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2008 Prius warning lights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Lesley Cadden, Jul 22, 2018.

  1. Lesley Cadden

    Lesley Cadden New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    Two
    2008 Prius - just replaced 12v battery fixed issue temporarily Then a few miles down the road the warning lights in pics came back on and I was not able to accelerate normally. The 12v battery was as old as the car so it did need replaceinf but WHATS THE PROBLEM NOW?? AC Works just fine
     

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    #1 Lesley Cadden, Jul 22, 2018
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Without knowing which OBD2 codes your vehicle has thrown, many will be guessing...

    It could be that your HV traction battery has given up the ghost.

    How many miles do you currently have on this beauty?
     
    #2 SFO, Jul 22, 2018
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  3. Lesley Cadden

    Lesley Cadden New Member

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    That was my fear. She has 177000 miles on her.
     
    #3 Lesley Cadden, Jul 22, 2018
  4. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Look at this thread post number 7

    Just Another HV Battery Thread and Experiments | PriusChat

    These were the dash lights that came on when experiencing the HV battery failure. Looks identical to yours, but until the actual codes are read, anything is possible. I'm sure there are several faults that could cause similar warning lights.

    If you happen to be in the Columbia area, I'd be happy to connect my laptop for you and tell you exactly what's going on with it.
     
    #4 TMR-JWAP, Jul 22, 2018
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  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I think your inverter coolant pump has failed
     
    #5 JC91006, Jul 22, 2018
  6. Lesley Cadden

    Lesley Cadden New Member

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    Two
    I live in the upstate but thanks anyway! I’m going to make a few calls in the morning to see if someone is able to read the codes because I really do not want to take it to the dealership.

    Wouldn’t that cause my car to run at all? Also is that the same as the water pump? If so mine is only 2 or 3 years old. :( I am really starting to hate this car.
     
    #6 Lesley Cadden, Jul 23, 2018
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 23, 2018
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Many auto supply shops like Autozone and Oreilly's will read codes for free
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 23, 2018
  8. Lesley Cadden

    Lesley Cadden New Member

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    Actually they won’t touch a hybrid! Craziest thing I’ve ever heard!
     
    #8 Lesley Cadden, Jul 23, 2018
  9. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Lesley,

    Your 2008 has 3 water pumps:
    One for circulating coolant through the engine loop.
    One for circulating coolant through the Inverter loop. This loop is isolated from the engine loop.
    One for moving coolant between the engine and the heat storage tank

    If the inverter cooling pump has failed, the car will still function, but as the inverter gets warm (or hot) it will move to limp mode to protect itself. You can test this pump by putting your car in ignition-on mode with the engine not running. To do this, with the car OFF, and your foot NOT on the brake, press the power button 2 times. The inverter cooling pump is located directly behind the driverside headlight. You should be able to hear a faint humming noise if it's running. The inverter coolant reservoir is located just to the side of the inverter. It should have pink fluid inside it, and level should be right around where the top and bottom pieces of the reservoir are bonded together (about 2/3 of the reservoir height). If you remove the reservoir cap, you should see strong ripples flowing on top of the coolant. If not, then the pump has failed. Unfortunately, even with ripples at idle, it doesn't necessarily mean the pump is good.

    And I know exactly what you mean about AutoZone and Advance Auto. Weird rules about even touching a 12v battery on a Prius.
     
    #9 TMR-JWAP, Jul 23, 2018
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