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Low transaxle fluid = electrical death to hybrid system?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by V8Cobrakid, Jan 16, 2014.

  1. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    i figured since i tested it with a different 12v souce two days after and it wouldnt go into ready mode, that it may be that piece.

    ive found the dc/dc board on ebay. its the bottom circuit board in the inverter stack. technically its under the unit and has an aluminum cover plate.
     
  2. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    if i were to re assemble and try turning it on i would probably get errors, a non start, and no codes.

    the no code part bugs me. ive only seen it throw a code once. (when it happened)
     
  3. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    An update: I replaced the inverter, pump, and fluid. I still can't get it to start. My scangauge II doesnt ready any codes.

    My 12v was dead so I hooked up a fresh battery.

    Any ideas? I don't have the cash to have toyota toy with it. Last time I paid them 300 dollars to look at all the wrong things. My wedding is coming up and I need to save what I can.
     
  4. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    The DC to DC converter is available as a replaceable part for the inverter from Toyota, but it is probably cheaper to buy a complete SH inverter. It is easy to replace.

    John (Britprius)
     
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    It's possible the scangauge does not read all the Prius codes. You really need a Mini VCI in this situation.

    John (Britprius)
     
  6. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    Mini vci?

    I'm still not getting any feedback on the 12v side (doesn't jump when ign on is triggered). From what I've figured out, the fusable link and all fuses are ok.
     
  7. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Have you got 12 volts at the jump point under the hood? Do the side lights come on?

    John (Britprius)
     
  8. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    I have 12v power but no help from the inverter. If I were to have the power button double pressed (ign on) and disconnect the battery, it would die.

    So, as I test I keep slowly dropping voltage.
     
  9. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    Lights and accessories come on. 12v jump point under hood is same voltage as battery (12.2)

    When I attempt to start the ️Ready light flashes a few times and failed to illuminate.
     
  10. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    Gas reads 0. Seems typical since every major error and it tends to read like that. Scangauge also sees 0 though which I find odd (usually it's accurate). I know there's fuel in there. I was at about a 1/4 when it failed and I've added 5 since. (It didn't register the 5). Wouldn't a bad sender unit make a code?
     
  11. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Sounds like the trans failed.

    The MG is not spinning up the motor logging a Major Fault DTC. I remember you posting about how hard you drive this car.

    I told you what to do a long time ago. Its cheap and pretty definitive. Pull the trans fluid and see and smell what it looks like.
    I know its fresh since the seal event as they filled it back up but if anything burnt it will absorb the smell and you'll smell it in the fluid.

    How to believe the tran's didn't get damaged with the fluid loss and I bet it lost alot more fluid then 2 quarts.
     
  12. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    I've been thinking transaxle failure since the original botched install. Justtires is owned by Goodyear. They said they would replace it if they were at fault. I keep thinking they are. I'll check the fluid to see if there was burning. The repair guy who fixed it said it was low. Very very low. Didn't look good to him.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is 12.2 really enough voltage?
     
  14. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    11.2 or so is roughly enough to start the car. Not recommended but it will work. As soon as ign on it hit, it should have the dc converter to boost the 12v line (plenty of power and battery charge). Mine isn't doing that.
     
  15. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    4724EECC-E01C-47A5-9984-9627477D120E.JPG 5561F3A0-B76F-4685-9144-D16529A6455A.JPG
    first pic is sunlight. second is a high power flashlight.

    I pulled a little fluid. It almost smells gasoline ish. A mix between that and oil. It seems pretty dark. There was a dark haze as if there's a cloud of shrapnel. I took a pics. I also spread some fluid out on a white piece of paper to clearly see the debre. There are slivers of what looks like copper all throughout. I need to look up where to send the fluid to see what's said. I feel I should take it to toyota to check it but last time I paid them 300 dollars to do it and they checked the battery instead... And the brakes, etc (even though I told them not to)
     
  16. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    that fluid looks pretty good
     
  17. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    seemed dark to me. the only way to see through it is with my spotlight.


    that sample is from me lostening the plug, not fully temoving it.