Drove 2011 II into dealership for a cosmetic repair. Now it won't start P2118

Hi everyone,
I love this community. The Prius in question is 2011 with around 180,000 miles. It was taken to another dealership four months ago and was given a clean bill of health.

I filed a comprehensive claim with my insurance when my front hood flew up and smashed my windsheild, also damaging the side fenders. The body shop recommended as a "Geico AutoRepair Express" location Excalibur Auto Body in Ohio botched the job. Replaced two fenders and a windsheild and they had my car for three weeks. It was confusing, and it really seemed like something was wrong.

When they failed to replace the windsheld properly the second time, I took it into the Toyota dealership in another town to get the job done. Oddly, they also had my car a long time - a week.

After the windsheild was replaced, the dealership called me to tell me it won't start - "Check Hybrid System" P2118 Actuator Contol Motor Current Range/Performance.

They claim to have checked the ETCS fuse, battery, and wiring harness groudning. The dealership is claiming the ECM (may also be called the engiene ECU?) must be replaced - $980. To repeat, I drove the car to them, and now it won't start.

It has been over two months since I smashed my windsheild and side fenders. This is a rare malfunction, and I do not trust that I'm getting all the information. Geico has determined that this is not part of the accident (surprise!) Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated!! ))))))))

- Possibility that the failed windsheild replacement allowed water leakage?
- Possibility of voltage relay in repair process?
- Possibility force of accident caused ECM to experience delayed failure?
- Rate of ECM total failure? (They claim it cannot be reflashed)
- Any alternative diagnoses?
- Is there any actual chance this is a freak coincidence (what the dealership is claiming)?

Thanks so much,
Cora

 

Wow, thank you! Attached are the mechanic's notes from the diagnostic process.

Are the ECM and engiene ECU the same thing?

Am I understanding you correctly by summarizing:
- Yes, it's possible that the dealership (or people that replaced the windsheild) caused this malfunction by jumping the car
- 125amp "dc to dc" fuse should be checked (they say ETCS fuse is okay, though I need to verify this as well

Is there anything else I should ask the dealership? And if anybody has any knowledge as to whose responsibility this is, as the car drove fine before I left it in their custody?

Thanks sooooo so so so very much!!
Cora

 

Yes, 12V is original. Sorry for the delay - this is a total nightmare. Thank you for the help!!

 

this is really interesting. This is a photo I took from the Toyota dealership's notes on the car. This dealership is in Muncie, IN. What exactly does the handwriting mean to you?

 

Thank you. I am going to follow your instructions to the letter. I am about to head to the dealership right now to discuss this in person.

 

Yes, 12V battery is original and specs are great. The car was just inspected by another dealership about 5 months ago and checked out perfectly.

 

Could you say anything more about the battery frying the computer? Is there any way this could have been prevented? Dealership is now pointing out that the car failed in the possession of their windshield subcontractor.

And if I'm understanding correctly, you think there's a possibility the battery failed but is testing okay? I know that with older cars, not driving them can be a killer. I'm deeply annoyed that a simple comprehensive accident landed my car in the first body shop for three weeks in the first place.

 

Haha! Mr. Leisk, you are killing me. Posters like you have helped me so much over the years with solid advice. I totally agree! That's why I'm so unsettled by the situation. There's a lot of shifting of blame. When I brought my car to the dealership, I expected professionalism.

 

Excellent points!!!!

- Do not suggest battery was fried by reconnection
- Dealership is acknowledging that someone other than me is responsible
- Yet, they have asked me to pay $941 out-of-pocket

A friend and I visited the service office yesterday. Only an assistant manager and another salesman I had spoken to previously was there, but not "my" salesman. The assistant manager seemed a little frazzled and left the room to call the salesman and their manager. This was when they shifted the blame from the previous auto body shop (their first story), to the windshield subcontractor. I expect a call Monday, and plan to visit again in person to have the next conversation.

My car was my source of income, so getting it back can be my job for now. I'm very persistent and these men are working my nerves.