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OBD2 Code Check for 2011 Prius 2

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Sabrina Stark, Mar 9, 2016.

  1. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi i recently looked at a 2011 Prius 2 with about 98k miles on it for a decent price.

    I was wondering if anyone had a good idea what the following combination of OBD2 codes means;

    P0138
    P0038
    P0607

    I know that the first one has something to do with an O2 sensor but the other two im not 100% sure.

    I was wondering before i go buy this car on Saturday.

    Thanks for your time,

    Sabrina
     
  2. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Don't even think about buying this car until the owner has it repaired at his expense. The P0607 DTC point toward a problem in the ECU. It may be something minor but you could wind up getting the shaft. Also, before registration can be transferred, the car has to be fixed. So, don't go off half cocked on this deal.
     
  3. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    Des Moines, Ioea
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yea this is one of those dealers that is an "as-is" kind, so i'm taking it to a mechanic to check this out before i buy it.

    It drives okay and i'm hoping it just needed the programming refreshed.....all else fails the mechanic gives me a estimate and i ask for that off the price.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! hard to believe a 2011 with 98k has any major problems. make sure it hasn't been in any accidents.
     
  5. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    2011 Prius
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    Two
    I have a report no accidents, only a lien. I'm hoping the obd2 codes i found were interconnected and that realigning the o2 sensor will fix it....

    The car is a great deal but they have had it on their lot for 6 months since my area is not a good market for hybrids.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i've read that running over debris can knock out an underbody sensor. agreed the hybrid market is bad in most areas outside cali.
     
  7. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I have to cringe when hear about these kinds of deals (as Is). It almost never has a happy ending.
     
  8. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    well, you always have the 3 days right to cancel and the lemon law are in effect
     
  9. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    P0038 and P0138 has to do with the Oxygen Sensors and Heater for the O2 Sensor. Could be a easy fix, or could be a problem child.

    What disturbs me more than anything is the P0607 Code. That is pointing to the Engine Control Unit which could need replacing. That probably won't be a cheap fix.

    If possible, you should keep looking and pass on this Prius. There is a reason the car is where it is and is being sold under the condition it is. Too many RED flags in my book.
     
    Maroon likes this.
  10. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    In a previous post I, pretty much said the same thing. The DTC's indicate some potentially serious problems with the ECU... and the seller has probably had it diagnosed with the most serious scenario being the case.
     
  11. Maroon

    Maroon Member

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    I'd run. There's plenty of Prii for sale without codes with similar age and mileage.
     
  12. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    not in my area.... sadly
     
  13. Maroon

    Maroon Member

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    Have you checked out the Carmax in Des Moines? They have a few Gen IIIs priced in the mid-teens (don't know what your budget is) and several available in the area with no transfer fees.
     
  14. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    Two
    That's the thing the car i'm looking at i have gotten them down to 8500$ so even if i have to pay 1-2K to fix the ECU it is still worth it since it is 3k below BB value. They have had in on the lot for a while, and they used to have it at 10,500. My budget is like 10-11k only so to me this is perfect, and if the repairs are below 2k im happy.
     
  15. Maroon

    Maroon Member

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    Gotcha, sounds like you have a plan. :)
     
  16. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Well if it come right down to it, you can buy a used ECU for cheap. I looked on eBay and the have lots of them for sale, $30-$50 cheap.
     
  17. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    Two
    How hard is it to replace a ECU or is this a for sure take it to a mechanic situation?
     
  18. working1

    working1 Active Member

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    Not good for the 12V battery. If it's the OEM, plan on replacing.
     
  19. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    Two
    Okay ill remember to ask the mechanic when i get everything tested to check it out.
     
  20. Sabrina Stark

    Sabrina Stark New Member

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    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Okay thank you everyone that commented on this thread. I bought the car and there were only two issues that had to be fixed.

    1. The 02 sensor wires had been chewed on my mice, since it was sitting in the lot for so long.
    2. The left mirror wiring had to be replaced, since it didnt move....

    The repair bill was 390$

    So im feeling pretty good since it was 3k below blue book.

    Now im a proud prius owner! :D I love the car!!
     
    Rebound, Justin C and Maroon like this.