2008 Prius will NOT move + Code P0A90 Drive Motor “A” Performance

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriuSocal, Apr 21, 2025.

  1. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    2008 Prius 245k No previous mechanical or HV battery issues.

    Car was driving well until this morning when I got into the car and started it and when put into gear (D), the car would NOT move or drive and made a grind-like noise, like when you have loose change or rocks in a washer. When i hooked up my BlueDriver OBD2 scanner it gave me P0A90 Drive Motor A Performance. Car has been maintained meticulous by me and as mentioned before, no issues other than a Inverter pump replacement around 20k ago.

    Any ideas what to look for or is this a common/rare issue?

    Here is the video I took of it his morning for reference.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/FpSX5sZKzpI?si=dUBXnZrq-97ke_AG

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 PriuSocal, Apr 21, 2025
  2. MAX2

    MAX2 Senior Member

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    The blue adapter will not show the subcode of this error, so it is difficult to choose the exact correct path. There are several options that need to be worked on.

    https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%94%B0%E6%99%AE%E7%91%9E%E6%96%AF%E5%8E%9F%E5%8E%82%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8CPDF%E6%A0%BC%E5%BC%8F/Prius%20Service%20Manuals%202004/%E4%BF%AE%E7%90%86%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C/04pruisr/05/21bpm/0a90242.pdf
     

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    #2 MAX2, Apr 22, 2025
  3. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    I do see now on Page HV-73 of the manual where there are different INF codes following P0A90. I have access to an ICON T10 scanner, Should that pin point the INF issue?

    If the Transmission needs replace, is that a DIY’ers do or something youd recommend a professional do? If its more than car is worth may just part it out as every thing else is good.
     
    #3 PriuSocal, Apr 22, 2025
  4. MAX2

    MAX2 Senior Member

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    The error code is an indication of the problem.
    This error code has many subcodes.
    The error subcode is an indication of the exact direction.

    It is like the number of a multi-story building, and the number of the office in this building.

    The transmission can be inexpensive, it rarely fails. But it is quite difficult to disassemble. You need work skills, lifts for large-sized heavy installations.
     
    #4 MAX2, Apr 22, 2025
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  5. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    I guess my question to clarify is, how do I know the “sub” code for the P0A90? I know the blue driver does not give it but would a higher end scanner show that or how do I find out that “sub” code?

    BTW, where you able to hear the sound on the video I posted? I am afraid myself that it is in fact the trans but this sounds like grinding and aware this trans is belt driven more than full of gears like a standard trans.
     
    #5 PriuSocal, Apr 22, 2025
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The eCVT is a planetary gear split in two and joined by a chain, so plenty of opportunity for grinding noises. Although it is more likely that the clutch plate has failed, and/or the drive axle at the clutch plate has sheared.

    I'm not saying this is your problem. You will be best served by obtaining the subcode to guide your diagnosis and ultimately the repair.
     
    #6 dolj, Apr 22, 2025
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2025
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  7. MAX2

    MAX2 Senior Member

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    It's difficult to judge the grinding noise from a short video taken from the driver's seat.


    The Techstream program determines error codes and subcodes, records a freeze frame when an error occurs. This is a program from the manufacturer of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars.

    Special scanners for different manufacturers, "Multi-brand scanners" can also show this data, but here there may be both no information and incorrect information.
    There is a topic on the forum where the Autel AP200 scanner is discussed, which shows data on various Gen2 ECUs well.

    It is necessary to find out the error code and subcode, otherwise all actions will bring little benefit, but a lot of expenses from your wallet. I would not change parts thoughtlessly. Moreover, a number of subcodes can indicate problems in the wiring.
     
    #7 MAX2, Apr 22, 2025
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