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...and then the dash lit up like a Christmas tree!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Laura G., Jan 19, 2021.

  1. Laura G.

    Laura G. Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
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    Location:
    96740
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Been awhile since I posted. Haven't been driving much in the last year because of covid. (I'm high risk.) Maybe once a month or so for a doctor appointment, or just go and start the car and let it run a minute. Once around the block. Before today, it had bern two weeks since I took the car out. Before that, maybe a month since I had even started it.

    Today, I drove the 15 miles to the doctor's. No problems. Ran great. But as I was leaving, the triangle, brake and check engine all went off at once! I immediately pulled over, checked oil, fluids. All ok. Car running great. No smells, no noises. I have noticed that the hybrid batteries drain a bit quicker. (I live in the tropics, park outside.) But, it fills up pretty quick.

    Drove the 15 miles home- without any problem. And now posting this.

    I'll call the mechanic tomorrow. But wanted to get some ideas first.

    I called my brother- he said I just need to drive it more often.

    It's a 2007, with 138,000 miles

    Thanks in advance for any help, any ideas.
     

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    #1 Laura G., Jan 19, 2021
  2. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Washington State, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    You will not know for sure until the codes are read (hopefully your mechanic will do that), but you have already hinted that you suspect the hybrid battery is going bad. That would not be a surprise if it is still original and the car has not been driven regularly in the last little while. Our Gen 2 is the same year as yours but I am not noticing rapid changes in the State of Charge of the HV battery because the car is driven every few days. With only 138k miles on yours (ours has 291k, for comparison), if it does turn out that the HV battery modules have become unbalanced due to infrequent use (the codes will reveal that), I would think it might be worthwhile replacing the battery with a brand new one from Toyota for many years of trouble-free driving, if the car is otherwise in good condition.
     
    #2 davecook89t, Jan 19, 2021
    Laura G. likes this.
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Your other non hybrid looks a lot like a g2 Prius if so you killed the hybrid battery not driving it like just about every other 07 on this site.
    It kills the 12 volt and the hybrid battery. The big very expensive battery.

    start reading about hybrid battery’s on this site lots of info.
     
    #3 edthefox5, Jan 20, 2021
    Prodigyplace and Laura G. like this.
  4. DutchPrius

    DutchPrius Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
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    Location:
    Leiderdorp NL
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Just let it be checked by a mechanic and youll know what's actually wrong. If not it will only be guessing... Even if you're stuck at home due to covid, just take the car for a drive more often. When you're alone in the car there's no risk and otherwise go outside rush hours to avoid people or traffic... I can imagine the battery is going bad when driving this few times and short distances over the last year.

    Maybe things can be saved after all when you met the mechanic and have the codes read out. Before that it will only be guessing...

    Best regards, Nick

    Black 2007 Prius
     
    #4 DutchPrius, Jan 20, 2021
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Not really guessing given the age of the battery and the circumstances and how many have failed on this site. Not a guess at all.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Jan 20, 2021
    Prodigyplace likes this.
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
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    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Au contraire, until the codes are read, it is just all guessing.
     
    #6 dolj, Jan 21, 2021
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