1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

06 Prius will not start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 06SilverPrius, Jan 31, 2014.

  1. 06SilverPrius

    06SilverPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2014
    2
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Long time reader, first time poster.
    I am the original owner of an 06 Prius with 178000 miles (with smart key). It drove fine, two days ago and now will not start during a 15F day. Car is driven 6 days week. Oil was changed 2 weeks ago, and dealer noted routine checks indicate no issues at that time. Original 12 v battery was replaced 14 mos ago. It has been dealer serviced since putting it on the road. Has the same symptoms when the 12v battery died last time, most warning lights on dash come on. Performed voltage reading get 12.o v. I am aware that this is low. Radio and headlights work fine.
    Car would not start in my driveway. I tried to jump it to no avail. Had it towed to dealer, who indicated that the transmission needs replacement ($5600) and insists that is definitely the problem.

    Since the car looks and ran great two days ago, is this typical signs and symptoms of transmission failure. No warning signs, lack of ability to start vehicle.

    Dealer insists 12v battery is fine.

    If this is the case, what is the best way to dispose of a Prius that requires a transmission which costs exceed that of the value of the vehicle?
     
    #1 06SilverPrius, Jan 31, 2014
  2. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
    1,391
    543
    0
    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca. 90405
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    First I would waste maybe $300 and put in a new 12 volt battery, if that fails find an independent Prius repair shop and try to find a Junkyard "transmission" for the car. Otherwise you could trade it in (and make the dealer happy) or advertise it for sale as is, best offer.
     
    #2 Munpot42, Jan 31, 2014
  3. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    3,159
    988
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    No, this is absolutely not typical. Did the car have DTC codes? Call the dealer and ask them what the codes are and post them here.

    Are you 100% positive you didn't reverse polarity when you jumped it?
     
    #3 usnavystgc, Jan 31, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II

    I just did a transaxle swap on a 2005 with 153k miles on it. You can buy used transaxles fairly cheap..even on ebay. Depending on where you live, there may be mechanics that can do this install for a lot less than the dealer.

    Luscious Garage in Northern California charges $800 for a used transaxle and approximately $1500 for the install, tax, and fluids/seals. About $2300 total.
     
    #4 JC91006, Jan 31, 2014
  5. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    1,686
    338
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yeah, whenever we see any words about jump starting and subsequent failure, there is suspicion of reversed polarity, or else of blown fuses.

    Be assured that many dealerships have a poor reputation for diagnosis. Where are you located 06? It will help to get best recommendations, if you are indeed near a good independent shop.
     
    #5 nh7o, Jan 31, 2014
  6. 06SilverPrius

    06SilverPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2014
    2
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    III
    100% positive, the polarity was not reversed during the jump.

    Located in the Princeton, NJ area.

    Will post the codes as soon as the dealer gets back to me.

    Thanks for the feedback.
     
    #6 06SilverPrius, Feb 3, 2014
  7. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    242
    42
    0
    Location:
    Columbus, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Is your Prius at Lawrence Toyota? They are usually pretty good.
     
    #7 Joe 26, Feb 3, 2014
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)