2007 Prius wont go into inspection mode

I haven't worked on this problem before... But what if you disconnected the 12v battery for 15 minutes and then reconnected (aka: computer reboot) and see if that works... Also check for error codes via MFD as well as plug a code reader into the OBDII port... Hope that helps...

 

That's not an inspection mode issue that's just an engine Issue. You need to get the code its throwing read asap. Auto store may do it for free. Hopefully it will read. Some codes are Toyota specific like Hybrid codes. Those must be read by Toyota software found at the dealer. If you get codes read post them back here.

Did you change the water pump chasing this engine code or because it was leaking?
First thing that comes to mind is you did not bleed the coolant loop properly and its air locked & overheating the engine but you did not specify time interval on code. Be careful don't overheat this engine you'll damage the aluminum cyl head....Big $$$$$$

Bleeding the coolant loop on this car is not easy and you really have to know what your doing to do it properly. Air lock is usually quickly evidenced by water gurgling sounds under the dash with heater on low.

 

1. This is my procedure to invoke inspection mode: Make the car IG-ON (not READY) where the instrument panel warning lights come on. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice while in Park. Then shift to Neutral and fully depress the accelerator pedal twice. Then shift to Park and fully depress the accelerator pedal twice. Then depress the brake pedal and start the car by pressing the POWER button. The hybrid vehicle warning light will come on and the engine will run continuously.

2. See post #88 in this thread where another member could not make his Prius go into inspection mode. I am not sure why this happened: Changing engine coolant | Page 5 | PriusChat

3. Also see my post #42 in that thread where I noted that my 2004 sometimes would not respond to accelerator pedal input while in inspection mode.

As a workaround if you cannot invoke inspection mode, you might turn on your AC system and make the temperature MAX COLD. Since the AC compressor is forced to run, that may encourage the gasoline engine to also run so that the traction battery will be charged.

 

Doesnt sound to me as if you're pressing the power the final time with your foot on the brake, I think its going in inspection mode but youre not going all the way to ready.

 

The preventative maintenance that you performed is a great start. Don't forget the PCV valve which is mounted on the valve cover close to the inverter. You will have to remove the relay box above the engine and the engine wiring harness bolted to the valve cover, for access.

I suggest you check the front struts/rear shocks and replace if needed. I've posted on how to do both. I also suggest you have your car's VIN checked by your local Toyota dealer to see if all recall work has been performed.

What about the cold start engine surging that you mentioned in your OP? Is that still an issue now that you have cleaned the throttle body?

If it is, you might look for a vacuum leak. For example, maybe the throttle body is slightly loose where it is bolted to the intake manifold so there is a little leak when the engine is cold. When the engine warms up, the parts expand and the leak goes away.