08 with red master triangle, brake, and vsc warning lights - driving through smoke

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Wyzoon, Aug 24, 2018.

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  1. Wyzoon

    Wyzoon New Member

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    I was driving in the interior of Briitsh Columbia two nights ago - driven about 500 km, coming down a long hill on cruise control and the red master triangle, brake and vsc warning lights came on. I drove another 100 k to Williams Lake. Parked it at the house, the next morning it started fine, all warning lights were still on. I drove it 2 km to the Toyota service shop. They think it might be the hybrid battery or a worn harness. Predicting 2 weeks to get it out and maybe a $7000 repair.
    I was reading through the forum and I wondered if it could be that the O2 sensor went off, due to the smoke? It is still smoky here, very smoky. No going outside warning type of smoky.
    How much does everyone trust the Toyota diagnostics - software and/or technicians? Are they accurate? if the diagnostics say I need a new hybrid battery, is that correct? I'm in a small town, and I don't think they see a high volume of Prius'.
    The car has 150,000 km on it. Never given me any issues until Wed night.
     
    #1 Wyzoon, Aug 24, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat (y).

    Some questions:
    • Did they give you the print it of the codes?
    • Is there turbulence in the inverter reservoir?
    • Has the inverter pump ever been replaced?
    • Have you tried pulling the 12v battery to reset the system to see if the light returns?
    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Aug 25, 2018
  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    It would be helpful if you can post the codes that led them to that conclusion.

    As for the O₂ sensor, not sure, but my guess would be unlikely.
     
    #3 dolj, Aug 25, 2018
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. What DTC were logged by your car?

    A few DIY items for you:

    2. What is the condition of the engine air filter?
    3. Remove and clean the mass air flow sensor (attached with two screws to the engine air cleaner housing) using MAF sensor cleaner spray only. Look at the temp sensing bulb which should be amber in color. Also look at the two fine wires which should be clean. Do not touch the bulb or wires with anything but cleaner spray.
    4. Remove the air cleaner housing and clean the throttle body interior and throttle plate using throttle body cleaner spray applied on a clean cloth. Use the cloth to scrub the dirt off.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Aug 25, 2018
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yes.

    Could well be.

    Holy smokes, that's steep! Yeah, see if you can get the codes, and post them. Shouldn't a fully-retail battery replacement through a dealership be around $4000~4500 (CDN)??
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Aug 25, 2018
  6. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Whoa. At that price I could fly in do the job, take a week's vacation in BC, and fly home, and still save you $1,000.

    As others have said, knowing what the diagnostic codes are would help. Hopefully you can get them from the dealer.

    Alternately, you could buy
    - cheap Android phone/tablet
    - Elm 327 obdii Bluetooth adaptor
    - Torque Pro app
    All total cost you less than $75.

    Then you could read and clear codes yourself.
    See car data live including hybrid battery info.
    Armed with the day you could easily share what you find with us here online.

    Plus you'd have the tools available for the future after you finish with the existing problem.
     
    #6 ericbecky, Aug 25, 2018
    GrGramps and Raytheeagle like this.
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