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2003 Prius Help

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by organick, Apr 15, 2011.

  1. organick

    organick New Member

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    I have an 03 Prius with about 130k miles on it. Been a great car. Fluids, lots of tires, and one set of brakes is it.....

    But this winter we started having issues. On morning when it got pretty cold the night before it would stall out on the first start and throw up a bunch of warnings. Would then start up fine and run fine usually. There was a time or 2 it stalled out several times before starting and twice after we started driving we sort of lost power for a few minutes and the green turtle came on. I have not had any codes read but can anyone comment as to likely causes? I am a little afraid its the HV Battery or the computers running it at this mileage? Thanks
     
    #1 organick, Apr 15, 2011
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Regarding the engine no-start issue:

    I suggest that you do an engine tune-up if one has not been recently done. Replace the iridium spark plugs with the correct NGK or Denso plugs as listed in the owner's manual, replace the engine air filter if dirty, and clean the throttle body interior and throttle plate using throttle body cleaner.

    Remove the air filter housing so that you can access the throttle body. Spray cleaner on a clean cloth or paper towel and use that to scrub off the throttle body interior. Rotate the throttle plate by turning the spring-loaded shaft, to access the edge and underside of the throttle plate.

    The turtle warning light (which is amber IIRC) is telling you that limited power is available from the traction battery. This may be temperature related. If this continues to light up when the ambient temperature is moderate then this may be an indication that the battery is having a problem.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Apr 15, 2011
  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    location: NC. Are you in North Carolina? Have you heard of Taylor Automotive over in Sanford? They are one of the top shops in the country when it comes to Gen I, including offering an upgraded replacement hv battery pack. Likewise, if NC means northern California, you have some options in Luscious Garage or Art's Automotive.
     
    #3 seilerts, Apr 15, 2011
  4. organick

    organick New Member

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    Thanks Patrick, How do you know it has the wrong spark plugs in?? Just curious.

    I will do that other stuff though and hope it helps. It only happens on cold days. We had a month long warm streak and she started everyday just fine and then it dropped to 25 one night and she stalled out on the first start. It has always been cold related, is that to be expected?

    Thank you
     
    #4 organick, Apr 15, 2011
  5. organick

    organick New Member

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    OH north Carolina and i just heard of taylors so i will know where to go if I need to. Hopefully i never meet them though.
     
    #5 organick, Apr 15, 2011
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I don't know that the car currently has the wrong spark plugs installed. The correct spark plugs may be installed, but worn out by now.

    I also want to encourage you to install the correct replacement spark plugs. Do not use a cheap platinum substitute.

    Yes, cold weather makes the engine harder to start.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Apr 15, 2011
  7. organick

    organick New Member

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    ok Ill be sure to use the ones in manual. Thanks again
     
    #7 organick, Apr 15, 2011
  8. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Cool, I was mostly hoping to save you a pointless trip to a dealership.

    If you could get those codes read, that would help.
     
    #8 seilerts, Apr 15, 2011
  9. organick

    organick New Member

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    Can i get the codes read anywhwere else? Like autozone? they do free obd code reading? The dealership is 40 minutes away.
     
    #9 organick, Apr 15, 2011
  10. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Autozone or Checker-O'Reilly
     
    #10 seilerts, Apr 15, 2011
  11. Jan aeso

    Jan aeso New Member

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    How do I locate pcv valve in 2p03 Prius?
     
    #11 Jan aeso, Jun 3, 2019
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It is located on the engine valve cover on the side closest to the inverter. Remove the engine wiring harness that runs over the valve cover for access.
     
    #12 Patrick Wong, Jun 3, 2019
  13. Jan aeso

    Jan aeso New Member

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    Thank you very much sir !
     
    #13 Jan aeso, Jun 3, 2019
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