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Temperature LED goes ON then goes off

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Shammo, Jan 19, 2024.

  1. Shammo

    Shammo New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2024
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    Location:
    SE Pa
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Antifreeze replaced by dealer.
    Later same day the "engine temp" LED came ON then went off
    Virtually no warm air out of cabin vents, this from a car that would start to warm up in 1/2 mi +/-
    In all the miles 80k + is new problem
    No coolant leaks, no steam from the exhaust like a blown head gasket.
    Dealer is puzzled as am I, as to the cause They have been very helpful to their credit
    Both times the led came on I was driving at 65mph one time it was on for 1 mile
    The dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem
    I have seen cars get air bound when the coolant has been changed and the radiator cap re-installed before the thermostat has opened. The high temp indication along with no heat from the vents is odd, but not surprising if there's no coolant in the heater core.
    Seems like no one (at the dealer) has ever heard of this behavior.
    I anyone has something to offer, this would be the place to find "em!

    YOUR thoughts please. Many Thanks

    Shammo
     
    #1 Shammo, Jan 19, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Maybe have the dealer or yourself if you have the Toyota software to command the pump to come on leave it running on midrange RPM or high if you're so inclined with the degas lid off for a few minutes If the coolant level drops a little keep it where it needs to be and just let that rip for I don't know 3 minutes or something sounds reasonable I'm just listen and watch you don't need to have the car engine running or any of that nonsense just listen to your water pump listen at the Degas bottle lid if you like and after about 3 minutes of this command the pump off let the thing stand a minute while you go do whatever come back cap the bottle and go for a ride and see what you get sounds like you've got air trapped I would think not a bad sensor but if it's done this a bunch it maybe possible You can test the sensor there's some specs somewhere for it used to be common for temp sensors on engines to go bad but I wouldn't think so here on these newer sensors unless it's just a bad batch or something The light flashing on and off means it's all what the 240 for a second long enough to set it off but we really shouldn't be seeing those kind of temps in this choked up kind of setup maybe your pump impeller is starting to shed its plastic another thing to be looking at.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jan 20, 2024
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    This sounds like a failing engine water pump. Have the dealership check the water pump!
     
    #3 Brian1954, Jan 20, 2024
  4. Shammo

    Shammo New Member

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    Location:
    SE Pa
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks to all who replied to my posting.
    Oddly enough I found a YouTube vid that describes my problem to a T. In fact the guy who posted his problem, sounds as if he is reading MY post out-loud verbatim.
    For those interested, the URL for the YT page is :

    I will be heading to the dealer to replace the pump ASAP. I'd gladly do it my self but its too blasted cold in my garage and I am not a young man anymore <sigh>

    Seems a bit odd that of all places to find a solution, the DEALER would / should know???

    Shammo
     
    #4 Shammo, Jan 21, 2024
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2024
    Danno5060 likes this.
  5. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Tell the dealership that you want the old water pump to be returned to you. Inspect the impeller and see how it rotates. Is there resistant? If so, pull the impeller out and inspect the white plastic. Is it cracked?
     
    #5 Brian1954, Jan 22, 2024
  6. Shammo

    Shammo New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2024
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks to all who helped me diagnose the failing water pump on my 2011 Prius II.
    Sorry it took so long to reply, I haven't been well, Parkinson's SUCKS big time.

    Regards, Shammo!
     
    #6 Shammo, Feb 19, 2024
    SteveSco and Mendel Leisk like this.
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    So all good with replacement pump?
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Feb 20, 2024
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