2011 Prius Overheating. Code P0117. However, coolant is also disappearing.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Chris Chung, Jan 8, 2024.

  1. Chris Chung

    Chris Chung New Member

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    Hi All,

    I am hoping to be able to fix this myself as the budget is tight. My Prius is overheating and losing coolant. The other day, I filled it up before bed, and in the morning it was low again. The only code I'm getting is for the temperature sensor. Should I replace the temperature sensor? I suspect there's more to this than that. Today I'm going to refill the coolant and put some cardboard underneath to see if there's a leak and try to ascertain where it is coming from. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm a novice diy mechanic in this regard.

    Thanks,

    Chris
     
    #1 Chris Chung, Jan 8, 2024
    bisco likes this.
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You slide a piece of cardboard under the car most people's cars by now a lot of the plastic is damaged underneath If it's not and your plastic is perfect then the cardboard's going to do you no good It's just going to hit the plastic and run somewhere and drip out and not really give you an idea where the leak is it could be 20 25 in away because the water can't drop straight If the water can drop straight pretty much under the engine and transmission slide a piece of cardboard park it in white sand whatever see any wetness you have a drip for a leak I'm gambling you don't have either but I hope you do.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jan 8, 2024
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    How many miles on it?

    Your problem is probably the engine water pump. Replace it ASAP!
     
    #3 Brian1954, Jan 8, 2024
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The cardboard won't work if you have th under carriage pan still installed.
    It will just fill up.
    You can rent a pressure tester from autozone or there parts store and apply
    pressure to find the leak.

     
    #4 ASRDogman, Jan 8, 2024
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