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Multiple Dash Lights no codes on OBD

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MyPriusC.NeedsHelp, Jun 1, 2024.

  1. MyPriusC.NeedsHelp

    MyPriusC.NeedsHelp New Member

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    I have the triangle of death light, check engine light, and check hybrid system warning all lit up. I connected my OBD scanner to the car a few times now and there aren't any codes. I'm at a loss of what it might be. There is a slight hesitation when I give it gas to go from a complete stop. My cruise control doesn't work, the engine brake isn't working, and of coarse there is no ECO or EV modes working. I've also noticed when I let off the gas it seems to rev up and idle high. Has anyone else had this happen? Is there any info on what could be causing this and what do I need to do to fix it? Trying to not have to spend a fortune with a mechanic. I have over 321000 miles on this motor, will it be worth fixing?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you need a prius aware scanner
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    ^ I'll second that.

    I got a slightly different Autel model, but it uses the same app and does more or less the same. It was extremely helpful in sorting out a problem in our car recently.

    Generic code readers can only detect generic codes. Hybrid cars (and EVs) have many, many more codes that the generics can't access.
     
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  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    From the symptoms alone, you've got at least one or more bad batteries in your traction pack and/or the pack isn't recharging as it should. You'll need a Prius capable OBD scanner to figure that out.
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Jun 1, 2024
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2024
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  6. MyPriusC.NeedsHelp

    MyPriusC.NeedsHelp New Member

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    I honestly didn't know there was such a thing. Thank you for the info.

    thank you for the info

    I was kind of thinking possible battery issues, but was also worried about possible transmission only because of the hesitation when accelerating and the engine revving up when I let off the gas. I was hoping I could possibly figure this out and fix it on my own. It is looking like that isn't going to happen. Thank you for responding.
     
    #6 MyPriusC.NeedsHelp, Jun 4, 2024
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2024
  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    It is fair to expect that a 2012 Prius c will have a very tired traction battery by June 2024, and your drive symptoms roughly match that of a dying traction battery. Can't call it for certain without that Prius-aware scanner though.

    The actual transmissions in these cars fail very rarely, but they can't do their normal thing without a good battery, and the batteries always go bad after 8-12 years.
     
  8. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    If you haven't already done so, change the ATF. That'll get rid of some of the suspended partials in there. Any floating iron particles are probably already stuck to the transmissions electric motors.
    Again, get the codes read before you proceed further. If you have to pay someone, make sure they give you a print-out.
     
  9. Voyageur

    Voyageur New Member

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    The symptoms sound like the bad battery. Same thing happened to me. Here is what you do:

    1) Under the hood on the driver side there's a small plastic box that has a thick white cable inside. Disconnect it carefully and reconnect after a few minutes. That will clear all the codes and buy you some time before you get the lights again. Make no mistake - you WILL get those lights again, it's only a matter of time. ( Alternatively, you can disconnect the auxiliary battery or even pull the orange plug on the hybrid battery to clear the lights.)

    2) Meanwhile you can start searching for a battery replacement. You can do it yourself, it's a very easy job, takes 30 mins and only basic tools. Personally I got a good one from a junkyard for $700 when my original one failed at 227k miles. Good luck!
     
  10. Voyageur

    Voyageur New Member

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    If OP has never changed tranny oil it would probably be a good idea to do so as well. Personally I use Amsoil atf that comes in soft bags that you can easily squeeze into the fill hole like toothpaste. Also a very easy job, basically as easy as an oil change. An honest mechanic would do it for like $50 if you don't want to diy.