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Gen 2 Epic Failure--Dealer Perplexed--Need Real Help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Aaron K, Jan 20, 2018.

  1. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I was thinking he could check the fuse himself. And if it is blown what then? He mentioned a water problem in the past.
     
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Ok, back to my problem. I had just driven to work via interstate with NO issues. After about an hour being parked I hopped in my trusty Prius and pull out in traffic (so I punched it--as much as a Prius can go) and I felt a buck and then immediate deceleration. I did not feel or hear the combustion engine any more. The dash lit up like the Vegas Strip but I was not excited like I was on the strip, more like feeling I just lost my pot of money at the craps table! Ouch. So, as I manoeuvred from center lane to side of the road the car maxed at 30mph and I literally watched the battery go down a bar every 20-30 seconds. There were 2 bars left when I turned if off and then I waited about 30 seconds and tried to restart to see what would happen and if engine would crank or attempt to...no luck. Car would not move and all lights were on. Called a AAA tow truck and had an entertaining ride to the Toyota dealer. That was over 1 week ago...


    Ok, when I read this, I imagine being at a stop and then pulling into traffic with the accelerator floored. (That's 170+ amps initial peak, with possible a few seconds of 100+ amps). Very quickly, the buck and decel occur and he immediately starts moving to the shoulder of the road. Something certainly happened in the HV system.

    He noticed the battery indicator drop a bar every 20-30 seconds. This had to have been while on the side of the road, NOT while getting there. I've had a handful of times I've needed to get to the side of the road, and although it may seem like it takes forever, it usually only takes about 10 seconds. We can assume it must have dropped at least two bars while he was watching. When it got to 2 purple bars, he turned off the car.

    Although it may be another portion of the control components in the HV battery that failed, a disconnect / fuse is pretty easy to check.

    Looking back through the posts and looked at his dealer code sheet. Would stink if it was the inverter that failed. That's a bit more involved than any of the small parts in the HV battery.

    Has anyone ever seen what happens if you pull the disconnect while the car is on or in 'Ready' ?
    Clarification: I have not done this or seen it done, just curious if anyone has ever done it accidentally. Curious about what codes/alarm lights would pop up.
     
    #123 TMR-JWAP, Jan 28, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2018
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  3. Aaron K

    Aaron K New Member

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    I don't have a multi meter.
    what do you mean by "Pixel?" Thanks.
     
  4. Aaron K

    Aaron K New Member

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    I ran out of gas several years ago and at first, that is what I thought had happened or the fuel cutoff to gas engine. However, I'm positive it was only on EV power and the actual distance (drove by same place earlier) was about .3 miles. Note--I had left car running for a moment waiting to get over 2 lanes of traffic and then another 1-2 minutes sitting there stunned trying to figure out what just happened. So, yes the bars may have dropped faster than original posted inclined and when tow truck came it showed 1 bar if I recall. It was depleted quite low and with whatever dealer did, they said it is below 10% now. I'm hoping I can run across some good luck and it's only something small. I really appreciate your insight...there are a lot of helpful individuals on this chat...glad I joined!
     
  5. Aaron K

    Aaron K New Member

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    Very true on your time assessment. It did drop while on side of road more than getting there. While in middle turn lane I thought I turned it off and immediately back on and that's when I really knew there was no engine working...but then once I got to side of road I shut it off and waited a minute and tried starting again and no luck! I really like the disconnect/fuse option! Fingers crossed.
     
  6. ilovetoracecross

    ilovetoracecross Junior Member

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    I own a pixel phone.

    Ive no idea why it says that.

    You can likely do most of it with a 12v tester, luke 12$.

    Pixel ?
     
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  7. Larryy

    Larryy Active Member

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    Harbor Freight Tools has a decent VOM for less than $25 and you don't have to wait for it.
     
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  8. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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  9. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Not much reason not to own one at these prices.
     
  10. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    I'm going to sound like a real battery anode here. o_O

    Checking a fuse and a multi meter are a very basic electrical concept and tool.

    The Prius traction battery contains high voltage capable of killing.

    Aaron, you do not seem to have the background needed to safely work on high voltage systems.:cautious:
     
  11. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Too bad there wasn't a local club near you.
    Usually with some guidance, especially in person it is a bit easier to learn some of the Prius repairs.
     
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  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Actually, you sound like a voice of reason given the questions asked by the OP. It is time for him to realize that he needs professional help for his car, or else he can risk getting zapped.

    The problem appears to be in the control electronics within the high voltage battery case based upon the fault code, and the OP saying that a water leak in the vicinity of the battery was a prior issue. Hence a careful examination of those components would probably result in locating a failed relay, corrosion in the wiring, or a similar finding. But this assumes you know what to look for and how to do that, using a multimeter as a tool.
     
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  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You missed one word.
     
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  14. Aaron K

    Aaron K New Member

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    Agreed. I do not have the background to work on this. Given my increase in life insurance, my wife might disagree! JK
    If I had personal guidance it would be different and I'd give it a go, I'm going to seek professional help. Appreciate your words of caution!
     
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  15. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    My phone number is still the same.
    Feel free to call.
     
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  16. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Any update on this? Curious minds want to know.