Dash board

HI All,

After reading a few threads I think I know the problem. Today while doing errands, the dash board did not light up. I put the key in. Tried to turn it off and no luck. Hit park and then it turned off. Started it and no dash board lights, When key was out I see a red flashing car with key. Drove it around and at next stop, radio went off after I pulled out the key. Drove car for awhile, car starts and stops correctly still flashing car and no dashboard. tried the other key. same thing.

After reading threads, I think it is ECU. I called a place that fixes Prius for transportation companies. (they only drive gen2) He said most like a problem with electronic in dash 30 for a diagnostic 200 to fix.

Could this cause gas gauge to be off?

Linda

 

I have never used the shop. I do not know how good they are. They told me they would run a diagnostic and if it is what they think a 2 hour job. My mechanic will only do limited things on the Prius.

How much is a new combo meter?

 

I saw some videos on you tube. 1.Go into the secret display and hit recheck. might have to do multiply times. Other was with the fob and hitting unlock 3rd was disconnect 12v battery for 30 secs. These probably really don't fix problem.

If I don't fix will the car eventually not start?

 

I think it is. I have been in secret display mode several times and have seen the battery at 12.? and go higher when I turn on engine, light or radio.
On the battery monitor my battery never goes below 3 bars and is often fully charged.

 

Sorry I can't remember what the exact number is. Last time when I turned on I think headlights, it jumped into 14 range.

My plumber friend has a 05. His 12v battery is going. I met him at the store. We both forgot to turn off the headlights. My car started and his did not. I had to jump him. Another time he was at my house. His car would not start. I jumped him with the Prius . I wish I took a picture of that. Don't ask why he does replace the battery.

 

update. Car acted normal today. I called Toyota and they will not cover it under warranty. I can't buy the part from Toyota because the mileage has to be certified by 3 different depts. If I get it fixed through them then I can't drive the car until it is fixed. One dealership said the part is 508.00 the other said it was 400 something.

I talked to Texas hybrid. His deal is sounding very good. New combo meter for 175 with life warranty. I plan on taking to the local guy for a proper diagnosis .

 

After diagnosis, it is the combo meter. He can fix the part that goes bad for 200. I would have the original combo meter. 1 year guarantee.
Or
I can get a refurbished meter from TX. Mechanics around here say they legally can't put in a combo meter. My regular mechanic might.

 

I'm thinking hard. I have to make sure I can find someone who will put it in.

 

This maybe a good reason to go with repairing the existing Combo meter. Mechanic that probably will help me could very well break the vent.

 

Yes he quoted me 200.00 He is only replacing one chip. (or whatever is the correct name) . All videos I watched did not take a long time.