Ahhhh !!! okay, so here's the story of what happened, see if you can help.... Had a flat. Jacked up the car, and as im changing the tire, the car starts leaning forwad and the jack slips, and the car falls onto the tire that im changing (the flat tire is still on but loose). Scares the hell out of me. So I put the jack back on, do it again (and yes, I know how to put on a jack and change a tire lol) It happens again, this time slower. So I figure, the ground isnt perfectly level? I put on the parking brake, and stick stuff in front of other tires so it doesnt move. Okay done. As I'm in the trunk, I see this orange thing. Im like "what is this?" So, being a curious cat, I pull the lever and out it comes. I look at it, looks like a fuse type thing. Hmm...wierd. Okay cool. Put it back in. Finish changing the tire, blah blah. Get in, turn it on...and...it doesnt start. all the warning lights come on with message "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" ... So now I'm shitting in my pants. Thinking, maybe when it fell off the jack (4 inch drop maybe) something got messed up. So I come here online, and see about turning it accessory mode and hold for 15 seconds and that the orange thing has to be in properly ... blah blah blah. Do all that....Same result... Any ideas before I tow it into Toyota ?
Sounds to me like he only thing that could have triggered the warning would be you dis-connecting the battery pack from the car. I believe that is what you did with the orange thing. However - I'm not sure how to reset the warning, and if you have to bring it into the dealer. Just know that I'm 99% sure there isn't damage. May want to wait for others input though. Relax.
Okay....trying to breathe a little easier now. Hopefully there is a trick then to reset it. I put it back in like 10 times as best I could hoping that it would work. Maybe I'm missing something....
I've done a little research for you. However, this may be second generation information. Can't hurt though. "Reverse procedure to re-install - push in plug, then flip lever up. Make sure it's seated properly before turning on car, otherwise you get error codes." "o yes there is a fix.. i guess you did not push the orange plug down good enough. ;-)" "Go press the orange interlock again, hard, there's a final "snap" that you have to get to fully lock it down or the car won't work. Just about guarantee that's the problem." "After plugging the connector back in, Usually takes 3 start up/shut down cycles to clear the triangle." Give all that a shot - If I were you I'd make sure I have it pushed in, and latched down. Use some pressure. Start your car, and shut it back off a few time and see if the triangle/warning goes away. Good luck!
You've probably heard that curiosity killed the cat. Regarding the traction battery interlock switch (which is the "orange thing"), after you insert it, you need to pivot the lever 90 degrees. Then, slide the lever to lock it in place. That is how it works for 2G, hopefully 3G is similar. In the future, always depress the parking brake pedal as hard as you can, before you change tires. That should keep the car stationary. Good luck.
Ahhhh. Yeah I thought there should e a click but there wasn't. I'm going to try that now and see what happens. I'll try the sliding option too. Let you guys know if it works. Wish me luck!
Luck is wished! Remember - if you still get the triangle and all that. I would reboot your car a few times to see if it goes away. - after you connected the power correctly of course.
I would highly recommend reading the manual completely through. This is not a car you want to be pulling on things without knowing what they do.
Patrick!! Wow thanks so much. Thr SLIDE is what did the trick. I feel like such an idiot. I was pressing as hard as I could waiting for a click. Then I tried sliding it, it slid to the right and then I turned it on. Did it 3 times and the triangle disappeared. Thanks again to all of you for your help! You guys saved me a mission of toeing and losing time and money on this stupid ordeal!
Glad to hear you successfully reinstalled the traction battery interlock switch. When you open the hood you will note several cables enclosed in orange plastic sheathing, leading to the inverter, transaxle, and AC compressor. In case you are curious about that wiring, it carries high voltage. All high voltage components have this orange color, which is supposed to alert you to be cautious around them.
. . . . . . . especiall when they're orange in color. The color is for a reason. It means you are getting close. How does the childrens's game go? . . . you're getting warmer ... warmer ... you're burning up! Yes ... a hit off DC high voltage is quite an experience. Beware of orange things within the prius, unless you know what you're doing. .
