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Red triangle, VSC, hybrid battery overheating?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Kloppo, Aug 31, 2020.

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  1. Kloppo

    Kloppo New Member

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    my 2009 is acting up. I know there are a ton of red triangle posts, but I think mine is a little different.
    My red triangle seemed to start this summer, after about 40 minutes of driving. I keep a lot of stuff in the trunk so I thought it was overheating. Took it to my mechanic to have cooling fan cleaned. It was fine, but found mouse nest in the blocking the airway.

    I thought this would solve the issue. But red triangle comes one after 40 minutes, then sometimes the VSC and cruise control won't work.

    Should I just get my 12v battery replaced? Do I have to get the $200 battery, the car has 230k miles? I'd like to just get a $100 battery, but the car does have the Smart Key system. What will happen if I get the cheap battery without smart key? Will the FOB not automatically unlock the car as I walk up to it. Will there be an issue with the push-button start?

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
    #1 Kloppo, Aug 31, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can use any battery, even a tractor battery. are you having to jump the car to start it?
    but let me ask please, are you here for help diagnosing your car, or just hoping for a quick fix?

    anywho, my first rec would be the inverter pump, check fluid movement in the reservoir
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 31, 2020
  3. Kloppo

    Kloppo New Member

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    The car starts fine. I just push the button and it drives. Red triangle comes on after 45 minutes of driving, and the AC works fine. Then after an hour or so, esp if it's hot, the VSC light comes on and I feel less power in the car and sometimes the AC does not work, just the blower. If I keep driving, the parking light comes on and I have to pull over for a bit.

    I'm just hoping this is an issue with the 12v battery, not the main, the fan that cools the main battery got looked at by my mechanic and it's working and clean. I did not have this issue before the summer. I just want to get a new 12v and not spend the $200 because the car will only last me another couple years. Can I just get a non-AGM battery and will my push-to-start and key FOB work. Auto part store said I need "smart key" battery.

    Thaks
     
    #3 Kloppo, Aug 31, 2020
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    There are a couple hundred different reasons that triangle can light up, and as soon as you ask the car what the reason was for yours, it will tell you.

    It never fails to amaze me how many other roads people want to go down before doing that.
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Aug 31, 2020
    strawbrad likes this.
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    If it starts you are unlikely to need a 12v battery. Once the car is in ready the inverter supplies the 12v at a higher level anyway. You would spend the $100 better at a dealer to run a scanner on it and tell you exactly what it needs. Then come back here if you want with codes and someone can give you your best options.
     
    #5 rjparker, Aug 31, 2020
  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Have you checked the inverter water pump out:whistle:?

    Might be the culprit given it happens after under load and a time duration;).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #6 Raytheeagle, Aug 31, 2020
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agm with vent tube is safest during an accident because it is inside the car, but many just use any battery they can secure in there. it's up to you
     
    #7 bisco, Aug 31, 2020
  8. Kloppo

    Kloppo New Member

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    Sounds like the inverter pump. What else would cause the light to go on in the summer after 40 minutes of driving. I'll go get the code read and get my local mechanic to do the work. It's 30 minutes of labor?
     
    #8 Kloppo, Sep 1, 2020
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    just check for flow
     
    #9 bisco, Sep 2, 2020
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