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Trouble Shooting "Shift to P Position When Starting"

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by TwoPriusInTenn, Oct 11, 2017.

  1. TwoPriusInTenn

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2015
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    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    2010 Prius with 220,057 miles. Flat surface and all doors closed.

    The car has been acting a little sluggish with an occasional "check hybrid system" on display. Thinking it might be a bad or going away cell in the hybrid battery and/or corroded main terminals (symptom in our other two Prius). All cells checked (7.50 to 7.65v) out fine with the exception of a little corrosion on the hybrid battery main terminals. I cleaned off both connections, put everything back together and reconnected the 12v battery which was/is at full charge (12.6).
    When I went start, "check hybrid system, "shift to P position when starting" came up on the display along with a display full of lights. No codes on my code reader.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    While cleaning connections in the HV battery area, did you clean the fan? How old is the 12v battery? What code reader are you using? Are all connections tight? Is the orange plug seated properly? Has any other recent maintenance been performed? Have you owned the car since new? Any history of accidents?

    Keep us posted (y).
     
  3. TwoPriusInTenn

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I did not clean the fan in the HV area.
    The battery is a couple years old.
    Code reader is a U480 CAN OBDII OBD2
    I did double check all the connections. They are tight
    Bought the car used several years ago. No problems until the "check hybrid system" warning came up a few weeks ago. I was able to clear with the code reader.
    No history of accidents. Prior to or since we purchased the vehicle.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you probably need a mini vci.
     
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  5. TwoPriusInTenn

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I ordered one. Great advise. Thank you.
     
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  6. TwoPriusInTenn

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2015
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    ISSUE RESOLVED!! Turns out it was a couple things. Main sensor on Converter/inverter and the Converter/inverter itself. Replaced both and cleared codes. Working great now!

    Thank you for you help.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Plug-in Base
    congrats!(y)
     
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