Big Red Triangle and Hybrid Warning Light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mjf777, Jul 25, 2016.

  1. mjf777

    mjf777 Junior Member

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    Hey everyone,

    The last few weeks I've been noticing that, upon start, the hybrid battery is showing at 1 line. It's been really hot in SO cal and the air con has been blasting, so I've been letting it charge up a bit before driving. Once I'm on the road, the battery charges fine and seems to hold a charge.

    However,today I forgot to let it charge up and got the giant triangle of death and the hybrid warning light on the main console.

    In hunting through the forums it looks like it may be the 12V battery. I did the diagnostic check on the battery current and it was around 11.8V on READY.

    Wondering if this is the issue, or the inverter, or (least wanted) the hybrid battery going out.

    Any thoughts on next steps.

    HUGE thanks.
     
    #1 mjf777, Jul 25, 2016
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    The warning lights have thrown OBD trouble codes. Get them read via the OBD port under the dash below the steering wheel and you'll know where you stand.

    Major auto parts stores will read them for free but usually can't see all hybrid specific codes like a Toyota or hybrid specialist can.
     
    #2 fotomoto, Jul 25, 2016
  3. mjf777

    mjf777 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the quick response. Will track one down and see what I get. Cheers.
     
    #3 mjf777, Jul 25, 2016
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the car is READY when you are measuring 11.8V, then the DC/DC converter is not working. The usual reason for that is the inverter coolant pump has failed. Look for turbulence in the coolant reservoir which shows the pump is working.

    If the voltage measurement is OK when the car is cold, then the inverter itself is still OK.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jul 25, 2016
  5. mjf777

    mjf777 Junior Member

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    Thanks Patrick! Super helpful. Will be checking the codes and will check the pump in the morning.

    Cheers.
     
    #5 mjf777, Jul 26, 2016
  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    My 2010 with 60K miles just threw the ABS light and VSC light, only have had the car for a month, also noticed when the warning lights come on the and I brake, the recharge bar is only showing one bar even at full stop. The warrning lights come on for a while then will shut off. I have no idea when the 12 volt was replaced if ever. I am thinking its the 12V, does that sound right?
     
    #6 orenji, Jul 26, 2016
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's a recall on 2010 brakes
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 26, 2016
  8. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Thanks, I purchased it from a Toyota Dealer, I would think they would have preformed all the latest recalls?
     
    #8 orenji, Jul 26, 2016
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would just bring it back
     
    #9 JC91006, Jul 26, 2016
  10. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Yeah, that would be the easy way of doing it....:)
     
    #10 orenji, Jul 26, 2016
  11. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    The ABS issue is a "warranty enhancement," rather than a recall. Look at the concurrent thread here to get a copy of the letter if you didn't get yours in the mail.
     
    #11 andrewclaus, Jul 26, 2016
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