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3 clicks from the back when starting

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Gabej32, Jun 16, 2019.

  1. Gabej32

    Gabej32 New Member

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    Hello,
    I am new here but use it for troubleshooting. I was wondering if anyone came across a similar issue when starting the car and hearing 3 clicks in the back. This happen after my car would not start at all. I had to switch the AM2 fuse and it started working thankfully. However now I am worried that there may be some wires harnessing issues. Also when the condition and driving longer distances tend to make the triangle go on. Does anyone else have the issue with the dashboard lights not turning on when starting? Anything helps. Thank you.
     
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    sorry not understanding your issue.The clicks in the back are the main power relays they connect the hybrid battery to the car.

    Be more definitive in what you need please.
     
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    There are three relays back there, SMRB, SMRG, and SMRP.

    When you ready the car, SMRP and SMRG pull in simultaneously; you hear that as one click.

    After a fraction of a second to precharge the inverter capacitors through SMRP, SMRB pulls in. That's the second click you hear. Just after that, SMRP is released, the third click.

    Normal in every Prius ever.
     
    M in KC likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    test your 12v battery health
     
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    WHAT ??

    I think you are focusing on the wrong thing(s) here.
    The car refused to start at least once.
    Warning lights come on the dash.
    The MFD display does not come on at least at time.

    And yet you are worried about 3 clicks when starting ????

    HIGHLY likely that if you fix the real problem(s) the clicking will go away.
     
  6. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    First things first....

    You previously popped the AM2 fuse, so most likely your inverter cooling water pump has failed or is failing. When the AM2 fuse opens, it also kills the dash, the MFD and really, the car. Bad stuff if you were driving on a busy road at the time. If you replaced the AM2, but didn't replace the inverter cooling water pump, most likely you have little to no cooling flow through the inverter, TA--Da......which would cause temperature issues for the inverter on anything more than short trips or slow trips. I would imagine those two items are related to each other....check the ICWP and have it replaced if needed.

    If you start the car, but the dash does not light up (but the MFD is ok) then your combo meter is probably failing. It's pretty common. The car will drive normally, but you'll have no indication of speed, etc. You'll have to press the power button for about 10 seconds to get the car to turn off. Many times, it will work properly the very next time you start the car.
     
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