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Starting Problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by solson, Oct 31, 2005.

  1. solson

    solson New Member

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    I have a 2004 Prius and 3 times in the last 3 weeks, it would not start. All lof the lights come on except the Ready light. After several trys, it will eventually start, but irritating. I took the car into the Toyota dealer and talked to a service "manager" who told me if he couldn't duplicate the problem he probably wouldn't be able to fix it, which was not what the service technician had told me on the phone earlier (unfortunately can't remember his name).
    I have not had the stalling problem that I have heard about, nor have I received a recall - and the service manager didn't mention it.
    Any suggestions.
    Thank you.
     
    #1 solson, Oct 31, 2005
  2. ScottY

    ScottY New Member

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    It'll be helpful if you describe the steps.
    But I've read about people getting into Ig-On mode when trying to start. That caused by not pressing the brake pedal when pushing the power button.
     
    #2 ScottY, Oct 31, 2005
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Happens from time to time...usually due to inadvertently 'double tapping' the Power button.

    Read the following article for more info.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=12

    Usually, though, the best solution is to 1)Take your foot off the brake, 2)Push the Park button, then 3)Press the Power button. You should power down then be able to reboot to READY.

    If that doesn't work, though, you should 1)Take your foot off the brake and then 2)Press and hold in the Power button for about 5-10 seconds which should force a reboot.
     
    #3 efusco, Oct 31, 2005
  4. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    is your 2k4 one of the cars with the brake switch recall? if the brake light switch dosen't make contact the car will not go into Ready. If repeatable have some one watch the brake lights and see if they come on when the car refuses to start, if they come on it's some other problem but if they don't come on that would be the problem. Also it's just possible that the switch has move and just doesnt' quite make contact when you depress the brake pedal to start the car. This would just take and adjustment to repair.
     
    #4 Frank Hudon, Oct 31, 2005
  5. PeteB

    PeteB PeteB

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    Get someone to check if the brake light comes on when you press the pedal (when you're having the problem). There have been one or two instances of the switch on the brake pedal having an intermitted fault, and if the lights don't light up, the system will think you're not pressing the pedal.

    If this is your problem, a replacement brake pedal switch will fix it (the middle pedal, not the parking brake).
     
    #5 PeteB, Oct 31, 2005
  6. kam

    kam New Member

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    There was a TSB for some 2004 models relating to a defective brake light switch. Defective switches would malfunction intermittently before complete failure. The switch turns on the brake lights when you press the brake pedal, but this is also used to ensure you're stepping on the brake prior to starting the car. If the switch fails the car won't start.

    Don't know if you're aware of this TSB or if your car falls within the range of those needing the switch replaced. You should be able to get the dealer to look it up though.
     
    #6 kam, Oct 31, 2005
  7. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Ah, good point Frank & Pete. I'd totally forgotten about that recall, it happened so long ago and I haven't heard a thing since. I just assumed everyone affected would have gotten the recall done and forgot that that isn't always the case.
     
    #7 efusco, Oct 31, 2005
  8. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Cars produced August 04 or later I don't think needed it. Mine doesn't and I bought mine August 04.

    I get that hang every now and again too, often in waves.
    Pressing and holding the power button doesn't work. I think that normally puts you into Ig-On, which is where you are already stuck at.
     
    #8 DanMan32, Nov 2, 2005
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