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2001 gen 1 prius bizzare problems

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Parkinator, Mar 28, 2016.

  1. Parkinator

    Parkinator New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Harris, MN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Ok i'm at a loss here, I bought a salvaged 2001 Prius at an insurance auction and fixed it up. After driving it for about a year the car suddenly dies on me in the middle of the freeway and i had to pull it over. the car hasn't started since. I can get it to turn on but the engine won't turn, and whenever I turn the steering wheel more than 45 degrees it makes this electrical sound the wheels jerks back to the original position and the PS message beeps on. I brought it to a dealership and they said it was a problem with the transaxle but they weren't sure. I'd really appreciate some input on the matter ASAP. Thanks. :)
     
  2. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when you say 'fixed it up', are you a qualified mechanic with tools and electronic scanners and the like?
    how many miles on her?
     
  4. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, California
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    One
    +1 Codes. did they at least show you which codes popped up?

    You have several issues going on here, PS, Transaxle (maybe) and HV Battery (maybe). Suggest borrowing or buying a mini VCI or Prius aware scanner so we can better help. Right now we are as blind as you, sorry to write.
     
  5. Parkinator

    Parkinator New Member

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    Location:
    Harris, MN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I am not a qualified mechanic but i do have a scanner and tools and I am working on getting a code, as for the mileage its got 125k on the odo.
     
    bisco likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all the best!(y)
     
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    You might want to read some of the 'Sticky' posts at the top of the forum. We won't abandon anyone who asks for help but it helps us to look through the 'lessons learned' before sinking time and money in the car.

    Bob Wilson
     
  8. Parkinator

    Parkinator New Member

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    Location:
    Harris, MN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Having a little trouble with techstream, do you guys know if there's any freeware i can use with my vci cable?
     
  9. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Techstream can be tricky to set up. There is no other software that will work with the Mini VCI cable. I'm in the Twin Cities. Let me know if I can help.

    Brad