Three times recently my 2008 Touring Edition Prius has experienced a shutdown of the engine while driving. Each time I was able to coast and/or use battery power to get to a safe location. The “Triangle-of-Death” and the Check Engine Light was illuminated on the dashboard. Since my car is equipped with a scangauge, I was able to see the codes and clear them on the spot. After restarting the car, it showed no adverse reaction to shutting down and all was seemingly well until the next event. The codes listed below all seem to be communication lapses. My question is; where do I start in my pursuit to diagnose and repair? 7/15/14 - 98,889 miles U0293 and U0100 7/23/14 - 99,414 miles U0293 and U0100 8/21/14 - 101,065 miles U0100 and U0000
i think you need to have the codes pulled by a dealer or auto parts place, unless you want to get a minivci and tech stream software. your in cali, you might be under warranty.
You start by looking up those codes; maybe someone here can help with that. Then you test the 12 V battery.....or if it is the original OEM one six years old.......just replace it.
The battery is an Optima yellow top about two and a half years old and the scan gauge shows it to be in good shape.
Yes, the ScanGauge is not retrieving all correct codes. For example, U0000 is not valid. U0100 means the traction battery ECU lost communications with the engine ECU. U0293 means the traction battery ECU lost communications with the hybrid vehicle ECU. This is due to failure of the controller area network. The troubleshooting process basically is to verify the engine and HV ECUs have correct power, and if so then replace the ECUs. Any accident or rodent damage affecting the engine compartment wiring harness?
what does the optima show for voltage, using a digital volt meter at the posts in the morning, before starting the car?
I'll have to check. I am in the process of buying a replacement Stock Toyota Battery (to eliminate one potential cause).
How long have you had the scangauge? Did the problem start after connecting the scangauge or before you started using the scangauge? I'm assuming you have it always connected? It could be you have a faulty scangauge or scangauge cable. Has the scangauge been acting up as well?
It's very unusual for the car to shut down like that. Can it be overheating? Check all the coolant levels to make sure there's enough coolant there.
I know you replaced the 12V but, this points to 12V power problems. I think you may have a loose connection to your 12V battery.
The car is not overheating. The coolant levels are good and the scan gauge shows "normal" temperature (usually in the 188 degree range)
I suspect the battery as well, a replacement battery is being worked on - good preventive measure at least.
Linear logic has great customer service. Maybe you can contact them and tell them what's going on. Depending on the software version number, you might be able to get an upgrade, or perhaps a CAN specific cable from them to help resolve your problems. SCH-I535
Well it is not only "just for fun". Various recent car makes and models have run into trouble when scan tools are left connected over LONG periods of time. While it might very well be 12 V battery problems, I'd suggest disconnecting the scan tool first.
