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Triangle Of Death, Regen. No Good...?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by 2002-Prius, May 18, 2011.

  1. 2002-Prius

    2002-Prius New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2010
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    Location:
    Riverside, California
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Hello, I have a 2002 Prius and I think maybe I have a problem that is related to the 12v battery but I want to see what people think. I have ran this battery down to dead a few times so its been stressed, I dont know how old it is as I recently bought the car.

    The car runs well however I wait in the line to cross the border many days per week and I will sit for hours.Everytime I do that the regnerative display (the one that shows the chargind system status) turns off and wont start working untill I drive for an hour or so once I cross. The regenerative display will work when I dont go across the border and put load on the battery.When I am in the border line the only thing I am using is the brake lights but they are on solid for 1 hour plus.

    Anyways I was going on like this for 4-5 months and then one day while driving after crossing the border the triangle of death and check engine light came on, I continued driving....then the display area where the regen display shows also showed a triangle of death. I got home and disconnected the 12v battery to reset and now everything is working as normal but the regenerative display wont work at all.

    Does anyone think that the reason for the slowly on and off performance of the regenerative display area and then the complete stop of it after the Triangle of Deaths could be relaed to the battery? When I test it shows 12.6v but under a load for a few minutes who knows......
     
    #1 2002-Prius, May 18, 2011
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    1. Once the Prius is READY, the 12V battery does not need to contribute power to the 12V bus. The DC/DC converter within the inverter is providing power to the 12V bus and the 12V battery is being charged since it is connected to the bus. So it really doesn't matter to the 12V battery how much electrical load your car is consuming as you are waiting for the border cross.

    2. Your MFD (what you call the regenerative display) appears to have an intermittent connection which has finally failed. You can try removing and replacing the wiring harness connections to it. If that doesn't help then you may need to purchase a salvage part and replace it - unless you are able to open up the unit and look for a bad solder connection.

    3. A proper 12V battery voltage test would have you put the battery under load to see how it will perform. For example, while the car is IG-OFF, turn on the headlights for 5 minutes, then measure 12V battery voltage.

    4. If there is any doubt about the 12V battery's condition, I would suggest that you replace it now. Better that you replace it at a time and place of your choosing, than be stuck in Mexico because your battery died. The original equipment 12V battery is a custom size and not readily available other than at US Toyota dealers.

    5. There was a reason for the check engine light appearing, so you should not be surprised when that light returns.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, May 18, 2011
  3. Tschuerr

    Tschuerr New Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi Patrick,
    I read some of your posts and sensed that you might be able to help me. I have a 2001 Prius. The air does not work, and the dealer told me that I need a new pressure switch. They want to charge me $360 for the part n labor, but I want to do it myself n save money. Can you direct me to a good place to buy the part n learn how to replace it? Thanks!

    Tim
    [email protected]
     
    #3 Tschuerr, May 18, 2011
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
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    6,464
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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    toyotaworld.com is a very good place to purchase Toyota parts

    techinfo.toyota.com is a subscription website that will provide you repair manual info so you can decide whether you can DIY or not
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, May 18, 2011
  5. fixitguy

    fixitguy New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2011
    21
    3
    4
    Location:
    PORTLAND,OR
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    12V batt and AC

    OK My AC quit cause it had a leak.. was at the big nut on the
    suction line [?] between the inverter and engine.. Tighened it
    and added freon and its now working great.

    12V batt. Yep replace it!! I was on hard times and replace with
    a riding lawnmower battery from wal mart!! It fit the hole..
    The factory one isnt many amp hours either....

    My 2001 186,000 just one battery computer repair....Not $1100 from TOY, but $120
    from the used parts bin!!
     
    #5 fixitguy, May 25, 2011
    1 person likes this.
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