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08 Prius weird electrical issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DeanTheMachine, Jun 20, 2020.

  1. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    308,000 miles and giving us fits, which is not totally surprising. Starts and runs fine, shut it off, try to restart a few minutes later and, totally dead. Try later and might be fine, might still be totally dead. Battery tests good. When it acts such, also zeroes out trip odometer, clock, and locks hatch door. As a last resort, jumping will get it going.

    Buffaloed in Missouri!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 DeanTheMachine, Jun 20, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Where are you checking the 12v health at, best to check at the battery and again at the jump points under the hood on the drivers side.

    Check all of the 12v connections, including the ground strap where it connects to the body.

    Any warning lights on the dash, or any OBD2 codes (DTCs) that you can share with us?
     
    #2 SFO, Jun 20, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Hey thanks for posting a response!

    Been checking at the battery by way of the charger but will check also the front posts. Also had it checked at a auto electrical repair shop. No codes as O'Reillys says that the customer has to read the codes (they're not allowed to). The customer doesn't know how to pull up the codes Considering taking it to Toyota $$$

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 DeanTheMachine, Jun 20, 2020
  4. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    Base
    About warning lights. Check engine on for many moons. Have it erased at the shop of choice and it faithfully returns The Death Triangle has been coming on for some months. During the winter it goes off after several hours on the road. In the summer, 20 - 30 minutes

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 DeanTheMachine, Jun 20, 2020
  5. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    Base
    #5 DeanTheMachine, Jun 20, 2020
    SFO likes this.
  6. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    You can do the diagnostic yourself and save some time/money.

    For reading OBD2 trouble codes (DTCs), pick up a 'mini-vci' cable and a copy of techstream (dealer tech level software), it will run on a windows device or you can emulate using Oracle VM VirtualBox

    Next best OBD2 code reading option might be a OBD2 bluetooth/wifi adapter, then use an App like Dr Prius.

    This link can help you pick out a decent adapter : Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus
     
    #6 SFO, Jun 22, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  7. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Base
    #7 DeanTheMachine, Jun 22, 2020
  8. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Base
    Thanks a million SFA!

    With your help was able to solve the frustrating electrical issues with the 12v battery. Stumbled onto what was happening when once again connecting the jumper cables. When connecting the black clamp onto the ground pole of the battery, something beeped and the door ajar light went on. Hadn't even hooked the jumper cables to the other battery. Ahah says I. Corrosion on the battery terminals. Removed the cable, cleaned everything, applied di-electric grease, and reinstalled. Alas, after a couple of starts, 110% dead again . What now? Hey, remove cable again and solder wire to connector ends. That'll be fun anyway as this elderly man is quite intrigued with any and all welding and soldering! Was able to solder them without damaging the rubber coating by placing the whole cable in a can of water with only the ends sticking out before applying the flame. To be cont.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 DeanTheMachine, Jul 6, 2020
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  9. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Been working fine now for a couple of weeks.

    Sorry for such a lengthy post but thought someone might profit thereby 20200630_093113.jpeg 20200630_093133.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 DeanTheMachine, Jul 6, 2020
    Raytheeagle and SFO like this.
  10. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Glad to hear everything is working once again.

    Those soldering 'heat sink' images are great, please post more of your handy work whenever it moves you (y)
     
    #10 SFO, Aug 4, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  11. DeanTheMachine

    DeanTheMachine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    Base
    #11 DeanTheMachine, Aug 4, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
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