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Check Engine light after a bit of engine lag

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by coyote2, Jul 29, 2017.

  1. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    My Check Engine light has come on. Gas Cap was not loose.

    It came on right after twenty 80 mph miles on the freeway, during which at one point I thought the engine was a bit laggy, so I turned off the AC and radio, for ten minutes and noticed no further symptoms of missing ability to accelerate.

    I've read that Check Engine light is somehow about the emission system.

    I think I'll bring it to Art's in Berkeley first thing Monday am.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good idea, how many miles on her?
     
  3. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    Many thanks for your reply, bisco!
    Oh, and I meant to add I don't plan to drive it an inch more than the 1.8 miles to Art's.

    And since I need a car Monday, I'm looking at giving Hertz $55.
     
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  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Have you checked the fluids and oil under the hood? Most likely your out of engine oil.
     
  5. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    Thank you very much for the reply, edthefox5!

    I'm sorry I forgot to mention that I did immediately check the fluids and oil under the hood. As I did just 2 days ago, and as I just re-checked now (less hot) 2 hours later. All are PERFECT. (Thank goodness, my ex killed an engine by running it w/o engine oil.)
     
  6. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    I could have saved myself $114 by going to an auto parts store (I wasn't willing to do the extra driving) to scan the code. I think I'll do that next time though, since Art's has a One hour minimum labor charge when there's a check engine light.

    It's a $500 repair...but one under 15 year/150K mile warranty ("for California cars"), so I'll take it to the dealer. (It has been so long since I've been there, I can barely believe they are booked until Friday.)

    Code P1121. "The water flow control valve is not reaching the commanded position. There is a TSB indicating the water flow control valve should be replaced."

    So this was that once in a million taking it to the dealer directly would have been better.
     
  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    For $160 you could have bought a Scan gauge and pulled the code yourself plus it reads a lot of engine parameters.
     
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  8. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    Thank you very much for the great idea, edthefox5!