Start stop no more after tune up

What was done during the tune up. What parts were replaced or "tuned up?"

 

tune up?!

 

This was through a Toyota dealership? Have you called them? Maybe the unreadable item was a software update ??

 

Is it possible they put the hybrid system into a "maintenance" or "troubleshooting" mode that allows the engine to run when it normally wouldn't? This can be done to check for oil leaks and other stuff like that.

I can't think of anything (else) during a "tune up" -plugs, maybe spark plug wires, air/fuel/breather filters, PCV valves, check/set specs - where possible- that kind of stuff) that would cause the engine to run when it wasn't previously.

There's a crazy-complicated set of steps to put the system into maintenance mode, and maybe they didn't take it OUT of that mode. Manual also strongly warns to make sure to take it OUT of maint mode before driving.

Having taken it to Meineke, there's no telling what the techs there know (and don't know) about Prius...

 

FIRST.......you need to raise the hood and be SURE that the engine is doing what you think it is doing.

Then......I would NEVER let a place like Meineke touch my hybrid for anything more complicated than an oil change and air filter.
But it's too late now.

Now it's a tough call whether you let them look at it again.......or bite the bullet and take it to Toyota and fight with Meineke later about paying the bill for whatever they screwed up.

I think you can not expect Meineke to cover any of the added expense unless you give them at least one chance to make it right.

Sometimes the least expensive option for service ends up being much MORE expensive.

I wish you luck.

 

Taking it out of the mode is as easy as shutting the car off.

Can't see how it would apply, but in B "gear" the engine continues to run?

How's the hybrid battery state-of-charge?

 

If they shut the car off, it goes out of maintainance mode. So the next time you start it normally,
it runs normally.
Just because you "feel" the engine is running, doesn't mean it is. Forget your feelings....
Do as Sam said: "you need to raise the hood and be SURE that the engine is doing what you think it is doing."

Also, what "mode" do you have the car in? If it's in POWER mode, the engine may run more than you "feel" it should.
I suggest you use the "ECHO" mode. Then try to go to a quiet less traveled road and excellerate to about 30mph, set the
cruise and watch the mpg indicator. When it is full, the engine is usually off, depending on the state of charge for the battery.
When it hits 2 bars, you'll "feel" and hear the engine kick in.
You'll also "feel" and hear it kick off if/when the battery is charged enough. If you press and release the cruise lever down
to 29,28,27, etc. mph and you'll see the guage go to 100mpg.
Anything above about 40mph, the engine will be running unless you are going down hill or slowing down.

Perhaps there is someone close to you that also has a Priuse that can ride with you and explain what is happening
and help you "feel" and hear what the enigine is doing and when.

I think that you are maybe not understanding why/when the engine is running.

 

I think an oil change may be beyond their ability as well.

"CarFax" is a wonderful thing. Revealed our one-owner Prius went to a "quick-lube" place, then the owner had to take it to Toyota for an oil leak. Apparently, the generic lube places aren't up to speed on oil filter housings with O-rings.

 

Didn't know it was that easy.

From the warnings, I would have guessed not.

 

which warnings?

 

To not drive the car in maintenance mode? Are we adrift though?

 

From the big laundry list you have here, it's going to be hard to narrow down what is causing the issue. From what I can see, it can be related to the spark plugs (not using the correct Denso or NGK part) or the fuel injector service. But Fuel injector service can be anything, as simple as putting a bottle of cleaner into your fuel tank.

I would monitor your situation and continue driving the car until you use up that tank of fuel. Next tank of fuel, put in some Premium Unleaded gas and see if things improve. If it doesn't improve, then go back and address the problem with Mineke. Mineke is not known to be experts at hybrid service, in fact, they may know very little about them. That huge laundry list of service, did you spend over $2000?

 

That easy to get it OUT of maintenance mode is what I meant.

 

It's that easy: turn the car off.

Are we adrift though?

 

sounds like a temperature tested issue.... did they screw with any thermostat stuff?