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Red Triangle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by aundrea tavakkoly, Aug 9, 2017.

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  1. aundrea tavakkoly

    aundrea tavakkoly New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hi everyone

    So my poor prius sat for about 6 weeks (2006 215k) and the regular battery was dead. I jumped it, and went on my way. Everything was fine until I was sitting inside a car wash and the RTD light came on. I took it to the dealer and they said one of the cells was low on the hybrid battery pack (it was 14.7, while the rest were 15.6). They said it was fine to drive until the battery totally died. After they checked it no RTD. 2 days later RTD - 3 days later RTD went out by itself. It's probably worth noting that both the yellow check engine light and the yellow hybrid warning sign ((!)) were on, but both went off. What they heck?? I was going to sell it for cheap, (and give full disclosure) - but now I'm not sure what to disclose. Any input is appreciated.

    Thanks in advance
     
    #1 aundrea tavakkoly, Aug 9, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they're probably right. if you don't want to invest in a new battery, sell it with all the facts and info you have.
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 9, 2017
  3. aundrea tavakkoly

    aundrea tavakkoly New Member

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    yeah - definitely full disclosure, however it seems odd that that lights would go out - in my previous vehicles (tacomas mostly) once the light goes on it's on until you pull the codes. Is the Prius different in this regard? and will it store the code, so I can check it later?
     
    #3 aundrea tavakkoly, Aug 9, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, it does store the code. i think when the battery gets marginal, stress can cause the lights to appear temporarily.
    however, if your 12v is weak, that can wreak havoc with the computers and cause all sorts of weird stuff.
     
    #4 bisco, Aug 10, 2017
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    I would check the 12V battery, and if weak, replace it. All problems may then go away. The codes may not be related to "real" problems, but rather the weak 12V battery causing intermittent issues. When you leave the vehicle long enough for the 12V to require a boost, it can damage the 12V battery.
     
    #5 David Beale, Aug 10, 2017
  6. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    This happens all the time when a Prius with a weak hybrid battery sits unused for several weeks. All you need to do to keep the hybrid battery running good is charge & balance the hybrid battery. Then with ongoing hybrid battery maintenance you can easily keep the car running well for a year or three. For around $400, we sell all the equipment needed to get the hybrid battery running well again:
    How do I know if my hybrid battery is failing? - Hybrid Automotive
     
    #6 jeff652, Aug 10, 2017
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