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Gen 2 2005 Prius - Firing issue or something more?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SellingMyPrius, Jan 21, 2020.

  1. SellingMyPrius

    SellingMyPrius New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello All,

    I am new to the forum.

    I have a 2005 Gen 2 Prius with 201,572 miles.

    When you turn on the vehicle, it rattles, but when you place it in drive is purrs like a kitten. When you drive, it is slow to get up to speed, and when you let off the gas it jumps or sputters.

    There error code P0303 which says it could be the spark plugs as they haven't been changed, but am wondering if you think it is something more?

    The warning lights light up, but when I erase the code they go out, but then light up again sometimes while driving or when you restart the car.

    Here the car run:


    I am looking to sell the car and want to be accurate for what I say in the ad so the buyer is sure to understand what they are getting.

    What do you think is a fair price for this car to a private buyer?

    Thoughts?

    thanks,
    Mark
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 SellingMyPrius, Jan 21, 2020
  2. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    P0303 just means that you have a misfire in cylinder 3. Easiest test is probably to swap ignition coils between cylinders. While swapping those check that there's not water in there. If there's that could be the cause. You would swap ignition coils for example between cylinders 2 and 3. If you then get P0302 you know that you have a bad coil.

    If you still get P0303 next you should just change the spark plugs. If you still get p0303 it has to be wiring, injector, or mechanical. There are pretty easy tests for those as well.
     
    #2 valde3, Jan 22, 2020
  3. M in KC

    M in KC Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Here is my opinion, no one is going to buy this vehicle or any other for that matter when the dash lights up like a Christmas Tree. If they do they will haggle your price downward to protect themselves for inevitable and unknown repairs. Valde3's comments are spot on. Follow those to resolve your misfire issue and in turn pocket some additional coin at the time of sale due to your car having a clean bill of health. .02
     
    #3 M in KC, Jan 22, 2020
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the plugs are original?:confused:
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 22, 2020
  5. SellingMyPrius

    SellingMyPrius New Member

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    2012 Prius c
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    Thank you! I will most certainly start there.

    Thank you for your 2 cents - much appreciated.

    Yes.
     
    #5 SellingMyPrius, Jan 22, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 22, 2020
  6. eternalphoenix64

    eternalphoenix64 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    You aren't getting all the codes from all the ECUs. You need to get all the codes. The red triangle doesn't come on for a misfire (at least, it didn't in my 2009). You need something that can check the stability control ECU and ABS ECU at a minimum. They might clear up from fixing the misfire, but you'll still need to clear them....

    I spent $80 and got a mini VCI cable (firmware 2.0.4) and Techstream software from Amazon. You can get the older firmware for less money, but I wanted to be absolutely certain I was going to be able to check everything.

    If I was buying a car that had your christmas tree, I'm walking away. I don't care if you're selling it for $1,000 and it's worth $20,000 when fixed. It's not worth the headache.

    Replace your plugs, it's simple. All you need is a ratchet with a 5/8 spark plug socket, a 10mm socket, and a variety of extensions
     
    #6 eternalphoenix64, Jan 22, 2020
    SFO likes this.
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