Car dies on road, No CEL.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Racso, Jul 28, 2026.

  1. Racso

    Racso New Member

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    If Techstream cant/wont read all the codes, which ecu should I start with. The screenshot is what the car showed before I disconnected the 12v.
     
  2. Racso

    Racso New Member

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    Using Techstream not reader. Im still going to pull the AC wire just to make sure.
     
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  3. Racso

    Racso New Member

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    Battery still charging. Only 120 mA from the charger. 20260802_171923.jpg
     
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Any warmth in the pack? Running a fan? That's definitely a memorable looking charger... How many actual volts does it produce compared to its label?
     
  5. Racso

    Racso New Member

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    Simple design. The autotransformer is used for converting 220v light fixtures to run on 380 3ph. With 125v input, the output is 200v average reading, not peak. That output goes through a 15 watt 120v lightbulb. Then a single diode (half wave rectifier). A microwave oven diode would work well. 2000v piv and 500mA rated. I did not have one handy, but this big bruiser rated for 2500v 100A will do. The bulb lights fairly bright on a discharged battery and tapers down to a barely feeble glow when fully charged. Pretty much self limiting to 220-230 volts DC.

    With an output of only 120mA, there is no need for a cooling fan and battery remains at ambient temperature. NOTE!!!!!!! This charger is NOT isolated from ground!!!!! I have a small 100w isolation transformer for working on "hot chassis tube radios" for isolation. It can be used live in controlled area safely if battery connections are made first, then plugging in.

    The issue using Meanwell LED drivers and the like are voltage way too high, pulsing from not enough resistance for current limiting and dealing with wasted power and heat in both the driver an PS. Plus you must run fans to keep from burning things up.
     
  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    The 220 to 230 VDC output is too low to fully charge and top balance the battery pack. You need 250 VDC output.
     
  7. Racso

    Racso New Member

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    Being an unregulated taper charger, the end voltage may actually get up there if left connected long enough. It's only purpose for now is to restore the battery to a healthy state of charge in a day or so to allow troubleshooting.