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2003 Prius Loses Power

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Prianista, Nov 21, 2011.

  1. Prianista

    Prianista Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2006
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    My friend's daughter reports the following trouble with her 2003 Prius:

    When starting the car she sees the Red Triangle of Death, an exclaimation mark though the car icon, and the check engine light. The car will move, but won't travel more than 10 miles an hour. She reports the car will work normally after being turned off for anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours. She first had the problem in January but the dealer could not find a cause or a cure. Now she's had the problem twice in the last week.

    What could be causing this?
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I suggest that your friend's daughter should take her car to another Toyota dealer and have the DTC read. The presence of the hybrid vehicle icon in the MFD and the check engine light means that DTC have been logged.

    After the DTC have been identified then it will become clearer what the problem is.
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
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    Location:
    Boulder Hybids, Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    and always ask the dealer to report any INF/subcodes they find...the main DTC codes are not as helpful if subcodes are not recorded...(many Prius DTC codes have dozens of INF/subcodes that narrow down the problem)
     
    2 people like this.