P LOCK Problem ? Causing a Starting Problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DCM, Mar 26, 2015.

  1. DCM

    DCM New Member

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    In the past month the P Lock malfunction (07 Prius) indicator light has come and stayed on. Twice in the past month after going into a store it would not start. After waiting around 5 minutes and pressing the start button a bunch of times it finally started. The battery reads 12.17 volts. I disconnected the battery to see if it would reset the malfunction indicator. It did not and I am worried one of these days it won't start at all. Any suggestions?
     
    #1 DCM, Mar 26, 2015
  2. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    That error message is a classic low 12V problem, as is your startup problem. Either fully charge the battery, and make sure the connections are tight, or replace it now if it is old. Your reading of 12.17 volts does not give any confidence in the viability of the present battery.
     
    #2 nh7o, Mar 26, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ditto.
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 26, 2015
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    To put it another way, the P Lock problem isn't causing the starting problem--they're both symptoms of the battery condition.
     
    #4 css28, Mar 26, 2015
  5. DCM

    DCM New Member

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    That's what I've been reading which is why I checked the battery. Sounds like any kind of load may be dropping it under 9 or 10 volts. The battery is 8 yrs old. Will change it and see what happens. Thanks!
     
    #5 DCM, Mar 26, 2015
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