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"Triangle of death" keeps going on then off. p0300 code

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by mr_green16, Jun 1, 2020.

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  1. mr_green16

    mr_green16 New Member

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    I have a 2002 prius with 125K miles. Got it from my grandfather who barely drove it and I have put about 80k miles on it in about five years. Recently I got the TOD and it went off after some driving, this scenario has happened before a few times but would good for a while . Then the next day after about three miles of driving it went back on so I took it to the shop. The mechanic hooked it up to there computer and verified the same codes I got from an Advanced Autoparts sensor. Three days later, Memorial day weekend, the shop called me back. They said that given the age of the car a high probability that it is the HV battery that is going. In the mean time as I was driving I recorded what was happening. The TOD would come on then after 20 to 30 miles of driving it would turn off. I do delivery so the car would be idle or turned off and on multiple times. The car would be good until the next day. The energy screen never showed the battery going down below half before going back to full. As you can probably tell by now I am not Car savvy so fixing on my own is not an option. Since the cost of replacing the battery is more then the value of the car they said that I should start looking. In the last three days the TOD has not come back on. Does this mean that the HV is going bad and I am just playing the waiting game? Further information, there is maintenance work that needs to be done (replacing the radiator hoses for example) plus other minor work that needs to be done. This increases the amount I would probably have to put in. Any suggestions or information would be appreciated.
     
    #1 mr_green16, Jun 1, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you own a ticking time bomb. without the skills to diy, i would try to find a good home for her, and look around for a simple car like a civic, corolla and etc.
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 2, 2020
  3. George W

    George W Senior Member

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    Does the Gen 1 flash the TOD when oil is low (the way that Gen 2 does)?
     
    #3 George W, Jun 2, 2020
  4. Trombone

    Trombone Member

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    OK, you got the car for free (I assume), so you have no $ in the game so far. What's the car worth to you, as opposed to buying a used or new car? My '02 required a new HV at ~135K miles. I went with a Dorman. There are companies that sell refurbished batteries with Gen. II cells. See http://newpriusbatteries.com and Toyota Prius 2001-2003 Hybrid Battery with NEW Cells | Greentec Auto. There's also a company that will sell you a refurbished battery and install it in your driveway, if you live in their service area. See 2001-2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery | Green Bean Battery. Of course, this is assuming that you want to keep the car. I must admit that I'm partial to my '02; I consider it to be the best car I've ever owned (out of about seven others), and I'm planning on keeping it until one or the other of us gives out. YMMV. Good luck with your decision!
     
    #4 Trombone, Jun 2, 2020
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    And those codes were ... ?

    You've only mentioned one code in your thread title, and P0300 is an engine misfire code, nothing to do with a battery.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Jun 2, 2020
    Josey likes this.
  6. Trombone

    Trombone Member

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    Good point. Does OP have service records for the car? Have the spark plugs been replaced? Engine air filter and MAF sensor? More info needed!
     
    #6 Trombone, Jun 2, 2020
  7. Josey

    Josey Active Member

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    bisco has a point in that if you are car-clueless, then this car is not a good option.

    However, Trombone also has a point - if the thing was free perhaps you have some financial room to spare. Many people would be happy to get their hands on a lightly used, 80K miles Gen 1 - even with issues.

    Forget Advance Auto Parts and forget "the mechanic." If you had the TOD, then there was a lot more in the computer than a P0300 (which, as ChapmanF noted is not very informative for the TOD). So "the mechanic is likely incompetent (at least w regards to serious diagnosis and Prius).

    If the car was free and - thus - you're willing to drop some money into it, search around for a local, independent shop that specializes in Prius. No dealers. No franchised chain operations. If you have such a shop take the car there. Have them advise.

    Do know that if the HV battery is original then it is not long for this world. Mileage is largely irrelevant. Time means so much more. But if this was free and only has 80K, and hasn't been abused, then to me it's well worth finding a good option for a replacement HV if/when it comes to that. But this also depends on whether you can find a trustworthy, local, independent shop and are willing/able to pay as needed.
     
    #7 Josey, Jun 2, 2020
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