Hey all, So my prius decides to freak out today. I started it and the MFD displayed a message that the p/s had a problem. Well that was just the beginning. My a/c screen on the MFD is all greyed out. Only the driver side window works, no other windows. The speedo doesn't work. The gas and gear indicator lights just flash at me on and off. The low tire pressure, abs, and some other lights are on. The prius drives normal except for the fact that it has no power steering. I drove it home but that was only a couple miles and I don't want to drive it anymore. I looked in the manual and it said it was ok to drive it without the power steering so I just took it home. It seems like one of the entire fuse panels is out somewhere. What happened? Anyone had anything like this?
I know that the fuel gauge lights flashing indicates a problem with the communications bus ( I believe the BEAN bus). I believe there have been a few problems reported with some newer models MFD and there have also been some issues with the combination meter (aka speedo , fuel gauge, trans mode). Hopefully you are still under warranty; if so, I would let the dealer sort it out.
You have a 2009. Take it to the dealer, that's what warranty is for. There are a variety of issues that can cause multiple failures
if it were me, aside from biting my nails and getting ready to take it to the dealer, i'd unplug the 12v battery in the back for 10 minutes or so - sometimes electronics go whacky, and letting things dissipate MIGHT give it the burp it needs - you'll probably lose your radio stations, but would it really matter? good luck!!!!!
my parents RX400h acted like that when the battery connection was poor. I've disconnected the 12v on my 04 with no ill effects... but the Lexus would flip out. Maybe it's a grounding problem.. or 12v inverter line
Good point. A loose or corroded (Should be corrosion on a 2009 Prius yet) negative where it bolts to the unitbody near the battery, or a poor connection at the battery itself, could cause odd problems
I'd still take it back to the dealer. Why troubleshoot something that is obviously covered? If it's a loose connection, Toyota should receive the feedback from the dealer and improve their quality control.
The Highlander Hybrid repair manual suggests initialization of the engine control system is required (using the Toyota diag laptop) when 12V power is disconnected. I assume RX400h would be the same.
it's at the dealer now. I will keep you all updated. The only reason I was hesitant to take it there is because of the vaistech sl2vi. I know they are going to say it's because of that but i've had it on for months. I just know how dealers are. I should've taken the thing off before I brought it it.
Doh! My bet is on the Vais as the cause of the problem because the flashing gas level is a communication error.
YEAH!!!!!! Got my baby back earlier today!! The service shop was closed so I'm not sure what they did but it was covered under warranty! I'm so happy that it wasn't anything bad! As soon as I get the sheet on Monday I will tell yall what was wrong. Anyhow, thanks for all the replies. I'm guessing they just reset the system because they only had the car for a couple hours so.... I'm just really happy!
