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2014 engine running a lot

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by eliteconcept, Jun 19, 2018.

  1. eliteconcept

    eliteconcept 700 mile club, top tank mpg 69.5

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    Hi all,
    Noticed my 2014 engine doing something strange today, the engine was running in situations where it would normally be turned off.

    Example. This morning, drove about 8 miles and got stuck in very stop and go traffic. While sitting in traffic not moving, the engine was running. Outside temp was about 70 degrees, ac was on but was running on low speed. SOC battery showed basically full.

    Example 2. Coming home just now pulled into garage after 40 mile drive home. SOC showing full. Outside temp about 70 degrees, ac running on low. Pulled into garage put it in park, noticed the engine running. I left the car on for about 90 seconds and the engine was still running. I finally just shut it off.

    other info, about 1500 miles ago changed the engine coolant which required me to put it into mainteance mode to keep engine running all the time to burp the system. but as I understand, turning the car off and back on removes it from maint. mode. At the same time I also cleaned the throttle body plate and the EGR pipe. I cannot comment if its done it the entire 1500 miles after doing these services I just noticed it doing it today, so maybe its been doing it...?? MPG since these services hasn't taken a large hit. so not sure how long its been acting this way or if its a fluke or what but thought i'd ask here.


    whats going on with my prius princess? :confused::(
     
  2. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    Consider checking condition of your 12-volt battery, especially under load. I had that symptom regularly before replacing the 12-volt battery last year, and will still get that pattern if I have depleted the 12-volt as when the car is stored for 2 months. You have about 4 years on yours, I suspect, and that is all I got out of mine, although other folks get longer service.
     
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  3. eliteconcept

    eliteconcept 700 mile club, top tank mpg 69.5

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    I did just basically have it parked for a month. I took it out i think 1 time in that month for a like 10 mile trip. But i did just drive a 200 mile round trip on saturday. Ill check the battery but open to hear other thoughts too
     
  4. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    Ok, FYI, I monitor my charging system with the Scangauge , and since the charging voltage is controlled at about 14.5 volts, my 12-volt battery took a very long time to charge after the 1-2 month storage intervals for my 2012 Prius, compared to my other normal vehicles with normal batteries being charged with alternators.
     
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  5. eliteconcept

    eliteconcept 700 mile club, top tank mpg 69.5

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    Good info. Ill check the voltage tonight and monitor the next week or so. I drive 85 miles a day
     
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  6. eliteconcept

    eliteconcept 700 mile club, top tank mpg 69.5

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    checked my 12v with a volt meter and it registered 12.8v just now with the car off. thats after an 42 mile trip home from work a couple hours ago.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    seems good, but might have some surface charge. check first thing in the morning.

    the only other thing i can think of is your driving scenarios put a full charge into the battery, and the car is using the engine to burn some off.
     
  8. eliteconcept

    eliteconcept 700 mile club, top tank mpg 69.5

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    ok i'll check it in morning before heading off to work.

    i've driven my '14 the same way for the past 4 years and I've never noticed it acting this way in the past, and I'm pretty keen to how it acts. Esp pulling into the garage and having the engine still run for a minute plus after putting in park with a full SoC traction battery. hmmm
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agreed, the behavior is odd, especially for a newer low mile car. otherwise, you'd be getting suggestions like an older car that needs maintenance or repair.

    speaking of which, how about the cooling fan and intake grille?
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How many miles on it?