Newbie 2009 Toyota Prius owner. Need help/advice on some warning lights that recently came on.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bella Dukes, Jun 6, 2017.

  1. Bella Dukes

    Bella Dukes New Member

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    Hi everyone. Newbie Toyota Prius owner here needing some advice/help as title indicates.

    Here's some background on the car: I purchased it used a couple of months ago. It currently has exactly 93,141 miles on it. It was in a pretty bad wreck back in January (all damage mostly in the front bumper area only. I have the repair statement that shows all that was fixed), but it's been repaired since and sold to me.

    The lights that are on right now are:
    Red SRS warning light
    Yellow VSC warning light
    Red Hybrid System warning light
    Yellow brake system warning light
    Red Master warning light

    They came on late last week and here I am today seeking advice/help. Please let me know your thoughts and what should my next steps be. Thank you so much, fellow Prius lovers.
     
    #1 Bella Dukes, Jun 6, 2017
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    We can only guess without the codes.

    These lights include a corresponding trouble code(s) that are read via the OBD port just underneath the dash near the steering wheel. A dealer or hybrid specialist mechanic can read the codes usually for a diagnostic fee or you can research how to read them yourself (not free but cheaper). Most auto parts stores will read them for free but those readers are usually generic and can't see all the hybrid specific codes.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #2 fotomoto, Jun 6, 2017
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! worth checking the 12 volt. will you be diagnosing and repairing yourself?
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 6, 2017
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Check the inverter coolant reservoir when the Prius is READY, for turbulence in the fluid. If you do not see this the inverter coolant pump has failed.

    If the pump is OK, then visit your local Toyota dealer or an independent specializing in Toyota hybrids, for assistance.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jun 7, 2017
  5. Bella Dukes

    Bella Dukes New Member

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    Hey. Thanks for the welcome. I took it to Toyota for a diagnostic. They said I need a new engine wiring harness. They're talking a ridiculous amount of money for the harness and labor. Like thousands of dollars. How cheap do you realistically think I can get that replaced? I'm seeing used engine wiring harnesses for $179 on Amazon. Is that reliable? Do you think I could possibly get this issue resolved for around $500? Thanks for any input.
     
    #5 Bella Dukes, Jun 8, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a lot of labor. you'd be better served to find someone who would be willing to track down the faults and repair them.
    if it really only was damaged in the front, it might be fairly easy, but who knows if the repair report was right.
    another possibility is rodents, have you contacted your insurance company?
     
    #6 bisco, Jun 8, 2017
  7. Bella Dukes

    Bella Dukes New Member

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    What exactly do you mean track down the faults? Toyota said the issue is the engine wiring harness needs to be replaced. Is that not the faults, or are you referring to something else? I'm sorry, I'm just confused.
     
    #7 Bella Dukes, Jun 8, 2017
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the whole harness doesn't go bad. either rodents chewed on it somewhere, or there was poorly repaired damage from the accident. toyota will only replace the whole thing, they will not make repairs.
     
    #8 bisco, Jun 8, 2017
  9. Bella Dukes

    Bella Dukes New Member

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    Here is a picture of what's the tech diagnosed.
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 Bella Dukes, Jun 8, 2017
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The tech says that he saw the idler pulley in contact with the wiring harness which caused the damage. Maybe those damaged wires can be spliced...
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, Jun 8, 2017
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    exactly. toyota won't do that. but if the frame is bent, i wonder what else is going on.
     
    #11 bisco, Jun 8, 2017
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