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Hybrid Warning Light, VSC, Brake Warning Light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MNTech, Dec 10, 2016.

  1. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    While lightly braking around a corner several lights appeared along with check engine, but the check engine was on previously. The battery immediately drained down to 1 bar while still being able to drive. Shortly after charged back up to normal level. The lights still remain. I haven't drivin it since.
    When it gets cold (below 20°F) this time of year in MN the battery "acts up". Started it up with full bars but drained quickly down to one bar a couple min later while letting it warm up. I've never had any starting issues even though my car sits outside year round.

    Any info on this issue would be much appreciated!
     
    #1 MNTech, Dec 10, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    sounds like a bad hv battery, not too surprising for a 2004. It's 12+ years old.
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 10, 2016
  3. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Is bringing it in to a Toyota dealership to check codes the only way to know? If it is this, what is the cheapest yet reliable source to buy one? Also, is it fairly easy to install? I've done some DIY work in the past.
     
    #3 MNTech, Dec 10, 2016
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    1st, check to make sure your oil level is not low.
    2nd, you can get the codes read at most auto supply shops, like autozone and oreilly
     
    #4 JC91006, Dec 10, 2016
  5. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Thanks for the reply!
    I'm overdue for an oil change, but I don't understand how oil level has much to do with this. I have a cheap OBD II scanner and it read out "N/A". Assuming this problem needs a better diagnostic tool.
     
    #5 MNTech, Dec 10, 2016
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    These cars are known to burn oil, when there's no oil in your engine.....all the warning lights would light up.

    There's definitely stored codes if all the lights are on
     
    #6 JC91006, Dec 10, 2016
  7. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    I'll give it a check in the morning. Thanks, JC.
     
    #7 MNTech, Dec 10, 2016
  8. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    Your OP says the check engine light was on previously--did you get the code read for that?

    Low engine oil would have given a warning on the MFD as well. That typically happens around a curve, thus the pointed questions. If you've run low on oil, it could indicate that it may not be worth putting much more money into the car. How many miles on it?

    If you're going to be working on this car, consider getting the Mini VCI cable running on an old 32-bit laptop. Cable's around $20, laptops cheap ($75 max) on CL if you don't have one. It'll give you the same diagnostic software Toyota uses (though not as robust and no instructions). The free auto parts scanners may not read all pertinent hybrid information--many of the codes, and there are literally thousands of them, are proprietary to the Prius. We're guessing without the codes.
     
    #8 andrewclaus, Dec 10, 2016
  9. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Oil and fluids are all good. When letting it warm up it charged to 6 bars drained to 4 bars then charged back to 6. Did this every 30 seconds for 15 min. Does this further prove the hybrid battery is bad or could something else cause this?
     
    #9 MNTech, Dec 12, 2016
  10. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Code for check engine is P0420
     
    #10 MNTech, Dec 12, 2016
  11. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    You likely will need a catalytic converter to fix the P0420 code. Your car is also giving signs of the battery going out. Have you heard the battery cooling fan running? With our current weather in MN battery cooling is not a big issue.

    I rebuild batteries in the Twin Cities. I have Techstream and can read all codes and give you a diagnosis of your battery for no charge.

    Brad
     
    #11 strawbrad, Dec 12, 2016
  12. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Appreciate the offer Brad, but I live 3 hours from the Twin Cities. The battery fan is running full power. I lost power power after braking today. Could only go ~40mph with high revs. This concerned me as the hybrid battery wouldn't charge. I stopped and powered back on which it began charging again. I will be bringing it in to the dealership soon.
     
    #12 MNTech, Dec 19, 2016
  13. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Save your money and skip the dealer. The fan running full power is almost as good as reading codes. You need a different battery. Try your code reader again or try Autozone for a free code reading. They might be able to read the battery codes.

    I charge $850 for a rebuilt battery with a 18 month guarantee. Installation is included and three hours is within my service area.

    Brad
     
    #13 strawbrad, Dec 19, 2016
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