Dash lit up like a Christmas tree, lost power completely

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Juanuchis, Feb 7, 2016.

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  1. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Hi folks, I am looking through threads to see if my problem has arisen, but I'll post my question here anyway. I'm the original owner of a 2006 Prius, 131,400 miles on it. I stopped at a drive-through oil change place yesterday for said service, and the oil level was fine when I left. I got about a quarter-mile when the dash lit up with the Triangle of Death and everything else. I pulled over, turned off the car, turned it back on, and the ToD, the check engine light, and the brake system warning light came on and stayed on as I limped back to the oil change place. I got it almost into the bay before the car quit entirely (though the dash indicators remained illuminated). The oil level was fine; they even changed the oil again. We disconnected and reconnected the 12-volt, and tried again. The car started fine, gas engine kicked in immediately, then shut down with the ToD and check engine light (I think even the little red car icon appeared, but I'm not sure). The 12-volt showed 11.8 or so upon depressing the switch once. The second time putting a load on it, it dropped to about 11. When I started the engine it went back to 14.1 or so. The 12-volt was replaced over 100,000 miles ago. We managed to back it out of the bay and put it in neutral so it could be loaded onto the roll-back for transport to my dealer. (I am pretty sure I had the inverter pump replaced in the recall. I think.) I'm sorry, I don't have the ability to get the codes (if any). And I had at least a half-tank of gas.

    From what I've read here, I'm afraid the hybrid batteries are dying. But I just thought I'd throw this out.

    Thanks much!
     
    #1 Juanuchis, Feb 7, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    replace the 12v and see how she behaves.
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 7, 2016
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  3. Mavi

    Mavi Active Member

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    Whenever that happens it's usually the 12v going bad.
     
    #3 Mavi, Feb 7, 2016
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    The original 12v battery didn't last 36000 miles. I'm surprised you got over 100000 miles on the second one.

    Post the codes before authorizing any work beyond replacing the 12v. Will they waive the diagnostic fee if you buy the 12v?

    If the codes point to the traction battery ask the dealer & Toyota if they can help cover some of the repair.

    I suspect it was not the inverter as you were able to limp back to the shop.
     
    #4 JimN, Feb 7, 2016
  5. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Well, here are the codes:

    P3190 - Poor engine power
    P3191 - Engine does not start

    Guy said that they'd need to tear apart the engine to diagnose further, but he suspects the engine is shot. Now I need to weigh options, which will probably mean new car.

    At least now I'm only out the $40 diagnostic charge.
     
    #5 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  6. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I find it extremely hard to believe your engine is shot. 131,000 is low mileage on these engines. The symptoms really do sound 12V battery related. If you have a dead cell, it will cause all kinds of crazy things to happen resulting in erroneous codes being thrown.
     
    #6 usnavystgc, Feb 8, 2016
  7. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    I called my mechanic who said he'd call the hybrid technician at the dealer. He said HELL NO to the engine tear down. I'll probably have to wait to have it towed to my mechanic since we're getting another snow. I won't give up hope!
     
    #7 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what is it about 11.8 volts that seems to go over so many peoples heads.:confused:
     
    #8 bisco, Feb 8, 2016
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  9. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    This is very simple. Your car's brain is controlled by the 12v battery. Now, when we say "12v battery", we are lying. It is actually about 12.7 volts when it is resting and healthy. If a 12v battery shows 11.8v or 11v it is DEAD! Not that it is dying, not that it is on its way out, but this thing has died. This battery is no more. It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late aux-battery. It's a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-battery.

    When the "brain battery" dies, the car becomes a schizophrenic hypochondriac and compulsive liar. It has no stable way of self-diagnosis. It can tell you all sorts of things one minute, then nothing the next. It will scream bloody murder, but show no signs of anything being wrong.

    Replace the 12v battery. Clear the codes, or just restart the car a few times so the lights go away. And be happy. Your engine didn't die at that low mileage unless it drove a long time with no oil or something. Even if it is not the 12v battery (doubtful but possible) you are due for a new one anyways. Spend the $200 and be on your way.
     
    #9 2k1Toaster, Feb 8, 2016
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  10. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Thanks for the help. Didn't need a dose of snark on top. I'm quite capable of admitting I'm an idiot, thanks.
     
    #10 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you had responded to post number 2, you wouldn't have gotten it.:p
     
    #11 bisco, Feb 8, 2016
  12. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Start with the 12v.
    Feel free to call me if you want some other advice.
    It definitely does not need and engine tear down.

    P3190 and P3191 are pretty generic codes.
    Don't automatically jump to the conclusion that it is your hybrid battery

    If there was a P0A80 or something, then I'd say let's go down that path.
    In the meantime start with the normal, easy stuff. 12v battery.
     
    #12 ericbecky, Feb 8, 2016
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  13. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Feels good to be an expert, don't it?
     
    #13 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  14. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Thank you, Eric, for your helpful and considerate reply.
     
    #14 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  15. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Perhaps someone needs to brush up on their 20th century British humour.

    [​IMG]
     
    #15 2k1Toaster, Feb 8, 2016
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  16. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    Actually, Toaster, your reply made me laugh. You'll be hard-pressed to find a bigger Python fan than I!
     
    #16 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    "It is an ex-parrot..."

    Had those words ringing in my ears before I even scrolled down, lol.
     
    #17 Mendel Leisk, Feb 8, 2016
  18. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    It's appropriate since my Prius is blue! Maybe it's pining for the F(j)ords.
     
    #18 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
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  19. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    The quote above is best read aloud in a FogHorn LegHorn voice: "I say, I say, it's DEAD son"!

     
    #19 fotomoto, Feb 8, 2016
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  20. Juanuchis

    Juanuchis Fanny Foamer

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    It had to happen.

     
    #20 Juanuchis, Feb 8, 2016
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