I'm new, but owner since 2012

want to stay a prius owner and going through a rough patch! About a month ago, I had the "triangle light" go on indicating a problem with the transaxle. I paid someone to install a used only to have it happen again. This time I'm doing the work and got the unit out, exchanged, and now need to put it back in. It's been a "bear" of a job, but slowly getting there. Anyway, hello all! Once fixed, I'm entertaining upgrade to Prius gen 3 (mine is a 2005 gen 2).

 

I'm right at 105,000 miles. I like the look of Gen 2 more than the newer ones, and was going to drive it at least another 100k, but since she's 12 years old, that may not be very practical.

 

Thank you ETC (SS) that's very good to know. I'm just hoping that the diagnoses is correct in that I've seen threads on this forum where a bad traction battery will throw all sorts of codes. I think after getting her back together I will just drive her "sparingly" and put her up for sale. I will definitely tell the new buyer the history of course.

 

Well, that should be relatively easy to check out. Hmmm....

 

Okay got a new 12v battery and replaced transaxle again! Seemed to be running well until at the end of my commute, after climbing a mountain, I got the dreaded Red triangle light again. Put my scanner on it and it indicates a P0A90 code with DTC 0 again. So I'm sick and feeling really discouraged at the moment. Would the inverter cooling pump cause this? If so, why aren't there more codes showing up? Maybe I should just "bite the bullet" and trade her in as is...

 

Well the HV Control ECU would be the least expensive, everything else has to do with the motor and damper and they all looked alright. Harness and connectors all seemed to check out also.

 

Is the HV Control ECU located under the glove box, and do you need to remove the high voltage plug to change it? I've found them online for about 30-40 bucks!

 

Any information on accessing the HV Control ECU would be appreciated. The Haynes manual describes an ECM where you have to tear apart the entire dashboard to access it. Is this the same component?

 

I got the ECU disconnected and 1 out of two of the nuts out. I only have one more to unfasten, but it is deep underneath the dash and can only barely get one finger on it. I just bought a "swivel" 1/4 inch drive extension, and I think that will give me the torque and flexibility to access it. Anyway, I'll be finding out shortly when I get home in another couple hours. Thanks everybody for all your help!

 

Got the HV Control HCU out last night. Went ahead and ordered one online and it will be here Monday (dang it is going to take a week to get here). It won't be long now before I find out if this does the trick (or not). Looking back there was no indication that I was having trouble with the Transaxle, no noise or slipping ... To all of a sudden start having transaxle issues seems a bit strange. I changed the fluid at 80k miles, so I know it hasn't been abused. Just a warning to everyone that takes stock in the Dealer's technical evaluation. They told me "code indicates a transaxle problem, give us around 5K we will take care of it and go from there"....

 

After reading about the Gen 4 Prius. I'm leaning towards either waiting for a 2016 Econ to come down in price to the 16k range (fall this year or early next year), or waiting 2-3 years for a Prius Prime to get there. Thoughts?

 

As for safety, I ride a motorcycle, so everything about having 4 walls and a roof is an upside for me. I just wonder if I should wait for the 2017, since 2016 represents the first year of the technology. They do such a good job though, the old adage might not apply here (about waiting after the first year of new tech). I am starting to think waiting will be the best option. I guess it will depend on if I can fix my 05...