check engine light on, off, now on again

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

  1. Arnelle

    Arnelle New Member

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    There are oodles of these threads but each one seems different.
    My 2005 base Prius has just over 78K and I've owned it for 9 weeks.
    About 3 weeks ago, the check engine light came on while driving, and stayed on. later in the day, I drove home and the light was not on. 3 weeks have gone by and no check engine light.
    Yesterday it came back on while driving.
    I realize Check engine has to do with emissions and it needs to be diagnosed because it could be at least 5 (expensive!!) things (it's probably NOT the gas cap).

    I'm asking for advice/suggestions as to why it would come on, go off for weeks then come on again.
    I am finally off the dealer's (Nissan!) used car warranty (yay)
    what might cause this fluxing light situation? and should I go to Auto Zone for a free diagnostic (does this make sense for a hybrid?) or just wait and see, then call my local hybrid certified and expensive mechanic shop?
    p.s.: it's running fine! no issues starting, driving; the oil and all fluids are pristine and full, etc.

    what say you veteran Prius folks?
    pshhh...cars! grrrr...it's ALWAYS something!
     
    #1 Arnelle, Aug 7, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You should get the codes read, my guess is the catalytic converter going bad

    You could get lucky and have s loose gas cap
     
    #2 JC91006, Aug 7, 2016
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Idiot lights can reset but the codes are stored. The sooner the codes(s) get read the sooner we can determine what is most likely wrong with the car.

    "I realize Check engine has to do with emissions"...not entirely true. There are many issues that are designed to trip the light. Some of them have nothing to do with emissions.

    The car does not have a self healing mode so the problem is only going to get worse. What could have been relatively inexpensive to fix 3 weeks ago can become a 4 figure job if you ignore it long enough.

    Simple and free things to check include the oil and coolant levels.

    Good luck & keep us posted.
     
    #3 JimN, Aug 7, 2016
  4. Arnelle

    Arnelle New Member

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    #4 Arnelle, Aug 7, 2016
  5. Arnelle

    Arnelle New Member

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    I guess I am calling the repair shop. son of a ......Mullucca.:mad:
     
    #5 Arnelle, Aug 7, 2016
  6. Arnelle

    Arnelle New Member

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    I check those often, like once a week at least. driving old cars has taught me to do that.
     
    #6 Arnelle, Aug 7, 2016
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you checked the gas cap?
     
    #7 bisco, Aug 7, 2016
  8. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    If you are NOT having any issues, just the light, you might, as an experiment, try switching brands of gasoline (especially if you just switched brands or tend to buy here and there) and see if it stays gone.

    The cheap solution, not necessarily the best.
     
    #8 cyberpriusII, Aug 8, 2016
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