2005 Prius... on Life Support

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM.

  1. majordude

    majordude Member

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    I have a Prius that is in critical condition.

    It wouldn't start last Thursday and AAA towed it to a local Toyota. They said I needed a battery and a belt replaced. Belt maybe, batter probably not.

    Drove it around and it died later that night.

    The car's dashboard was dead and the red triangle of death would come on if placed in drive. It would not turn off. Saturday morning (it turned off somehow) It could start it and it would go into reverse but not drive.

    AAA came out and it (of course) worked the minute he hit start. I drove it back to Toyota which is where it is now.

    I don't trust them.

    Have you heard of this before? Can you guess what I need?
     
    #1 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Which battery did the dealership say needed replaced? The 12 battery or the hybrid battery?

    The problem with the combination meter (dashboard) going dark (blank) is a very common problem for the Gen 2 Prius. Take a look at this thread, https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/2293037
     
    #2 Brian1954, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:43 PM
  3. majordude

    majordude Member

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    The 12v. I truly don't think I needed that done. The same day I had a NEW battery, I needed a jump!
     
    #3 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:58 PM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Two
    Toyota Stealerships are as dishonest as criminals who think they'll never get caught. Don't pay them to look at it again, they'll steall your money and lie to you about replacing expensive parts before they even finish the diagnosis.

    If you tell us what region you live in someone on here who lives near you might be able to help. Or use this map to find an honest hybrid mechanic: NexPower certified shop locator - hybrid battery experts– NexPower Energy
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:13 PM
  5. majordude

    majordude Member

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    SoCal. Fullerton, Buena Park area: 90621
     
    #5 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:19 PM
  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    See the other thread that the OP created, and you already replied to it,
    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3615151
     
    #6 Brian1954, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:33 PM
    majordude likes this.
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