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Hybrid ECU is bad...options?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Stevie07, Apr 2, 2015.

  1. Stevie07

    Stevie07 New Member

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    Location:
    El Paso
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    We're on a road trip and the alarm tone goes off. The dash displays the brake warning and the red triangle (and the touchscreen has a car outline with an ! in the upper left). Also, the cruise control no longer operates. We return to El Paso and the dealer utilizes several hours and two diagnostics to tell us the Hybrid ECU needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, they can't get our Prius back to us until Monday, the day we are supposed to be back home starting work the next day.

    Any options here? We plan to call the other dealership in town in the morning. But is it safe to drive our Prius in this state? Can a regular garage make the repair? My father-in-law, an automotive repair professional back in Missouri, says that he isn't surprised if an ECU needs to be shipped from a Toyota distribution center since the part isn't regularly kept in stock by an auto repair shop. Thanks for any info!
     
    #1 Stevie07, Apr 2, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    how about a salvage unit? have you checked ebay?
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 2, 2015
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
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    Two
    It would be helpful to know what DTC were logged by the car. It is hard to say whether it is safe to drive the Prius as-is without knowing the DTC.

    After the warning lights came on, how far did you have to drive the car to reach the dealership? What driveability symptoms did you notice? Was the power train impaired in any noticeable way?

    Yes, a regular mechanic who is motivated to obtain the factory repair manual info (at techinfo.toyota.com) can replace the hybrid vehicle ECU. This may require removing most of the dashboard and passenger front airbag for access. However you don't want someone working on your car who claims to have 30 years of experience and thus has no need or interest to learn about Toyota hybrids.

    If you determine that the repair can be deferred, the best choice would be to install a used unit which you can probably buy for low three-digits on eBay. The dealer will charge you low four-digits to replace the ECU with a new part.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Apr 2, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2015
  4. Stevie07

    Stevie07 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    El Paso
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks for the info., Patrick. I'll get the DTC tomorrow. Cheers!
     
    #4 Stevie07, Apr 2, 2015
  5. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Ocala, FL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    In a situation like yours, I would be STRONGLY motivated to get a second opinion before spending big $$$ on a part that likely is not returnable if it doesn't fix the problem.

    Has anybody done a thorough test on the 12 V battery ??
     
    #5 Easy Rider 2, Apr 3, 2015
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