2005 Prius "Computer" Issues? Intermittently Dash and Drive Issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM.

  1. majordude

    majordude Member

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    I have a Prius that is in critical condition.

    It wouldn't start last Thursday and AAA towed it to a local Toyota. They said I needed a battery and a belt replaced. Belt maybe, batter probably not.

    Drove it around and it died later that night.

    The car's dashboard was dead and the red triangle of death would come on if placed in drive. It would not turn off. Saturday morning (it turned off somehow) It could start it and it would go into reverse but not drive.

    AAA came out and it (of course) worked the minute he hit start. I drove it back to Toyota which is where it is now.

    I don't trust them.

    Have you heard of this before? Can you guess what I need?
     
    #1 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Which battery did the dealership say needed replaced? The 12 battery or the hybrid battery?

    The problem with the combination meter (dashboard) going dark (blank) is a very common problem for the Gen 2 Prius. Take a look at this thread, https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/2293037
     
    #2 Brian1954, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:43 PM
  3. majordude

    majordude Member

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    The 12v. I truly don't think I needed that done. The same day I had a NEW battery, I needed a jump!
     
    #3 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 7:58 PM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Toyota Stealerships are as dishonest as criminals who think they'll never get caught. Don't pay them to look at it again, they'll steall your money and lie to you about replacing expensive parts before they even finish the diagnosis.

    If you tell us what region you live in someone on here who lives near you might be able to help. Or use this map to find an honest hybrid mechanic: NexPower certified shop locator - hybrid battery experts– NexPower Energy
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:13 PM
  5. majordude

    majordude Member

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    SoCal. Fullerton, Buena Park area: 90621
     
    #5 majordude, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:19 PM
  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    See the other thread that the OP created, and you already replied to it,
    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3615151
     
    #6 Brian1954, Jun 15, 2026 at 8:33 PM
    majordude likes this.
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If this car is missing a belt, the only belt on this engine is the water pump belt. So if you're driving around without the belt, it probably is overheating and explains why it's dying. Also it explains when AAA came around, it turned back on and was back to normal. After the engine cools, it will act normal until it overheats again. An overheated engine can be catastrophic, hopefully there was no permanent damage due to it getting hot.

    What information did Toyota provide you about their diagnostics? If they say you need a belt and a battery, they will need codes to back that diagnosis. You have the paperwork from the dealership?
     
    #7 JC91006, Jun 15, 2026 at 11:29 PM
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