPrius

    ArchaeoPrius New Member

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    Thanks for the info strawbrad. Since the car is driving ok, was this a momentary possession or is the computer surrendering to dark forces?How much would it cost to exorcise the demons? It sounds like a job that requires special equipment and mad skills.
     
    #10 ArchaeoPrius, Jan 11, 2020
  11. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    The computers are available for cheap from junk yards. Dealers will want hundreds for a new one. The nuts and bolts of replacing it is a challange. Toyota Techstream software is needed to initialize the replacement computer. You need to find a shop that works on hybrids.

    I expect the problems will return shortly. The dark side is a slippery slope.
     
    #11 strawbrad, Jan 12, 2020
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