I'm stumped

2003 has been running perfect for the last 6,000 miles, as I bought it used. It sat for 2 days in 55 degrees with rain. Started yesterday and ran rough initially throwing a #3 misfire code. It smoothed out and ran fine after. I drove a 1/4 mile and the red triangle and car/exlamation illuminated. I took it back to the house and checked coolant pump=good, radiator and resevoir levels=good, engine oil=good. So I reset the indicator with SGII and it was storing no codes. I took the car for a mile spin and everything functions perfect, but the triangle comes on within seconds. All SGII parameters are normal and difference between hi and low cell is .2v or less. Traction SOC goes to 63% and v was at 290. I checked the aux battery voltage at 12.3 with ign and vent fan on. Pulled the negative lead and reconnected. I have force reset the indication numerous times as it is storing no codes, and not illuminating CEL, but continues to throw the triangle. I'm stumped. Only thought, is there a tranny fluid level sensor that could be responsible?

 

I agree John. I think the warning is a separate issue that happened as a coincidence. I just replaced the aux battery as a troubleshoot, and no change. The car operates normally otherwise. Looks like an aware scan is in order. Anyone near Clearwater, FL? Thanks.

 

Just checked tranny fluid level and it's good. Cleaned throttle plate and flow sensor. Discovered it throws the triangle as soon as shifting out of Park, and in the last couple of starts the display is now black! It will display radio presets though.

 

I replaced the 12v battery and if I remember right, the fault was cleared. I can force clear it with the SGII, but as soon as you shift it throws the triangle and flashing exclamation point and now goes blank screen.

 

Hi Chap, yes I have programmed all valuble XGauge parameters. That's why I'm stumped. The car runs fine and all xgauge values are normal. It's not the aux battery as I did a swap with brand new yesterday. The original misfire code is clear and no CEL triggers. Very odd though, the display is now blank after numerous forced clearings of the red triangle. Today I drove the car 10 miles. I cleared the triangle at a stop light and the warning did not come back on until I was in the driveway idling. I'm tempted to have Toyota pull codes, although I don't know if there would be any? What direction should I go if setting up a VCI mini? I have Win7, and saw one on ebay that was compatible from Romania. Still stumped and thanks for any help.

 

So, I find a Craigslist add for a reman battery 15 minutes from my house. I called and asked if he could pull codes and he said yes. I drove the car over and had it scanned (not techstream or VCI), at some point he said it threw a P3009. He seemed knowledgable in all aspects of batteries/Prii/Hybrids. After deep probing the battery specs, he felt it was a spurious event and that the battery was generally in decent shape, but don't be surprised if it's on the way out. Didn't try to sell me anything or rip me off. Said he could install a new battery when the time comes and he can buy them from Toyota much cheaper. With a Gen1, he felt it was most cost effective if planning on keeping the car. He reset the master warning and the car is now "normal", and everything works. ...still stumped!

 

Hi Patrick, the misfire was for about 2 seconds after sitting in 2 days of rain. The engine ran smooth after that and I reset the CEL.
As far as the 3009, that's what the shop guy told me also, and the car operated normally. I feel like I dodged a bullet on this one. (so far)
This is the link to the shop if anyone local needs a tech.
Used Cars St. Petersburg FL Used Pickup Trucks St. Petersburg - AutoMix Plus llc

 

What constitutes a good cleaning if this happens again? I know Toyota did the clean and seal in 2005. Is it possible this is the original battery? I'm currently getting 54 around town and 47 mixed driving. Thanks.