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2003 Prius help needed - Car not moving - warning lights on

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by scorch, Feb 5, 2017.

  1. scorch

    scorch New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2017
    3
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    Location:
    maryland
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Hi Everyone, i have a 2003 toyota prius. 190k miles. And it will not engage Drive, Rear wheel. It is starts, and runs. But is very shaky with the transmission on Park. When i iput it in neutral it smooths out quite a bit.

    There is a turtle on the dash lights, and now recently it has a triangle with an exclamation point. When i try and push the gas it wont engage. But after charging my lead acid battery in the back it did provide some power to the pedal.

    I really hope its not the main battery, if that is the case it might be a good idea to sell or sell it for parts.

    Thanks
     
    #1 scorch, Feb 5, 2017
  2. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
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    859
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    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Is it showing any codes? The triangle is bad news. Prepare for the worst.
    Probably not a simple 12 V charge fix, however, what does the 12V read on a multimeter?
     
    #2 Andyprius1, Feb 7, 2017
  3. scorch

    scorch New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2017
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    Location:
    maryland
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Charged up the battery and it starts. But when i put it on d or r it barely works. Not enough to go anywhere. barely accelerates.

    i removed the radiator cap, even when cold the coolant gushes out like crazy. Could this mean a bad head gasket?

    i don tknow how to get the codes from the car.
     
    #3 scorch, Feb 7, 2017
    Andyprius1 likes this.
  4. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
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    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Go Gen 1/2 Look up Patrick Wong, he is our Ace troubleshooter and advisor. He will tell you how to get codes if they are not showing up. I'd rather you go to the expert rather than give bad Info.
    I'm surprised nobody else is joining this post.
     
    #4 Andyprius1, Feb 7, 2017
  5. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
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    Location:
    Lincoln, NE
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    You will need coolant pressure test tool to check for bad head gasket....to me from all symptoms and other that you probably overlooked or don't know.....this air bubbles coming in your coolant are not good sign.....
    Without detailed inspection and usi2 boroscope it will be hard to tell you exactly........more info need
     
    #5 Samprocat, Feb 7, 2017
  6. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lincoln, NE
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    #6 Samprocat, Feb 7, 2017
  7. scorch

    scorch New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2017
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    Location:
    maryland
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    It looks like i might need a new head gasket.

    The coolant just jumps out of the radiator when i start the car and gushes out. I imagine the top end is warped. Im not sure what to do. I've never done a head gasket. But its worthless to have a shop do it. I see i have 3 options.

    Sell the car for parts - cheap

    Sell individual parts - will get my moneys worth but very time consuming

    Rebuild head gasket - hope it fixes it but very labor intensive and would take me a few days

    What would be your choices?
     
    #7 scorch, Feb 15, 2017
  8. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    So, what did you do, post 7 seems to be the last.
     
    #8 Andyprius1, Dec 17, 2017
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