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Air flow meter vs air flow sensor

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by NephSy, Apr 9, 2013.

  1. NephSy

    NephSy New Member

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    Just had my 2005 Prius towed to the dealership service bec it wouldn't start. I've been getting triangle emergency light for the past four months almost everytime I brake and turn. Not stop and turn just slow down. In December they told me they could not find anything wrong with it and it wasn't giving any diagnosis codes. Told me I needed a new water pump and sent me off with a 500$ bill. Still, I got the triangle yielding on turns. The other day it wouldn't start or even unlock. Had to have it towed and again they said they couldn't find anything wrong but I guess bec it wouldn't start they persisted. Had to call in a corporate Prius specialist bec still couldn't get a diagnosis. Now telling me its air flow meter and has to be replaced for 450$. Is the meter the same as the air flow sensor and if so, why is he saying it has to be replaced instead of just cleaned? Is this a legit problem?
     
    #1 NephSy, Apr 9, 2013
  2. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    They are the same.

    Has the 12V battery been checked it could be due for replacement?
    Failure to 'unlock' could be due to a bad 12v battery. I would tackle this problem first.
    Then move on to the failure of the ICE to start which could be due to a gummed up throttle plate.
    Then move on to cleaning the Mass Air Flow Meter sensor wires and the Intake Air Temperature sensor.

    Don't donate any more cash to that dealer.
     
    #2 ccdisce, Apr 9, 2013
  3. NephSy

    NephSy New Member

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    They are telling me the 12v failed as well which is why car wouldn't start. Want 450$ for that too, citing size, location and capacity as reason for price. How do I know if throttle plate is clean or not? Can I tell them I just want the meter cleaned instead of replaced? How long and/or difficult a job for car novice with no free time?
     
    #3 NephSy, Apr 10, 2013
  4. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Novice with no free time means you pay the man but assure that you get a guarantee that those fixes fix the problems.

    I'm no mechanic, have done all these tasks on other cars but with DIY instructions with pictures, unlimited time and another car to run to the store for parts or tools. You don't have any of those apparently.

    So pay the man.
     
    #4 mikefocke, Apr 10, 2013
    NephSy likes this.
  5. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    $200 would be a good price for replacing the 12V battery; $450 is a complete ripoff. It calibrates our opinion of that dealer. If you have any alternatives don't go back there.
     
    #5 richard schumacher, Apr 14, 2013
    Britprius and xs650 like this.
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