Help, gas engine won't shut off when idle.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ivria66, Feb 29, 2008.

  1. ivria66

    ivria66 New Member

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    Location:
    Bellevue Wa
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    I drive a 2001 Prius, my check engine light came on a while ago. I changed the air filter and the light went off. The dealership plugged in a scan tool and it came back generic catalytic converter. I took it to my own mechanic and they checked out any and everything to do with the catalytic converter and found nothing wrong. Again a while later the check engine light came on. Now the gas engine doesn't shut off when the car is idle, and it seems to be dropping in mpg's. I also have to push the gas pedal harder to get the car moving faster. Once in a while the car makes a noise when I have the cooler/heater fan on.

    Any ideas?
     
    #1 ivria66, Feb 29, 2008
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Umm..post mileage and some history on the car please.
     
    #2 edthefox5, Feb 29, 2008
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I would recommend checking:
    • tire pressure - should be 42/40 psi
    • oil level - should be at or below "F"
    • heater control - is it on 'defrost', which forces the engine to run 24x7
    When was last oil and air filter change?
    Total miles on odometer?
    Has transaxle oil been changed?

    Note, the catalytic converter doesn't last forever and the North American, NHW11 Prius has a special hydrocarbon converter that has a mechanical linkage. You might have a muffler shop take a look at the linkage to see if corrosion or sticking is evident.

    Fortunately, you live on the west coast and I understand there are some excellent, independent Prius mechanics there. Doug may have a recommendation.

    GOOD LUCK!
    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Feb 29, 2008
  4. ivria66

    ivria66 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Bellevue Wa
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    82,000 miles
    It is now due for an oil change, just changed air filter last fall.

    Ok, Doug, any good independent Prius mechanics in the Bellevue, Seattle area?
     
    #4 ivria66, Feb 29, 2008
  5. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Check the traction battery. Sounds like a cell or two may be going bad.
     
    #5 firepa63, Mar 1, 2008
  6. ivria66

    ivria66 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    As it turns out, I just needed to replace the computer. Now everything is back to normal.
     
    #6 ivria66, Mar 6, 2008
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    When was it replaced?
    Via dealer or 3d party?

    Thanks,
    Bob Wilson
     
    #7 bwilson4web, Mar 6, 2008
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