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2013 Prius 3 "Check Hybrid System Stop the vehicle at a Safe Place" message

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by TMPH, Mar 19, 2019.

  1. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Hi everyone, I just joined today. My 2013 Prius was running flawless until last night at 170995 miles. While accelerating the message "Check Hybrid System Stop the vehicle at a Safe Place" came on with the check engine and a yellow triangle with exclamation point lights. The "Ready" light is still on and I was able to shut off and start the vehicle 5 times completing deliveries then drove 90 miles home. Ever since the error message I noticed the engine is running constantly unlike before It only cycled when charging or full power needed. Once got home I searched Google for cause of this error and quick fix. Someone suggested disconnecting the 12v battery 10+ minutes to clear the message which I did but when I reconnect and try to start this time the engine did not start and with more if not all the warning dash lights came on and the "Ready" light never on. More googling suggested the 12v battery is weak/old about to die is causing this problem. Has anyone experience this problem and we're able to fix it. Any lead would be helpful, thanks.
     
  2. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Have your 12v battery tested. Most auto parts stores, or independent battery shops will check it for free.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    have the codes read.

    possible culprits? inverter pump, hv battery, hv battery cooling fan, etc.
     
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  4. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    The battery is near the end of its life expectancy. If a few hours on a charger lets the car start, then that was your problem. Buy a battery.
     
  5. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Sounds like a plan I hope is the 12v battery. Thanks
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    none of that sounds like the 12v tome, test it first
     
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  7. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    After disconnected (10+ mins) and reconnected the battery it did not start at all with all the warning lights and the "Ready" never comes on. Took the OEM battery to NAPA and got tested and they said it's putting half the amperage (feeling hopeful the 12v battery is causing all of it). Went home installed new battery but sadly it's the same problem. Going to buy an obd 2 scanner...
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Dealerships can read the codes and give a verdict for around $100. Sounds like hybrid battery failing.
     
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  9. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Brought a code reader it gave 1 code the dreaded POA80 faulty hybrid battery. Any chance a faulty or cut wire/cable would cause this?
     
  10. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Removed Hybrid battery covers and measured DC voltage at each cell with reading at each cell at least 9.3v. It seems the hybrid system failure is not the hybrid battery at this moment next I will be testing the inverter/converter and finally the coolant inverter coolant pump.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you have to load test the modules, it's complicated. the eco is not measuring them while at rest.
     
  12. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I want to see someone make the final stage of wack o mole though.
     
    #12 Grit, Mar 23, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2019
  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Check the negative battery terminal on the 12 V battery where it connects with the body of the car. Some have found this to be the problem.
     
  14. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Just checked it looks new with no sign of corrosion or loosen.
     
  15. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Load tested with 65watt headlight bulb every module holding steady at 7.3volts
     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no corrosion inside the case or on any wire connectors?
     
  17. TMPH

    TMPH New Member

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    Very light white/light green build up around the terminals and bus plates. I just received a recall from Toyota for Hybrid software update and the severed end of it could cause inverter/converter to fail. It could be that causing all the dash lights on with the hybrid failure...
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    let's hope so!
     
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  19. mikey_t

    mikey_t Active Member

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    I hope so as well!
     
    #19 mikey_t, Apr 22, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2019
  20. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Not likely. The freeze frame data for the fault code should be able to tell you which block is weak.
     
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