Check Engine Light Blank Code

Code P0000 is displayed because the ScanGauge can't read it. Next time the CEL is lit you'll have to take the car to the dealer to get it diagnosed.

 

By default, the Scangauge reads the emissions codes. However, the Prius ECUs have diagnostic codes that are not displayed. Fortunately, vincent1449p has figured out the XGAUGE codes that allow it to read out these codes:
http://priuschat.com/forums/generat...classic-prius-scanguageii-12.html#post1050472

See if you can program some of the XGAUGEs to read out the hybrid vehicle ECU and battery codes. Alternatively, take the car by a Toyota dealer with the light on and ask them to read out the codes or diagnose the problem. This will likely cost ~$100. Another option is to get an Auto Enginuity scanner that requires your laptop but at ~$400, it is expensive and sad to say, their support isn't that great. The top of the line would be TechStream-Lite but prices have been reported at $1,000-$1,500 . . . pretty pricy.

You might also want to consider getting a set of the 2001-03 Prius shop manuals. They show up from time to time on Ebay or you can buy them from Toyota. Volume I covers the codes and diagnostic steps. Volume II handles repair actions. The electrical diagrams are also very useful. I do not recommend any of the CDs that show up as they are typically poor quality and are rip-offs of the Toyota manuals.

BTW, welcome to the group.

Bob Wilson

 

Scangasge is not an OBD reader. Get a $50 Actron OBD reader from your local parts house like Advance Auto. Follow directions.

 

If you have questions, post them here or better yet, over in the ScanGauge thread. It helps to post the version number of the ScanGauge software. I'm under the impression the version number is important and the vendor has upgraded older ones. Like many things in life, ask and negotiate. <grins>

Hold off on the manuals until we have the codes and a diagnosis. Folks here are more than willing to lookup the codes and translate . . . and there is always "Mr. Google." <grins>

There are two points about ScanGauge programming. We found the newer one needs a modified cable to pass just the ISO-9141 signals. Any scanner that tries the newer CANbus lines in car discovery can spike the 2001-03 Prius controllers with false error codes. It is an easy cable to make but feel free to post questions in the ScanGauge thread if you run into a problem.

Also, the ScanGauge will only accept programming AFTER it connects to a car. What this means is either program them in the car (best at the end of a trip while the car is warm) or using the diode hack vincent1449p suggested so you can carry the ScanGauge back into the warm house and connect to a 12 V 'wall wart.'

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

I'm not sure why you say the ScanGauge isn't an OBD reader. The OP's difficulty is that the ScanGauge by default only reads the same codes that the $50 code reader would, and the Prius has more things to read. The ScanGauge can be programmed to read those too (bit of a pain, but it can be done). The $50 reader probably can't be.

The readers that do come with support for the Prius codes, as Bob indicated, are more than $50. (If you have a laptop and a suitable cable, a bit pricey, I think you can get two days' use of the Toyota Techstream (-Lite?) software for $55 through TIS.)

-Chap

 

Yea! Great news:

Could that code have been "P1436 - Bypass Valve Malfunction?"

There is a hydrocarbon absorber located between the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter that is operated by this bypass valve. Often the valve mechanism can get corroded and lead to sticking.

Since the problem has not been corrected, I would suggest using this thread to program an XGAUGE to read out the code. This way we can confirm the diagnosis (and verify that P14xx is the problem and when it goes away.)

So don't be a stranger or at least stick around as you work the emissions code fix. <grins>

Bob Wilson

 

Perhaps w2co or vincent1449p might have something handy. It is a little tedious, a couple of minutes per code. It is best to have a printed copy of the table and program the codes in at the end of trip as the car has to be on and best in "P".

As for fixing the problem, I think your dealer offer of $200 sounds reasonable just for the diagnosis because the diagnostic procedure includes:

• checking vacuum hose - typically used with a vacuum gauge
• checking the hydrocarbon (HC) converter linkage - this has to be done under the car so a lift is pretty important. The problem is if the HC is damaged or too corroded, they may come back with a more expensive bill. This is not a cheap part and areas of the country with a lot of salt tend to have more problems. The only way I get under our cars are with a safety lift in a shop, ramps (I have these) or jack stands (I also use these) but it is part of the exhaust system . . . run the engine and it gets way too hot quickly and it takes times to cool!

If you can get the car up on ramps or jack stands in the evening and let it cool over night, you'll be OK. It would help to have some high-temperature lubricant and/or penetrating oil before inspecting. Caution, don't go nuts with the very flammable penetrating oil and make sure you wear eye protection when there are chemicals over your face!!

Bob Wilson

 

I'm confused ... had a previous owner replaced the original iridium plugs with something else? Or were there Prius models where iridium plugs weren't spec?

-Chap

 

The first step is always diagnosis. It does no good to fix the wrong thing.

Bob Wilson

 

You're after the "info" codes that vincent1449p posted.

Mostly by listening to the 'gray beards' the pioneers, who shared their lessons learned. I'm just lucky to be able to share what I've picked up from folks like Doug Schafer, Grahm Davis, good Prius friend Hobbit, orange4boy, tomfreed, and a host of others, many located at the YahooGroup, "Prius Technical Stuff." If my memory were better, I would give credit to everyone who came before. FYI, I bought the manual set for our 2003 Prius back in 2005 when we bought the car and I've started collecting the 2010 Prius manuals.

It sounds like it. In engineering we often have to pick two of three: (1) good, (2) fast, and (3) cheap. You may not have much choice but to go with Toyota service. However, it is worth while to check out the list of independent shops that may be able to offer a better deal.

When does the TOI expire?

Bob Wilson