I was driving today then suddenly, the red triangle and check engine lights became lit on my 2001 Prius, the vehicle continued to drive normally. When i came to a stop and waited at a stop light the dashboard got dim as if my 12 volt system was down, then the 12v battery discharge light, so i started driving again and the discharge light went away, then i stopped the vehicle and i touched the inverter it was hot to touch, which i thought was unusual, the coolant levels were good too, i pulled the code P3130 Auxiliary Emissions control fuel air metering. I erased all the codes, and the triangle is gone, i left the vehicle to sit for 20 minutes , then restarted and proceeded on another journey and 5 minutes into the drive the same problem again. This led me to believe a cooling problem or something is going bad. The vehicle continues to drive normally, and this prius is under warranty i just dont know if i should take it yet until i know its a the hybrid powertrain problem. I think this is a potential inverter/ converter problem not sure. Also today was above 90 degree F here in jersey city What do you think?
If it's under warranty, what are you thinking? It may fix itself? Take it in! Maybe it just needs a coolant flush for better circulation to the inverter, but what ever, don't fry your car guessing what it may need.
i found out there was air in the coolant system, and managed to get rid of it on the hottest day here, so i topped it off, and its good as new now, althuogh im thinking i will need a new inverter, its still under warranty so once it happens again im bringing it in, i have low power output right about now, but this is my only car i have that is registered and insured, my 05 prius hybrid is awaiting salvage inspection.
