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FYI: TCS and Power loss

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Astrong1984, Mar 5, 2018.

  1. Astrong1984

    Astrong1984 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2018
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    Location:
    Castle Rock Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    So, interesting thing happened. I was having some MPG issues between my two Prii (one 35 mpg, one 42-46), see my thread on that...
    My wifes 09 vs my 08. | PriusChat

    So in effort to do some troubleshooting, I connected my VeePeak OBDII wifi scanner. I was checking engine temps, battery voltages, RPMs, etc. Not logging anything, just getting a general idea of how my car is running. Well, the wife drove my car about 50 miles and I got in the next day and there was a serious power loss, and it seemed as though the HV battery drained and refilled REALLY fast (like full to empty going from 0-50 at a moderate pace, and then back to FULL (both green bars) coming to a stop). Of course my first thought was a dying HV battery. Come to find out, my OBDII scanner was getting REALLY hot (probably 120F/49C). So I unplugged it and restarted the car, and everything was back to normal...

    Now the OBDII scanner I bought was a cheap one, but I have probably 12,000 miles with it in some kind of vehicle.

    Just thought it was interesting that it would have an effect on the car like that.

    Anyone else ever experience anything like this?

    Art
     
    #1 Astrong1984, Mar 5, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    boston
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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    yes, this has been reported before. not sure why, but they can mess with the computers.
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 5, 2018
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Two
    The going to full to empty is a classic sign of a failing hybrid battery usually accompanied by the hybrid fan coming on in the back seat.

    The obd scanner would not really hammer the hybrid battery it would put big draw on the 12 volt system.
     
    #3 edthefox5, Mar 6, 2018
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
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    Two
    I believe @Mendel Leisk had issues a few years back when he kept his Scangauge plugged in.
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Mar 6, 2018
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    It was apparently causing an intermittent disconnection of the obd port, due to the constant weight of the scangauge cord or whatever. I would get "check hybrid system" warnings, and a return-to-defaults brake feel: you still had brakes, but they didn't feel as responsive. Also brake warning lights, and codes point to brake issue.

    The last time we brought it in for this, the mechanic noted how his connection was noting if he wiggled the cord, suggested it might be the scangauge. I stopped using it over 3 years back, no further issues.

    OTOH, a lot of people have no problems. For me though, it was something I had plugged in all the time, but could take it or leave it. It's good for monitoring various systems, but you can also get by without, for the most part. I'll just hook it up temporarily, to something specific now.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Mar 6, 2018
  6. Astrong1984

    Astrong1984 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2018
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    Location:
    Castle Rock Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    That was my thought, but once I unplugged it and restarted the car, it seemed to run just fine....

    This is good information, I am glad I am not the only one to experience this. Not sure if it is my cheap amazon purchase or if a nicer one would be more suitable. Mine is a wifi connection though, so not sure if it is related.
     
    #6 Astrong1984, Mar 6, 2018
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