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Computer Problem?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jeffg369, Nov 10, 2010.

  1. jeffg369

    jeffg369 New Member

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    Two problems and I wonder if they are related both are intermittent
    2008 Prius
    1) Once or twice a month the car will not start. I step on the brake and push start nothing no lights on dash. first time I thought dead 12V battery. Wait a minute step on brake and car starts sometimes I have to do this 3 or 4 times it has never not started and it has been doing this for 3 months now.
    2) Try to lock car with handle get single beep, open close all doors no luck the car locks with the fob button or if I start the car & shut it off it will lock. this happens once or twice a week for the past year any suggestioins appreciated.
     
  2. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Hmm, might be two separate problems.

    If you leave the car in Ready and try to lock the doors, you will get the
    single beep.
    If the 12V battery is on its way out, sometimes the car won't shut down.

    How did you rule out the 12V battery as the potential problem?

    Have you ever had to jump start the car?

    I'm thinking about the FOB battery. Is it still the original?
    IIRC, they go for ~$2.50.
     
  3. jeffg369

    jeffg369 New Member

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    How did you rule out the 12V battery as the potential problem?

    Voltage 12.4 V nothing on and 12.0 V lights on


    Have you ever had to jump start the car?

    No

    I'm thinking about the FOB battery. Is it still the original?
    IIRC, they go for ~$2.50.

    red light blinks when button pressed
     
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Where is the fob when these things happen?
     
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    1 person likes this.
  6. GuamKelly

    GuamKelly Member

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  7. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Jeff. If those are the voltages measured by the MFD in maintenance mode and after the cars has been sitting (off) for several hours or more then it's not necessarily that bad.

    Yes 12.4 is a little low but as there's some power drain while it's being measured then the open-circuit voltage would probably be about 12.5.

    Also assuming that "lights on" means normal headlights, and that you waited 10 to 20 seconds for the voltage to settle, then I'd say anything 12.0 or over is good.
     
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    One suggestion is that you replace the 12V battery and the fob battery.

    Another suggestion is that you keep the fob physically away from your cellphone. That might improve the responsiveness of the Smart system.
     
  9. jeffg369

    jeffg369 New Member

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    Thanks for the comments. I've already replaced the fob battery and will order a new 12v.