Dreaded P0A80 Code - Car Running / Charging Good.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026.

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  1. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    It's obvious you have an issue, or the code would go away or would be able to be cleared.
    How far are you from the hybrid pit? Perhaps they could help you with the issue.

    Perhaps I miss read, but if during the inspection you get that permanent code, the care forever fails?
    You're not able to repair the issue and get it inspected again? Even for california that seems extreme.
     
    #81 ASRDogman, Mar 4, 2026 at 7:33 AM
  2. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    Totally agree with you at this point. I’ll be trying the universal trip procedure next. Not sure about taking it to the dealer. Here in SoCal, they are pricey even for diag or standard procedures.
     
    #82 PriuSocal, Mar 4, 2026 at 12:55 PM
  3. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    Hybrid pit is about 20 min from me But they don't do universal trips, they didnt even know what that was when I asked lol. Great team though.

    No, it doesn't fail “forever”, it fails for that particular smog requirement. So, say I have my smog due this month either due to new purchase or biannual certification, I take the car and fails for whatever reason, it flags the car as having “failed” a smog for the specific reason and you have 1 free retest and opportunity to get the issue fixed, if it fails the second time i believe it is then labeled a “gross polluter”. Then you qualify for certain programs that can supposedly assist in repairs of up to $1200 (but heard it takes a while for reimbursement and very strict on whats covered), or last option if its not fixed, the state will buu it from you for like $1k or $2k depending on car and then gets junked. The latter is extreme of course.
     
    #83 PriuSocal, Mar 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2026 at 1:33 PM
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    "gross polluter"?? ha ha ha ha. Who wrote that stuff? A 10 year old?
    How nice of them to "buy" your car for a tenth of what it's worth, and leave you without a vehicle.

    Just my "guess", but kinda sounds like the voltages are off just enough to set the code, but not
    effect how it drives, charges/discharges. Or a lot of resistance in the wiring somewhere.

    I hope you find some place that knows the Prius and how to fix it.
     
    #84 ASRDogman, Mar 4, 2026 at 5:24 PM
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