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Check engine light and hybrid system malfunction.

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by BaconFairy, Nov 30, 2016.

  1. BaconFairy

    BaconFairy Junior Member

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    Hello all. I am in a bit of a panic. I just bought a used 2013 prius plug in two days ago. Now I have a check engine light with the screen saying there was a malfunction in the hybrid system. What could it be? Was it sold a lemon?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You need a dealer to read the trouble codes to really know what is going on
     
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  3. TrinaF.

    TrinaF. Junior Member

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    When I had that issue, the charger needed to be replaced. Just take it to the dealer and have them tell you what's going on.
     
  4. BaconFairy

    BaconFairy Junior Member

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    So the dealer said the same but I was at one of those public pay ev locations. I'm not sure what happened. My home cable was brand new and replaced. They said if it happens again bring it back.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    excellent. they'll sort you out if necessary.
     
  6. BaconFairy

    BaconFairy Junior Member

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    For reference, how far could I go without having to charge if I'm going on flat land? Am I limited to the 10 miles of the EV battery? Could I get it from Sf to Sacramento with out having to charge?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong....but the Plug In Prius...is still a hybrid...
    Which means you can operate it...just like a standard hybrid if you wish.

    Toyota actually released some commercials heralding the fact that you DIDN'T have to plug in the plug in Prius.

    So I don't get the question.
    As long as you can fill up...when running low on gasoline...you could get from San Francisco to just about anywhere you want to drive.
     
  8. BaconFairy

    BaconFairy Junior Member

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    Thanks! I'm just nervous now that my battery somehow drained. That is why I bought it. I just needed to hear that. Roadtrip!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  9. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well...now I'm nervous.
    Because the reality is a perfectly fine Plug-In Prius with no issues...should be able to be driven..as per a normal hybrid.
    BUT....
    If you do have a problem with the Hybrid System?
    That of course changes the equation.

    If you're not sure the dealer has tracked down the entire problem?
    You might want to postpone that road trip until you're sure it's operating correctly.

    My answer that you could drive your Plug-In as per any regular Hybrid was based on the assumption it was "healthy" and fully functioning.
    You might call your dealership and explain you concerns and get their recommendation.
    Wouldn't want you to end up stranded anywhere.

    Good Luck
     
  10. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I think I misunderstood your original question.
    You need your whole system to be working. It's a Hybrid...which means battery and gasoline.
    You can't operate the Prius without the Hybrid Battery functioning properly. In other words...as solely a gas powered vehicle.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    correct, you don't need to plug in. funny messages can come if if charging is stopped before pulling the plug.
    you shouldn't have any problem on a road trip, i can go about 600 miles on a tank average.

    you have a 10 gallon tank. the low fuel signal comes on after 8 gallons. i usually fill up then. just reset one of your trip meters, and you'll see your average mpg's x 8 is about when the last fuel bar starts flashing and you get a short beep.

    you may still have a bad charger, but that has nothing to do with the hybrid system. have you been charging at home?
     
    #11 bisco, Dec 3, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2016
  12. BaconFairy

    BaconFairy Junior Member

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    Thank you for this information! I had this car two days before the check engine light came on. I had charged it three time. Once at home (charge was fine), once at a public ev station as I shopped (charge was fine), then at work at a new charge station (where things went weird). This charge station sent an email saying it had charged but after disconnecting and pulling my car out of the spot it threw the check engine light. I drove around the block to get to a parking location. Turned it on and off a few times. Same signal. Panicked called for help. I tend to agree with the service guy that station is questionable and something might have been off with it.... or....?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    absolutely. if they couldn't find anything at the dealership, you're probably fine. even if it comes back, the charger has nothing to do with the car running, you just can't physically charge until the charger is replaced.
     
  14. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I was just nervous about the idea of you heading out on a road trip IF the problem wasn't completely defined or resolved.
    I'd want to be "sure" of what was causing the Hybrid System malfunction light and be sure everything was working before I'd head out on a long road trip.
    Did the dealership get any codes?

    If the last thing they said to you was...."If it happens again, bring it back" ....that makes me a little nervous, that they didn't conclusively define the problem.