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4 warning lights simultaneously on low-mileage Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015.

  1. Grizzly

    Grizzly New Member

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    Hello,
    I have a 2006 Prius with <55,000 miles. Late last week, the mileage suddenly declined by about 5mpg. Then, this past Saturday, I was driving under normal conditions when suddenly 4 warning lights came on simultaneously:
    -Hybrid system warning light
    -Master warning light
    -Brake system warning light
    -Malfunction indicator lamp
    I am sitting at the dealer now having them look into it.
    What should I prepare for?
    Thanks.
     
    #1 Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015
  2. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    The first question you'll be asked on this forum is how old your auxiliary, 12 volt battery is.

    If it's more than 3 years old with what you've described, it should be replaced with a fully charged new replacement.

    Where you're at a dealer you might be under some pressure to proceed with more involved repairs.

    The 12 V battery that the Toyota dealer sells is not cheap but it is good. Try to have them replace only that and reset the warning lights.
    Then you can see if the car continues to misbehave.

    What state are you in? What state was the car originally purchased in? If the car was purchased in a CARB-compliant state your main battery would be covered under a longer term warranty than in other states.
     
    #2 css28, Feb 16, 2015
  3. Grizzly

    Grizzly New Member

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    Thanks very much for your response. The 12V is definitely more than 3 years old. I live in and purchased the car in Georgia, which I'm pretty sure is not a CARB-compliant state.
     
    #3 Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Did you purchase it more than 8 years ago?
     
    #4 css28, Feb 16, 2015
  5. Grizzly

    Grizzly New Member

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    Yes. I'm the original owner. Purchased in August 2006.
     
    #5 Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015
  6. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Irrespective of your success with the 12V the car should be drivable for a few days.

    If it turns out that you need a new traction battery do some research on this site. A new Toyota replacement battery has the best track record--you might be able to get an independent shop to swap one in.
    Refurbished batteries are starting to look a little risky based on others' experiences.
     
    #6 css28, Feb 16, 2015
  7. Grizzly

    Grizzly New Member

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    Thank you again for your rapid response. Just so I'm clear, it sounds like it's not unusual for a traction battery to run out of steam after a little more than 8 years, even though the mileage (55K) is so low. Is that correct?
    And it also sounds like you're recommending swapping out the 12V--just to give it a try00even if the dealer recommends replacing the traction battery. Is that right?
    Again, I really appreciate your insight.
     
    #7 Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015
  8. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    12V battery problems are common.
    Traction battery problems are very rare even at 8 years with your low mileage but your warranty on it technically expired at 8 years.

    You have nothing to lose by approaching this slowly and thoughtfully. A new traction battery would be a big investment, so you don't want to take that step without informing yourself.

    Given the very low miles it's possible that you could get assistance from Toyota under some sort of "good will" on their part.
     
    #8 css28, Feb 16, 2015
  9. Grizzly

    Grizzly New Member

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    Thanks again. Just got the news: a P0A80 code and a $3,000 estimate to replace the battery. Does that change your thinking? Would you still ask them to replace the 12V and clear the codes?
     
    #9 Grizzly, Feb 16, 2015
  10. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    In answer to your last question: Yes. Start with the 12V and see what happens.

    If possible, get a second opinion on it. FWIW $3,000 isn't unexpectedly high from a Toyota dealership.
     
    #10 css28, Feb 16, 2015
  11. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    You may be looking at two problems at the same time.

    A weak 12v battery is not going to light up the dash & throw codes but a battery that is 8 1/2 years old probably isn't going to last much longer. Check the voltage. If it is low then swap out the battery, clear the codes & see how long they take to reappear.

    I would start shopping around for a new traction battery and a shop to install it. As mentioned, it wouldn't hurt to ask Toyota Corporate if there is anything they can do. The worst that can happen is they say "no".
     
    #11 JimN, Feb 16, 2015
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