Control Panel flickers, it’s not the battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by griffism, May 19, 2020.

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  1. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    So the control panel lights will flicker, like they dim and then go back to normal. They do this a couple times and then it stops. It is not the dimmer switch or the battery cable as those have been checked. This has been going on for a while. I know whatever it is doesn’t throw a code because i recently had a repair completed which did throw a code and there was only one code and it was the one related to my repair. Any suggestions on what could be the problem? Thanks!
     
    #1 griffism, May 19, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    #2 SFO, May 20, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    Do I really need to go to a commercial site to get an answer? Can’t I get an answer through this forum? Thanks!
     
    #3 griffism, May 20, 2020
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    My bad, could've jumped the gun, which I've done before.

    Which OBD2 code (DTC) did you have before, and what was the related repair?

    At first I thought you may've had a failing 'combo meter', but you aren't experiencing dash blackouts or no start conditions. Are you describing the MFD, aka multi-function display in the center of the dash near the stereo?

    That website linked above explains the problem for a failing "combo meter" (they also sell a 'lifetime' solution, with installation if local), and can offer you the keywords that would be useful when searching within the forum for more info on the problem or the DIY fix.

    Of course DIY fixing the 'combination meter' is possible, some find it easy, others not so much. The most difficult task could the removal of the dash to get at the above part, and the subsequent installation and reassembly of such. I could link to a thread that would help you on that journey, but I'm fairly certain the problem you're describing is related to the MFD.

    Here is a link that should offer the desired information you seek, assuming the MFD is the problem : Prius MFD

    FYI: Use this link to download a digital copy of the owners manual(s), which can help identify the various vehicle features or parts : Toyota Warranty & Toyota Manuals | Toyota Owners
     
    #4 SFO, May 20, 2020
  5. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    When the lights flicker it is the entire dash, stereo and speedometer panel, all at the same time.
    Does that help narrow it’s down any or do you think it is still the MDF?

    Thanks for your information!!
     
    #5 griffism, May 21, 2020
  6. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    I also forgot to mention the code I was getting before was for the coolant control valve. This problem was going on before that though.
     
    #6 griffism, May 21, 2020
  7. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    Ok, I am still trying to figure out what is going on with my car. So I have figured out that this flickering is somehow related to my headlights. I was running my headlights all the the time but I had a headlight blow so I turned them off until I could change it plus it’s summertime. It was raining the other day and the light has been changed and as soon as I turned the lights on the dash started the flickering. Here it is two days later and now I have a blown headlight. I just replaced both bulbs on June 27. My car is in excellent condition so for it to have a major problem and potential an electrical problem would be very surprising. But I understand these things happen. If anyone has any suggestions on what to check or how to check what is going on I would appreciate it. I know the dealer will be overkill if I take it there. Also I have had to replace the bulbs so much that the little plastic tabs that hold the plastic shrowl (not sure if that’s how you spell it) under the hood have broken. I need to know what those are called and where I can buy more. Thanks for your help!!!
     
    #7 griffism, Aug 1, 2020
  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    What kind of headlights do you have, HID or halogen?
     
    #8 dolj, Aug 2, 2020
  9. griffism

    griffism Junior Member

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    Basic Sylvania Halogen bulbs. Me and the dealership have always just installed the basic. I have wanted brighter lights but too expensive and to complicated to convert to an LED kit.
     
    #9 griffism, Aug 2, 2020
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe a problem with the control board for all the lights (if there is one), or even some connector corrosion.
     
    #10 bisco, Aug 2, 2020
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