1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Engine Failing? 2007 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DIYohWhy, Jun 22, 2024.

  1. DIYohWhy

    DIYohWhy Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2024
    50
    2
    0
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----


    My Prius has been acting strangely. It started with the engine not staring right away one day after I pushed the button. Instead the check engine light came on and it sounded like it was straining and then the engine started up and the light went off.

    I never changed the oil since I got it, it had been about 6k since then, so I got an oil change. Engine seems to turn on more when idle like at red lights.

    When I turn off the car, sometimes it turns right back on with the check engine light coming on. When I hit the button again it turns off. Next time I turn it on, no check engine light.

    I did check the codes when this happened but my small reader didn't pick up any codes. I may need to try techstream next time it happens in case it can detect more.

    Not really sure if I'm just hitting the button too fast, hard, etc. sometimes or what's up with it. Other times it runs just fine. Seems to do worse in the heat but may be my imagination.

    Possibly unrelated, had my traction light come on and car be a little swervy for first time lately, three times now. One on gravely road, another on a turn, and one on windy roads. Could just be coincidental timing and it works fine?

    Any help would be appreciated!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,634
    49,357
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    yeah, you need the codes. if you haven't disconnected the 12v, or wiped them with the reader, they will be stored. tech stream or autel200 are recommended.
     
  3. DIYohWhy

    DIYohWhy Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2024
    50
    2
    0
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I just checked with Techstream, no codes.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,634
    49,357
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    unheard of to have trouble lights and no codes on tech stream, i wonder if there's a wiring/ecu issue.
     
  5. DIYohWhy

    DIYohWhy Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2024
    50
    2
    0
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I'm not sure. What should I do next? Besides forking over my arms and legs to a mechanic if I can help it.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,634
    49,357
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    a good question.
    start with a load test of the 12 volt, free at some auto parts stores.
    how is the hybrid battery level when it is running?
    i would make sure that you start it and stop it deliberately each time. foot on the brake, press the power button, don't jab it.
    if you get another light, hook up tech stream.
    trouble shooting electrical problems can be a long arduous process. i also wonder about a combo meter problem, common on gen 2.
     
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,754
    15,402
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Anything else funny about the instrument display, by the way?
     
    Brian1954 likes this.