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Red triangle

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by David Zeising, Nov 15, 2020.

  1. David Zeising

    David Zeising New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2020
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    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Hi everyone, I am new to this site, please excuse me for obvious questions. Have 2008 Prius Touring 260,000+ miles, just started getting red triangle and car then has no engine running and will not drive. No codes are displayed on diags reader, if I unhook battery and let it set for 1-2 minutes and then hook back up, car starts and runs ok for another 5 days or so. Oil level is good, have 1 year on a new yellow top battery. It's been doing this for about 2 weeks.

    Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, live in rural Az, hard to get to a dealer right away
    Thanks in advance
     
    #1 David Zeising, Nov 15, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Which part of Arizona are you near?

    Generally speaking, if there are warning lights on the dash, then there are OBD2 codes (DTCs) stored in the ECUs (computers).

    The scanner being used isn't fully compatible with a toyota hybrid, once you do have the codes post them here for further guidance.

    Many will use a 'mini-vci' cable and techstream on a windows device, others use an OBD2 bluetooth adapter with an app like DrPrius.

    From your description, it sounds like the HV battery has a ground fault issue (P3009, aka P0AA6). Try this link to confirm : Easiest way to confirm P3009 error source | PriusChat

    Do you have a DIY repair attitude?
     
    #2 SFO, Nov 15, 2020
  3. David Zeising

    David Zeising New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2020
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    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    I forgot to add, the hybrid battery is charging like normal, nothing out of ordinary that I can tell. When I pull the battery neg post and let things reset all will work fine for about 5 days or so. Between Phx and Tucson.
     
    #3 David Zeising, Nov 16, 2020
  4. David Zeising

    David Zeising New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2020
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    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring

    Update: Took car to Toyota, ran diags and it came back as "Isolation Fault in HV Circuit " needs a new HV Battery. Your diagnosis was spot on, well done SFO!!!

    Found a shop that is nation wide where I can get a refurbished battery with 12 month warranty for $950, the dealer wanted $3000, so I'm getting quite a bit of savings. Worth the investment, it's a great car and I'm not ready give up on it yet.
     
    #4 David Zeising, Nov 28, 2020
    SFO likes this.
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I would seriously give that another thought. At that mileage it may be time to get rid of it as it will now nickel and dime you to death.
    The rebuild battery company’s are a pain in the butt. They don’t last long and having them replace the battery multiple times gets old. seen very few good reviews on rebuilt battery company’s.
    Many many horror story’s about battery company’s.

    use the search forums link up top and search that battery company’s name for reviews.

    There using the same age vintage battery’s you have they just have not failed yet.
    it’s quite the racket especially if they put you on there pay no mind list after you call them for the 3rd battery failure.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Nov 28, 2020
  6. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Before committing to this 'shop', be sure to read the fine print. Check for professional diagnostic requirement before warranty claim, and also look for travel/installation charges on the warranty replacement.

    Since you're near to Phoenix, try giving Steve Keith @ http://phoenixhybridbatteries.com/ a ring for other HV battery options.

    602-730-4967 or email at: [email protected]

    When you make contact, let him know that everyone here on PriusChat misses him being around :whistle:

    Btw, you're moderated until 5 postings.
     
    #6 SFO, Nov 28, 2020
    edthefox5 and borgestes like this.
  7. borgestes

    borgestes Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2017
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    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II




    X2 Get Steve to fix you up and drive it another 100k
     
    #7 borgestes, Nov 28, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2020
  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    You cannot compare these two.

    What you get from the dealer is brand renew and you more than likely will not need the warranty. It will last 10+ years. What you get from the other place is a secondhand battery that has modules in it that are as old as your existing ones, they just haven't failed yet. You will more than likely need the warranty multiple times.

    $3000 from the dealer is a bit high these days, so haggle them down, however, Steve at Pheonix Hybrids can probably do a better price.
     
    #8 dolj, Nov 29, 2020
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