I just bought a 2006 used Prius this week... drove it two days and it was fine. Took it in today for an oil change and to get a tire fixed, and almost immediately it seems like every light is now on on the dash, including the infamous red triangle of death. Why would this be?? I know it’s already got a wiring problem in the back. I have to unplug and reset the battery all the time to get the dash lights to come on. But all these lights weren’t on before.
Your battery trick for the dash lights to work also clears the OBD2 codes (DTCs) that are stored in the ECUs, you will need to read those DTCs with a hybrid compatible OBD2 scanner if you want to fix the vehicle. You can try a common OBD2 scanner (borrow one from each of the local auto parts stores, that way you have a variety), but that may not retrieve all of the codes (DTCs) stored. Most likely whoever sold you the vehicle reset those problem codes (dash warning lights), and they've now reappeared after driving. Maybe the seller will fix the vehicle, or give you a refund.
Before you do anything else, you NEED to get the 12 V battery tested.......or just replaced. You might be resetting some valid codes that need to be checked out but it might just be a weak 12 V battery.
The 12v is working perfect I’ve tested it! Only 124,000 Only 124,000, and he told us that the Prius battery was replaced 2 years ago ♀️
Exactly HOW did you test it ? Very few people actually know how; and that includes very few "mechanics" too. Regardless of it's age, the battery still could be bad. And when you say "Pruis battery", which one are you referring to ? The 12 V or the HV Hybrid one ?
Tell us more about that wiring problem in the back? You might also check the oil level on the dipstick, excessive oil overfill has been known to cause a no start problem. But since you didn't mention the vehicle not starting, guess that isn't one of the problems. Get the codes scanned as mentioned above
Many quick change oil places have the oil quantity in there database at 5 quarts and they also put a little more in for good measure so after letting the car sit a few hours and before starting it check the oil level on the dipstick It’s probably severely overfilled. It will foul the engine real bad. This engine takes 3.6 with new empty oil filter. And your reset trick is because the combo meter on the dash has failed very very common $100 Texas Hybrids for rebuilt he you r&r it. That will soon turn into the car won’t shut off too. Or You have a bad hybrid battery and you got screwed by the classic reset of the 12 resets it’s codes. You can drive a little then it sets again and car goes into limp mode. Battery wasn’t replaced with new factory battery it was Craig’s list rebuilt which is slap in another old module which has not failed yet and then tail light warranty it. It’s rebuilt. New battery is $5000+ Time to pull the hybrid battery out it’s probably a corroded mess. We see many of those,
What does "foul the engine real bad" mean exactly ? In most cases, an extra quart will NOT cause any serious damage unless driven hard and/or for a long time. Then, I don't think I have ever seen a quote for a new battery that high. Where does that come from ??
