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Check Hybrid System Indicator

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Miggsy, Jun 20, 2023.

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  1. Miggsy

    Miggsy New Member

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    I have a 2011 Prius. Long story short. Got into an accident, was mainly just a front bumper, it got ripped off, car was still drivable without any error lights on the dashboard. It sat for a few months ( 6 or 7 month without being driven) Finally got it towed to a carshop and they replaced the front bumper (Towed cause my 12v battery was dead). When I collected my car from the carshop the Check Hybrid System indicator is on along with the check engine light and the triangular exclamation mark. The car starts and drives, I was able to drive it home but just.
    So, engine turns on when starting the car but on the drive home, it didnt turn off once, not even at a light. The battery seems to charge when I utilize the brakes but I don't have much power in the acceleration when driving.
    Anyway, during the drive home, I realised the 12v red battery light came on and the car lost power (engine turned off), I pulled over and I was able to switch the car off and switched it back on and was able to drive, I lost power a couple of times and did the same thing again until I got home.
    Anyone have this experience and what may be causing the issue?
    2011 prius with have 115k miles
     
    #1 Miggsy, Jun 20, 2023
  2. SSAutomotive

    SSAutomotive Junior Member

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    I can say for sure the battery dying and car dying meaning it's not charging. I'd be looking at alternator output and charging system issues. Take to a knowledgeable mechanic.
     
    #2 SSAutomotive, Jun 21, 2023
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  3. DirkAshburn

    DirkAshburn Junior Member

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    Did the carshop replace the 12v? Or just jump it so it could start? A weak 12v can cause all sorts of issues.
     
    #3 DirkAshburn, Jun 21, 2023
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  4. Miggsy

    Miggsy New Member

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    Thanks for the response, Dirk.
    I don't believe they replaced the battery. Should I start there?
     
    #4 Miggsy, Jun 21, 2023
  5. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    If you have warning lights on the dash, you have a trouble code that should be read using a scantool. The trouble code will tell you the problem with your Prius.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 Brian1954, Jun 21, 2023
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  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    A Prius does Not have an alternator.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #6 Brian1954, Jun 21, 2023
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  7. Miggsy

    Miggsy New Member

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    But, when I drove it home, the battery did fill up, alas, depleted quickly.(I think)
     
    #7 Miggsy, Jun 21, 2023
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could be a bad hybrid battery from sitting so long. how many miles on her?
     
    #8 bisco, Jun 21, 2023
  9. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    Short answer is yes. Replace it and let us know what happens. Make sure you have everything reset as the Owners Manual describes. If you’re unsure how to do that, bite the bullet and have the dealership do it for you.
     
    #9 Doug McC, Jun 21, 2023
  10. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    Which battery are you talking about: the 12v or the Hybrid?
     
    #10 Doug McC, Jun 21, 2023
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the only icon showing a battery level is the hybrid battery icon
     
    #11 bisco, Jun 21, 2023
  12. SSAutomotive

    SSAutomotive Junior Member

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    Thanks for the correction, used to working on normal vehicles for so long :LOL:. I take it whatever step down transformer or system they use is responsible for that. I'll have to double back at some point. Cheers.
     
    #12 SSAutomotive, Jun 21, 2023
  13. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    It was the “(I Think)” part that has me confused due to that point. The OP should be able to see it, right?
     
    #13 Doug McC, Jun 22, 2023
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, it's next to the gas gauge. and also confusing because they start with the 12 volt warning on the mfd
     
    #14 bisco, Jun 22, 2023
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    and the car restarted after turning off and on, so 12v working?
     
    #15 bisco, Jun 22, 2023
  16. Miggsy

    Miggsy New Member

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    The hybrid battery on the display filled up while driving.

    I know, I'm confused, too. So, the 12v red light turned on while I was driving and a few moments later, the engine turned off but I still had electrical power in the car.
    But I know, the 12v battery had to be jumped when they towed it to the shop to get my bumper fixed.

    115k
     
    #16 Miggsy, Jun 22, 2023
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 22, 2023
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  17. SSAutomotive

    SSAutomotive Junior Member

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    Re-reading this I'd consider replacing the 12V battery, and while you've got it apart, checking charge voltage to said battery. If the problem persists I'd be considering chewed wiring from a cheese eating friend, possibly to ECM main or similar.
     
    #17 SSAutomotive, Jun 23, 2023
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  18. DirkAshburn

    DirkAshburn Junior Member

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    Is your 12v an original? I'll have to look when I get home, but I replaced the original 12v on my car just this last year and I have a 2011 also. I didn't use the same size battery as stock, but one slightly larger if I remember right.
     
    #18 DirkAshburn, Jun 23, 2023
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