Combustion engine no longer starts

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Czarofga, Apr 19, 2024.

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  1. Czarofga

    Czarofga New Member

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    I was driving along and my Prius lost power and I had to pull to the side of the road. It stalled out. I tried starting it again and it sputtered out each time after a couple seconds. I had it towed to my house. Pretty much every trouble dash light is lit up. If I don’t start it for a couple days it will run for 2 sec and stall. Then the engine won’t start at all. It seems to have plenty of electrical power. I checked the dip stick and it’s about a quarter inch past the full line. Could too much oil cause this? Seems unlikely but I’m just stumped.
     
    #1 Czarofga, Apr 19, 2024
  2. Mr. F

    Mr. F Active Member

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    As you suspect, highly unlikely. Your best bet would bet would be to get your hands on a Prius capable scanner and post the trouble codes here.
     
    #2 Mr. F, Apr 20, 2024
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    What's your fuel gauge telling you if it works?
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Apr 20, 2024
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Be careful to not run down the hybrid battery with multiple attempts to start engine. Something’s wrong, maybe inverter failure, the computers are likely preventing you starting the engine as a protective measure, and the lights on dashboard likely mean there’s trouble codes that can be read.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Apr 20, 2024
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The inverter is involved in cranking the engine, so for an engine-cranks-then-gives-up symptom, inverter failure wouldn't be my first guess. I'd sooner guess the engine just isn't starting (combined with the usual way the 1000 RPM cranking fools a person into thinking "it started then stalled").

    Yes to getting and posting the trouble codes. And yes to not making too many repeated starting attempts and depleting the traction battery.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Apr 20, 2024
  6. Czarofga

    Czarofga New Member

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    It’s showing over half a tank.
     

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    #6 Czarofga, Apr 20, 2024
  7. Czarofga

    Czarofga New Member

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    Here’s some dash and dr Prius info
     

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    #7 Czarofga, Apr 20, 2024
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