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2013 Prius "Temp" screen flashing and Loud engine knock

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Agent Fox Mulder, Dec 22, 2017.

  1. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    I have a 2013 Prius that bought about two months ago. Unfortunately, I am having some problems with it. The engine is loud, much louder than our 2012 V and much louder than our old 2010. The engine makes a loud knocking noise that disappears after accelerating. once in awhile , the hybrid indicator system will flash “temp” with a picture of the recirculated air symbol in a rectangle covering the gauge. The engine sounds like it has trouble accelerating as well.

    I took it to the dealer, they said it’s a loose heat shield and that they tightened it. However, the temp screen came on last night. Any insight as to what this might be? Thanks.

    Sorry if this has been posted. I have googled to no end.
     
  2. Travis Decker

    Travis Decker Active Member

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    Can you post a photo of the light that you are seeing come on the dash? Are you decent with computers and can you set up a techstream using mini VCI from Amazon?
     
  3. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I am not seeing a light at all. In the hybrid indicator, a rectangle appears with the word "temp" and the symbol that appears on the button controlling the air intake for the heating/cooling system. It will appear for about two seconds and then go away. No lights on the dash pop.I haven't been able to get a picture of it, but I do have a video of the noise. That's why I am having trouble googling it. I can't find anything regarding the "temp" problem. Here's a video of the noise.



    Not sure if they are related. This happens in both warm and cold weather, same with the "temp" problem. I will try today to get a picture of the temp problem, or a video, but its tough since I normally drive alone. Happened just the other night and I tried to grab my phone, but couldn't manage to grab it in time.


    Edit to add: I can use computers pretty well, and if the problem persists after bringing the car in today (luckily they were notified of this problem well within the parameters of NYS lemon law) I will order one and do my own checks. Does that cord give code readouts?
     
    #3 Agent Fox Mulder, Dec 22, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when i put my thumb on the steering wheel control, that message flashes.
    has the noise gone away?
     
  5. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    The temp sign on the dash might be an overheating issue with either the engine/inverter.


    Dxta
     
  6. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    You mean this, right? See on the right side where it says maintenance required? That’s where it says temp and has the symbol. Not over on the left. I had a second where I was like, man, maybe it’s my mistake.

    The engine sounds terrible. Took the car to the dealer. They haven’t run any kind of inspection. Last time I was there, they said that information was confidential and I wasn’t allowed to view it
     

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  7. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    That’s what I’m thinking. I’m just wondering why they aren’t coming up with an error code. I think they know somethings up with it and don’t want to fix it because it’s expensive.
     
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    How many miles on your Prius?

    What maintenance has been done in the past?

    Is the level of coolant stable in the engine loop? Or has it dropped?

    How is your mpg? Any drop other than seasonal change?
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how is the oil level?
     
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  10. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Have a look at the coolant levels in the inverter reservoir and the engine as well.
     
  11. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    There’s about 65k on the car.

    Everything has been done on time according to the records.

    I am unsure of the coolant levels. I will check when I get the car back next week.

    Mpg was around 48 overall for the first few weeks I had it, then it dropped to 41 and now it’s around 44. I have calculated about 350 miles per tank myself though.



    Not sure. I’d have to check. I should probably know how to do that at this point. It’s quite embarrassing.

    I’ve looked in neither. I will do so next week when I get the car back, however if the problem persists, this would have been their third chance to fix the issue and I willl be proceeding with lemon law arbitration if they don’t want to refund me or give me a different Prius.
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did you buy it from the toyota dealer that is trying to fix it?
     
  13. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    Yes.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good, they have to make it right, one way or the other. please keep us updated, all the best!(y)
     
  15. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    They certainly do. I’ll let you blokes know next week. In the meantime, have the greatest christmas you’ve ever had, my friend.
     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thank you, same to you!(y)
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You mean they wouldn't tell you the codes? If so, time for another dealership. Try contacting corporate Toyota too, I don't think they can withhold those, especially when you're paying. :mad:
     
  18. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    They would not tell me the codes. I’ve complained to the dmv and Toyota corporate. And I’m actually not paying. It all falls under lemon law protection, they have to foot the bill until it’s fixed. If it’s not fixed within 3 tries, I can request a refund or different car and if they decide not to handle it like that, I have the right to an arbitration hearing.
     
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  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when i touch the touch tracer button, without actually pushing it, the screen you show below changes to TEMP and shows the temperature setting and fresh air/recirc vent setting.
     
  20. Agent Fox Mulder

    Agent Fox Mulder Junior Member

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    Is it over the left side of the screen or the right? I’m sorry, but if you have a chance, can you take a picture of it?