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2011 65k engine idling high, response lag, battery fan running constantly

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jaki, Jun 2, 2017.

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  1. Jaki

    Jaki New Member

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    Hi all,

    My Prius engine has been idling high, especially when not on the highway. Even if the battery is charged more than 2 bars, the engine will often remain on. The battery fan also runs constantly. In addition, the power/torque seems to lag when I'm going from a stopped position to moving. All of this doesn't change very much in different environments (AC off, cooler day, evening). This type of thing used to happen every once in a while, but it's been going on consistently for the past 1,000 miles. I just took it in recently to have the oil changed and had another dealership even take a look. They "reset" the computers, saying it could have been my car getting used to the new tires I put on. Any idea what's going on??

    Thanks!
    Jaki
     
    #1 Jaki, Jun 2, 2017
  2. Jaki

    Jaki New Member

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    Oh, and obviously the mileage has suffered as well. It's gone down about 10 mpg.


     
    #2 Jaki, Jun 2, 2017
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't go back to that dealer.
    it's probably worth cleaning the fan, and testing the 12v, but your hybrid battery maybe weakening. how hot is it outside? do you have to park in the sun?
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 2, 2017
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  4. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Hey! Do you ever carry Pets in the car? The hybrid battery fan could be clogged. If the battery is too hot the car will lag, engine will run all the time, and eventually the hybrid battery will die from overheating.
     
    #4 Aaron Vitolins, Jun 2, 2017
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  5. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Agree, sounds like either overheated battery, or bad temp sensor reporting overheated battery. Should be easy to check DIY with OBD2.
     
    #5 Former Member 68813, Jun 3, 2017
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to clarify: it's not a replacement engine with 65,000 miles, the 65,000 miles is on the odometer?
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jun 3, 2017
  7. Jaki

    Jaki New Member

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    Not a replacement engine. Just low miles ☺️
     
    #7 Jaki, Jun 3, 2017
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  8. Jaki

    Jaki New Member

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    No pets in the car. I'll check to see if it's clogged though. It's very clean inside, but could be clogged from cycling equipment, dirt roads, etc.
     
    #8 Jaki, Jun 3, 2017
  9. Jaki

    Jaki New Member

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    It's fairly hot here (mid to high 80s). I do park in the sun, but work 9-5 so much not really driving during the hottest parts of the day.
     
    #9 Jaki, Jun 3, 2017
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yup check the fan asap.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jun 3, 2017
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    soaking in the sun is actually worse than driving in it. the inside of the car can reach some astronomical temperature. tinting and sunshades can help.
     
    #11 bisco, Jun 3, 2017
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Especially after a drive that raised the battery temps. When you park the fans shut off, it can be slow-death in there I suspect. It'd be REALLY nice if the car could continue to monitor battery temps for say 15 minutes after shut-down, and run the fan as needed. Maybe powered by the hybrid battery somehow, avoid the risk of running down the 12 volt. At least knock the edge off the heat-soak.

    Anyway, kinda off topic: I think first step again: check/clean the fan. You start by pushing a gap between the rear seat and seat back, in vicinity of the fan inlet grill. There's a single 12 mm (socket size) bolt in there that needs removing. Then just basically follow your nose, pulling stuff off, tilting rear seat backs forward, pealing off velcro, another bolt, pry up the rear hatch floor panel (there are STUBBORN fasteners, you can leave most off, to make it easier for next time). Then pull off the ductwork, dig down to the fan. It can be cleaned without removal. Clean the ductwork too, and blow the dust outa everything.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Jun 3, 2017
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