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Dashboard lights OFF narrow down problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Victorio Mo, Aug 19, 2018.

  1. Victorio Mo

    Victorio Mo Member

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    I see alot threads about this problem when you start you car and driving without your all dashboard, but I just want to share my observation, every other day I drive to foggy coast area park overnight outside and got no lights, good indicator for this when I see some condensed water on the roof.

    Then I drive 40 miles into 95F to work and after drying out I got my lights back at the end of day, where is this bloody failing connector ???! I thinking to reseal it, or to put some moisture trap bag inside.

    Tx for help
    M
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is a bad solder joint on the pc board. you can resolder if you know your electronics, or swap it out for a rebuilt.
     
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  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    It is actually up to 3 bad capacitors on the combination meter board. They need replacing. Still requires being handy with a soldering iron.
     
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  4. Victorio Mo

    Victorio Mo Member

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    Tx all, found amazing videos on utube, so will try to set a session.
    All talking about single cap, not 4.
    Another alt is to buy 150 replacement from TX
    Prius Speedometer Replacement

    For now I have protected shield on dashboard every time and it works.
    I agree with those capacitors, as reset/reconnect axu battery helps too.
     
    #4 Victorio Mo, Sep 19, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2018
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  5. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

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    #5 ITBland, Sep 19, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2018
  6. Victorio Mo

    Victorio Mo Member

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    Tx, ITBland, I've updated my post, got it QQ
    I have very busy schedule, do you think I can drive 08 without complete dashboard in case something go wrong with install ?
     
  7. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

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    Yes, there are a couple of posts here about driving while the combo meter is completely out of the car being repaired (usually by @Texas Hybrid Batteries ) Good luck! (But do check the extended warranty In my edited post above!)
     
  8. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    If you go thru the trouble of taking the dash apart and are going to fix it yourself I would highly suggest you replace all the caps. What would the other 3 caps cost, 3 dollars? Better safe than taking the dash apart again...for 3 dollars.
     
  9. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

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    But it's not the cost of the parts, it's the difficulty of soldering the surface-mount caps! (And the possibility of damaging the board.)
     
  10. J. Adam

    J. Adam New Member

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    I hope I don't jinx myself by telling everyone this but I may have found the answer to this recurring dash problem. I recently bought a 2008 Prius and have dealt with this issue using a few different tricks I found on the internet. All fixes were always only temporary and the problem was starting to happen twice a day. About a week ago I had the idea to cut some steps out of one of the fixes and I haven't had an issue with the dash since then. Here is what I do: 1. I get in the car and leave the door open. 2. I put my seat belt on. 3. With the door still open I put the key in the ignition. The car automatically starts beeping because of the key being in while the door is open. 4. While it is beeping I put my foot on the brake for a couple of seconds and hit the start button. BINGO! Again, this has worked flawlessly for a solid week and hope it continues working...hope this might help others with this annoying issue as well!
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have also found an alternate 'fix'.

    i get in the car from the passenger side, so i don't have to open the drivers door.

    then i turn the headlights on and off 3 times, before inserting the fob into the dash.

    then i move the seat all the way forward, all the way back, and into the correct position.

    then i lower all the windows, raise them half way, lower them again, and then fully up.

    then i start the car as usual and everything works perfectly!
     
  12. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The real answer is to fix what is broke. As I posted in post #3 in this very thread.

    If DIY repair is beyond you, you can contact @Texas Hybrid Batteries for their exchange repaired board, that can be programmed with your exact mileage and a lifetime warranty. All for $150.
     
    #12 dolj, Feb 22, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2020