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HELP-Check Engine Light just came on,but Prius is running GREAT

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ski.dive, Nov 18, 2019.

  1. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    HELP-Check Engine Light just came on=but Prius is running GREAT????

    What do I need to check to find why the 'CHECK ENGINE' light is ON?
     
  2. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Need to read codes.

    OBDII scanner or repair shop that specializes in Prius or Hybrids.

    Might, just might be a basic code and could have auto store read them,
    but it may or may not help your cars situation.

    You can purchase a bluetooth scanner and read them yourself.
    Depending on the level, may require techstream and cable.
     
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  3. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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    The last time my check engine light came on, along with one or two other lights (not all at once but progressively once the check engine light lit up), it turned out in my case to be a corroded cable attached to a cable assembly plastic joint. It hadn’t been protected with wax or anything else to keep moisture out.

    The location of the cause of my problem was in the cargo hold just below the left hand side of where the rear hatch closes - behind the protective internal panels of course.

    The error I was getting seemed to indicate my Brake’s ABS module was faulty - it wasn’t!

    The errant cable was spliced by a Prius repair guru and the problem disappeared!

    Worth checking, methinks. Of course it could be something entirely different.

    Yes, my Prius ran smoothly and the only other thing was it would drop out of cruise control once the lights came on.

    That was it.

    I drove for 3 weeks before I got it repaired. Of course I checked all the obvious things to ensure that the HSD coolant pump hadn’t failed, and the battery wasn’t suddenly going to go supernova on me.

    “The Spaceship” doesn’t have an AE-35 Antenna Unit installed, so I ignored HAL 9000’s warning about a 100% failure in 72 hours .


    iPhone 6s +
     
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Makes me curious about wax applying methods? Di-electric grease is the standard, but if you put that on an older battery pack that you're likely gonna work on again before the corrosion starts, it's just a big nasty mess and makes the work harder. Seems like wax may be better? Of course too much wax could lead to conductivity issues, right?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your gas cap before proceeding
     
  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    All these years on Prius chat (11) and you don’t know what to do?
     
  7. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    skibob said:
    All these years on Prius chat (11) and you don’t know what to do?


    I purchased my 2008 Prius brand new
    = This is the first time it has shown a check engine light...hahaha
     
  8. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    Yes, but you have still been here and commented on stories for 11 years. In all those years you have never seen what other posters here tell people what to do?
     
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  9. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Go to any auto parts store and ask to borrow scanner. There is a port underneath the dash by the pedals.

    Or you can buy a used scanner for $50 on eBay.
     
  10. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    OK, I just plugged in the code scanner and the check engine light went out without
     
  11. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    UPDATE=
    So,I plugged in the 'scanner' , I turned on the car & the 'check engine' light went away...STRANGE????
     
  12. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    did u tighten that cap?

    might have been the issue?
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just for giggles check the oil.
     
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  14. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Keep the scanner handy.
    Also consider reviewing the instructions.

    Some units have a function to clear the code, and you might have done so accidentally.
    Sometimes the CEL will self-heal (such as a loose gas cap.)

    As mentioned above, sometimes check engine lights...aren't.
    If it's red, and shaped like an oil can, it's more like a CHANGE engine light than a check engine light.

    Good Luck!
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Oil Can symbol indicates low oil pressure. This unfortunately tends to come on real late, with oil levels already dangerously low, probably not even showing on the dipstick.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Nov 19, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2019
  16. Michelg2

    Michelg2 New Member

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    Hello, my engine check light came on today.

    It happened just after I cleaned yesterday the hybrid ventilation fan system filter in the back Seat. I just cleaned the filter without putting apart anything else.

    By coincidence, reading the forum I found my gas cap partially open, at least it was very loose. So I’m pretty sure this must be the reason why engine light came on.

    Now my question, how to put off this light ? Will it come off automatically eventually? I drove around 5 miles after tighten the cap and it did not turn off.

    Do you suggest go to the dealership for a check ?

    Thank you.
     
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it usually goes out after a while. give it a few days/drives
     
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Did you disconnect the fan in the process?
     
  19. Michelg2

    Michelg2 New Member

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    No never, I only removed the filter and cleaned It and then back on. I did not even reach the fan to be able to disconnect it. Thanks
     
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  20. Michelg2

    Michelg2 New Member

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    Awesome, as you guys just said, yesterday I turned on my car and check engine light was off. It has been definitely the gas cap. Thank you !
     
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