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2012 Prius struggling during first 10 minutes during high heat

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PbRius2012, Jul 18, 2024 at 6:56 PM.

  1. PbRius2012

    PbRius2012 New Member

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    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    First post, I am not nearly as knowledgeable as you all, so I’m hoping that you can give me some insight based on what I’m describing. Also, I’m not looking for a lot of DIY work, as I don’t have the skills or time to take that on. I’m trying to see if what I’m describing can be fixed by a mechanic and if it’s worth it.

    2012 Prius, original owner, 213k miles. Mostly highway for the first 180 or so, then more city type driving since then. This summer, on really hot days (85 degreees F and higher), the car is really struggling for about the first 10 minutes of driving. The battery meter stays around 2 or 3 bars, and the engine is running the entire time. During acceleration, it seems like it’s getting zero help from the electric motor. The engine also seems like it’s staying at a high rev rate for a few more seconds when I take my foot off the gas. I keep the AC blasting, and I know that’s a big draw from the battery, but I’ve always done that on hot days. MPGs are around 32 during this time period, about 10 lower than normal during the less hot months.

    The symptoms seem similar to what this person had, but my car is much older and has far more miles: 2013 Prius struggling in heat | PriusChat

    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
     
    #1 PbRius2012, Jul 18, 2024 at 6:56 PM
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    55,548
    38,712
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    You could try Dr Prius (phone app). It requires an OBD Bluetooth dongle; Carista worked well for me, with an iPhone. Simple assessment looks like attached.
     

    Attached Files:

    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jul 19, 2024 at 7:34 AM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Too many factors to give any real diagnoises....
    It does seem like your hybrid battery is weak. Is it original?
    It seems this issue began when you stayed in the city. The hybrid battery
    does take longer to charge up with city driving.

    Have you had the egr system cleaned? Changed the air filter?

    Since you don't want to do any work on it, you need to seem a good shop that
    is familiar with the Prius and get a diagnoised performed.
    Mostly what you'll get here is "guesses" as to what it could be. And it will only
    fustrate you.

    Since you don't want to do any work on it, you need to find a good shop that
    is familiar with the Prius and get a diagnoised performed.

     
    #3 ASRDogman, Jul 19, 2024 at 8:46 AM
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