2008 Prius No READY + Red Triangle + No Inverter Coolant Flow

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Brius10, Apr 22, 2026 at 4:55 PM.

  1. Brius10

    Brius10 New Member

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    Location:
    Antigo,WI
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I’m having a no-start / no READY issue with my 2008 Prius and I’m trying to confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

    Here’s everything that’s happened:

    The car originally would start (go into READY), run briefly, then shut off with a red triangle and “PROBLEM” message. After that, it got worse and now it won’t go into READY at all. It powers on like normal (dash lights, etc.) and sounds like it’s about to start, but “READY” never appears.

    I replaced the 12V battery with a new one, and all connections are tight and clean. Brake lights work, so the brake switch seems fine. I also checked the main fusible link and basic fuses—they appear good.

    I pulled codes with a basic scanner and got a bunch of seemingly unrelated codes (MAF, throttle, O2, lean condition, etc.), which made me suspect a voltage or system issue rather than all those parts failing at once.

    Here’s the key observation:
    When I was able to get the car to start briefly, I checked the inverter coolant reservoir and saw NO movement at all—only slight vibration from the engine. I also put my hand on the inverter coolant pump and only felt a brief vibration at startup, then nothing. No steady humming.

    From what I understand, the inverter coolant should be visibly circulating when the car is in READY, even if the engine isn’t running. Mine is completely still.

    Now the car won’t go into READY anymore at all (just powers on but doesn’t start), and I still have the red triangle.

    Based on this, I’m suspecting a failed inverter coolant pump causing inverter overheating and a hybrid system lockout.

    Before I replace the pump, I just want to confirm:

    - Does this sound consistent with inverter coolant pump failure?
    - Would a failed pump cause the car to eventually refuse to go into READY at all?
    - Is there anything else I should check (wiring, fuse, etc.) before replacing it?

    Appreciate any help—trying not to throw parts at it blindly.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    II
    All those "unrelated codes" you pulled, are problems with your car. MAF, throttle, 02, lean condition. They all need to be fixed and shouldn't be ignored or classified as "unrelated".

    There should be a code for the failed inverter pump, P0A93. But this is most likely the issue where the car will go into Ready and then the red triangle will come on when the car gets too hot. This is probably where you should start your repair journey. As all the other items will need to be replaced/repaired.
     
  3. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    A failed inverter coolant pump will not prevent a Gen 2 from going to READY mode. Usually the car can even be driven form long distances at up to 40ish mph and never get hot enough to throw a code. Often when the pump fails, it pops the AM2 fuse, which basically completely kills the car, but there is a possibility the ICWP can be failing and draw down that circuit voltage low enough to cause a problem, yet not blow the fuse. You can remove the pump from the circuit by unplugging the single wire plug just above the underhood fusebox. The car does not have to be "ready" to test the pump. It should run even when in ignition on state. Press the power button 2x with your foot not on the brake. This way the engine will not start and it makes it easier to feel if the pump is running or easier to recognize ripples in the reservoir.