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Help needed - Strange error message

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by geamer, Jan 28, 2014.

  1. geamer

    geamer New Member

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    2005 Prius
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    While driving my 2005 prius I receive a message that says "Caution. Please press P to engage Park. The batteries will not be charged if the transaxle is in Neutral N". The red triangle/exclamation mark comes on, the interior lights come on, the door ajar light comes on, and a beeping noise from hell comes on.

    I've seen in other discussions that this can happen when driving with a door not completely shut, but I've tried opening and slamming all 5 doors, with no changes. The problem was initially intermittent, seemingly more often when I went over a bump (which led me to checking the hatchback was fully closed, multiple times), but is now more or less constant, in an on-off-blink-on-off cycle of doom.

    Anything else this could indicate? Is it possible a latch on one of my doors or the sensor is frozen (its been between -20 and -40 almost constantly for 6 weeks and I park outside)?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    photo.JPG
     
    #1 geamer, Jan 28, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    II
    You had your door open while the car was in either Reverse or Drive. I believe it should be only the driver's door affected. Could be a door sensor too
     
    #2 JC91006, Jan 28, 2014
  3. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    Four
    Does the 12 volt battery need to be replaced?
     
    #3 drysider, Jan 28, 2014
  4. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    This could be a faulty or frozen tailgate switch. The switch is actually in the latch mechanism where the internal release lever is at the center bottom of the tailgate opening. Water can get in there when the tailgate is open, and in your conditions freeze holding the contacts shut or open. Try a hair drier on the mechanism for ten to fifteen minutes to unfreeze and dry out. This will cost nothing but time.
    You could while your there warm up the area round the other door switches.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #4 Britprius, Feb 12, 2014
    HaroldW likes this.
  5. HaroldW

    HaroldW Active Member

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    Three
    Maybe the rear hatch needs adjusting. Do you notice any slack or rattle back there. Probably not , but worth a look. I had a similar problem with my CRV Honda. H
     
    #5 HaroldW, Feb 28, 2014
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