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Lots of lights and won't shift into gear.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Mr Phil, May 13, 2024.

  1. Mr Phil

    Mr Phil New Member

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    My 2008 with lots of miles has developed an issue twice now where the car won't shift into drive. There are numerous warning lights lit: The big warning triangle, traction control light, (!), ABS, VSC, check engine and tire pressure.
    We've gotten around it by resetting the computer (pulling the 12V power for a minute or so). Which is annoying, but inexpensive. But I'm not sure I trust the car now. Any suggestions? BAD PRIUS.jpg
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It's just time to get a real capable code scanner to really do a health check on the vehicle and see what you got Brake codes whatever shouldn't take but a minute somebody with a capable scanner will have all the information fairly quickly this is really common and generally not a big issue.
     
  3. Mr Phil

    Mr Phil New Member

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    Real capable code scanner - like what OreillZone would have, or something better?
     
  4. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    The big warning triangle, traction control light, (!), ABS, VSC, check engine and tire pressure.

    I'm pretty sure there's no code that will trigger all those and the TPMS also.
    Which of these already existed prior to your most recent issue of not being able to put the car into READY/drive?

    After you disconnect the 12v battery and then reconnect it, then foot on brake, the first time you press the power button pretty much every warning light comes on. Press it again and the car should clear those lights and go to READY. Does that happen?

    Then, if the warning lights come back, does the car stay in READY and continue to allow you to drive?
    If you then turn the car off, does the whole situation begin again the next time you try to start the car. (can't get to READY?)

    If so, you have a P0AA6 going on, which is a high voltage isolation fault. It is the ONLY code that can trigger while driving, let you continue to drive, then prevent going to ready on the next startup. A good code reader will tell the tale for certain.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Most "generic" scantools can't talk to many of the systems on a Prius. That often includes whatever tool is used at parts stores.

    Here's a thread that reviews several scantool apps and devices for a smartphone. Some are capable of scanning all systems on a Gen 2 Prius for codes and data (plus other functions). A couple can retrieve INF detail codes which can be very useful if you have a code like P0AA6.

    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3290690

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  6. Mr Phil

    Mr Phil New Member

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    The TPMS light has been coming on for about a week - despite all of the tires seeming to have enough pressure (checked with a gauge). My assumption is that one of the sensors battery is dead? Need to get that checked, but haven't had the time yet.

    After the battery disconnect/reconnect, it does just fine - lights all clear, and the car is drivable. I believe the TPMS light comes on still (my son has been driving it more than me lately).

    Thanks, I'll check those out.
     
    #6 Mr Phil, May 17, 2024
    Last edited by a moderator: May 17, 2024