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Hybrid system problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Ann Dunlop, Dec 23, 2016.

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  1. Ann Dunlop

    Ann Dunlop New Member

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    i had to replace the 12 volt battery about 6 months ago when the red triangle appeared along with the hybrid system light. All was good until tonight when the same lights came back on. I've been siting in the shoulder of an interstate waiting for a tow and researching the issue. Just turned the car on as it's really cold here and all lights are off now. Any thoughts??
     
    #1 Ann Dunlop, Dec 23, 2016
  2. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    #2 jeff652, Dec 23, 2016
  3. offib

    offib Member

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    Damn, I'm sorry to hear that.

    I never knew a weak HV battery to cause such a dramatic fail safe like that. What are the chances that it might be that old issue involving the faulty inverter pump? There's bound to be a few Gen 2s that weren't brought in.
     
    #3 offib, Dec 23, 2016
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  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat.
    Sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you got warm & safe.
    The people here can help you get things sorted. Getting failure codes & diagnosis from a dealer or Hybrid specialist can help us immensely.
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Dec 23, 2016
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! sorry about your situation. how many miles on your 10 year old car?
     
    #5 bisco, Dec 23, 2016
  6. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Yall shouldn't jump to conclusions about the HV hybrid battery being the problem.

    I think it is MUCH more likely that the 12 V system still is the culprit. A loose main connection OR the converter that charges the 12 V could be bad. The charging voltage should have been checked when the battery was changed. AND the new battery should have been fully charged before being installed.

    Are you a low mileage driver by any chance ?
     
    #6 Sam Spade, Dec 23, 2016
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you could be right, but jeff is the only one theorizing, and he is more knowledgable about the hybrid battery than many here.
    also, a bad 12v won't stop the car if it's running, so unless she pulled over and shut down, and then it wouldn't restart...
     
    #7 bisco, Dec 23, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2016
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  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You probably have a failed inverter pump. As the car got hot, the warning lights came on. Resting on the side of the road in freezing temperatures cooled the car down and your lights are now off.

    Another possibility is that you are low on oil
     
    #8 JC91006, Dec 23, 2016
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  9. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Maybe, maybe not. It depends in part on HOW the battery fails.

    If it effectively goes open, you probably are right as the converter will keep the voltage up; but I'm not sure about that, not knowing the design parameters of the converter and what it will do with no battery present.
     
    #9 Sam Spade, Dec 24, 2016
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah, i don't know those either, as straw brad likes to say, i'm just repeating what i've heard.
     
    #10 bisco, Dec 24, 2016
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