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Dash: Red tri, check engine, yellow (!); Screen: PROBLEM and red square.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TryTryAgain, Jun 18, 2021.

  1. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    2007 Gen 2 160k
    My car was parked for 2 hours.
    Inserted key and entered ACC (without starting car) when I was interrupted. Stepped away from car for 5 or so minutes.
    Started car and saw on Dash: Red triangle, check engine, yellow (!); and on the screen: PROBLEM and red square.
    After doing some research in the parking lot, I drove the car home and let it sit for 3 hours thinking maybe it would reset from the 5 minutes of being left in ACC. This happened to me last year.
    Three hours wasn’t enough and I’m wondering what I should consider next.
    I bought an OEM 12V battery a few months ago.
    I've noticed some rattling when I’m driving up hills, but when I ease up on the gas a bit, it calms down. Just adding that in case it’s valuable.
    Suggestions? (Aside from having codes read at Auto Zone since it’s a Friday.)
    Thanks so much for not judging the dust on my dash. Lol. CB7838CF-9F97-425D-AF11-3CD082B29CEF.jpeg F6FE31B8-E60F-45ED-B050-72AAB9962F1B.jpeg
     
  2. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Your car has codes in one or more of its control modules. Can't really suggest any course of action until you know what those codes are. The code scanners used by places like AZ may not be able to "talk" to all the modules on a Prius. You might need to find a shop that has a Prius compatible scanner- but it don't hurt to see what AZ finds out.

    Another option is to get an inexpensive "mini VCI cable" with a bootleg copy of Techstream software from ebay or amazon and run it on an old windows laptop. This is the diagnostic software used by the dealer and can let you scan codes and data from all the modules on the car.

    Hmmm. Rattling only on acceleration MIGHT be a symptom of a slight engine misfire- the codes could give more info. Any idea when the spark plugs were last replaced?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  3. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    It’s also lurching a bit when I start applying the brake. Not the typical Prius skid, but a subtle lurch like a mini power surge. Also the fan on the backseat is running more.
     
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  4. philipc

    philipc Junior Member

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    As suggested get the codes read. Based on the fan in the back and not having the codes could be the traction battery (main hv battery) having issues.
     
  5. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    The mechanic said it’s the main battery.
    Said I could get a used battery with 130k miles on it for $1500 (labor included).
    Or I could get a used battery with 80k miles for $2200 (labor included). One year warranty on either battery. These options don’t seem great to me.
    The car is 14 years old.
    Thoughts?
     
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    It’s the hybrid battery. The engine rattle is your really have to push the engine hard when the hybrid battery is offline as the battery provides the bulk of power. Your requesting from the car the same get up and go it
    Had before the battery failed and all of a sudden your in limp mode and missing half its horse power. The rattle probably engine main bearing.

    Check your oil level. Always keep it at the full line.
     
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  7. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    Yep. Exactly.
    What do you think about the solution?

    The mechanic said it’s the main battery.
    Said I could get a used battery with 130k miles on it for $1500 (labor included).
    Or I could get a used battery with 80k miles for $2200 (labor included). One year warranty on either battery. These options don’t seem great to me.
    The car is 14 years old.
    Thoughts?
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's a lot of money for old batteries. call around to dealers for new. some are gettin around 2k installed.
    if no luck, as the mech how much to put in 'newhybridbatteries.com' $1600. battery.

    can you afford a new car?
     
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  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Use the search forums link up top and search

    hybrid battery

    and there’s hundreds of posts about that battery and best way to go.

    there lots of G2 YouTube’s on the battery repair and replace too.

    You have a lot of reading to do. Good luck.
     
  10. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    Tg
     
  11. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    Looks like the dealer will charge $1950 for a new hybrid battery. I called 6 different dealerships. They ranged from $1850-$3300 not counting $1350 core.
    My mechanic said he wouldn’t install the dealer’s part.
    Still exploring Green Bean option.
    I haven’t had many fixes on my car. Did the combo meter, but I’m just trying to anticipate what big expense may be next to see if this expense is worth it.
     
  12. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Don’t use Green Bean many complaints.
     
  13. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Which tells me you haven’t read anything I recommended.
     
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  14. drone13

    drone13 Active Member

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    I've never met a mechanic that wouldn't install an OEM replacement part. That would be really surprising. Maybe what he meant is he wouldn't install an OEM part that you purchased. That would make more sense since many shops won't install user provided parts. It's not uncommon at all and there's good reasons for that.

    Since you already found the deal, ask your mechanic how much he would charge for the pack if he bought it and installed it. Since he knows that you know the cost, he might only add a small percentage and it would be worth it if you trust the shop.

    IMO, you would be much happier with a new pack than a remanufactured pack if you intend to keep the car.
     
  15. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    Right on, @drone13
    Mech just called me back and said he learned something new from my research on dealer batteries. He could buy the battery and install it for $2300.
    Car is in good shape and he would recommend the fix.


     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds like a good deal and the way to go

    when you hit another large expense, you can always sell the battery
     
  17. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    I was thinking something similar.
    I’m not ready to go down the rabbit hole of researching “new to me” cars.

    If I can keep this going for a bit, I can always sell it or my battery.
    I just replaced my 12v with OEM 12v so I like the piece of mind in getting quality. I try to do some fixes myself, but this is my only car and I can’t be without a car especially living in a very rural area.

    Any other suggestions on what to replace/update at this time? I’m thinking spark plugs.

     
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  18. drone13

    drone13 Active Member

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    Your mechanic is doing you a solid at that price. Snap that deal up! I just changed from a 58% functional (no codes) but tired battery to a new battery (NPB) and the difference in power and drivability is major. I'd be surprised if it doesn't put a smile on your face the first time you drive it.

    For other suggestions, any scheduled maintenance that you don't think has been done should get done. Little things like plugs can make a difference in smoothness and maybe fuel economy. I wouldn't go crazy, but check the normal stuff like plugs, brakes, air filters (including cabin air filter), throttle body and MAF cleaning, any fluid changes that might be overdue. You know the easy stuff that should be done on a regular basis. Most of the scheduled maintenance stuff is pretty inexpensive, but just make a short list and do them when you can.
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    on top of al that, used cars are going for big bucks. you might actually be getting a bargain compared to what you would have to pay for a similar vehicle
     
  20. TryTryAgain

    TryTryAgain Junior Member

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    Thanks for the suggestions, @drone13
    I’ll look into those suggestions. The car could use some extra attention.
    I have a feeling I’ll do this stuff and then my catalytic converter will get stolen.


     
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