2007 Prius won't start after trans fluid change

After changing the ATF fluid today, I set the car back down on the ground and went to start it, but got a brief error message on the MFD that I didn't have time to read, though it said something about an abnormal trans lock. The message disappeared, and then the shift pattern display on the dashboard started flashing. I couldn't go into forward or reverse, and the red brake light on the dash board stayed on even though the parking brake had been released. Everything had been fine before changing the ATF fluid, and I've never seen this problem before, so I'm guessing that when the trans fluid is drained it triggers a "low fluid" sensor that prevents the car from starting so as to protect the transmission from being damaged. Adding the new fluid obviously doesn't appear to have cleared the sensor generated data, so my question is how does one do that? I read something that someone posted at another site regarding trans fluid changes, and he said that after changing the fluid you should go into the MFD and "reset the trans fluid counter." Does anyone know how to do that? How is that function accessed? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer that will clear this problem.

 

No, I didn't do anything other than changing the trans fluid, and everything had worked fine before doing that, so that's why I thought there could possibly be a sensor issue. Since you say there is no low fluid sensor, and I'm sure that I didn't disturb any connector, I'm now thinking along other lines. I notice that folks are saying that the "abnormal transmission P lock" error usually relates to a weak or dead 12 volt battery, and this is the original 2007 battery which is now 9 years old. Strange that it would choose this particular day to give up the ghost, but I'm going to assume that is what happened, as the battery had practically no charge left in it this morning - not even enough so I could open the back hatch door. So, I have removed the battery and will have a new replacement available tomorrow morning. I'll post an update after the installation.

I don't have a scanner yet, but am interested in the "Mini-VCI." From what I have seen, though, it looks like they come from China, have installation issues, and won't work without obtaining the software license (which doesn't seem to come with the kits advertised on the Internet. Do you have a suggestion for obtaining a working Mini-VCI that comes with everything needed?

 

Thanks for the suggestions, Steve. By the way, I obtained a replacement battery yesterday morning, and then had doubts that it would fit inside the battery well, as it measured 9 and 1/4 inches in length while the original battery, marked "S34B20R" and being Toyota part # 2880021180, is slightly less than 8 inches in length. Sure enough, even though the battery well is large enough to accommodate the longer battery, the position of the battery holding bracket, in the bottom of the well, prevents installation of the longer battery. The bracket itself cannot be adjusted or modified, so the only way this battery could have been used would have been to remove the bracket and let the battery lay loose in the battery well. The height, width, and terminal posts were correct, but what's the point of battery makers labeling this as a "direct replacement for the OEM battery" when it simply won't fit? After taking the battery back for a refund, I spent the remainder of the day calling all the other auto parts stores to see if they had a battery, and asking them to measure the case if they did have one. To my disappointment, every store that had one, or had a specification listing, touted the same 9 and 1/4 inch length as being the correct replacement battery. Crazy, huh? So it looks like I'll have to go to the Toyota dealer tomorrow in order to obtain what I need.

 

No, it never made it to Ready mode with this problem.

 

Yes, it seems that the smart key system batteries are larger than mine without smart key, and that the only battery sold by auto parts stores is for smart key models. Actually, Toyota says its batteries are good for about 5 years, and mine lasted for 9, so I'm not so sure a larger battery would be of any real advantage. I wouldn't mind putting the larger battery in if it isn't more expensive, but would also have to consider the added cost for the oversize bracket. Guess I'll find out tomorrow morning when I go to the dealer.

 

The height of the larger battery was a good match, at 8 inches. The added 1 and 3/8 inch length was the only problem. You'd think that Toyota could have produced an adjustable battery bracket for the Prius that would have accommodated either size battery, but of course why do that when you'll make more money selling conversion brackets and suggesting battery swaps?

 

Yes, I'm sure it won't be very reasonable, although the price that auto parts stores were charging wasn't exactly inexpensive either, ranging between $180 and $225 with the core swap. If the dealer tries to soak me for an exact replacement, and if I can save dollars by buying the larger battery bracket, I'll get the bracket and head back to the auto parts store.

 

Yes, how can they call that an "exact fit" when you have to MacGyver the installation by scrounging up and adding washers?

 

Here in Maine they are all robber barons.