Question about 'Check hybrid system'

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Darcy851, Apr 3, 2026 at 1:25 AM.

  1. Darcy851

    Darcy851 Junior Member

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    Sep 28, 2021
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
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    N/A

    This morning on my way to work I got the orange triangle of death and a "check hybrid system" message. I pulled over to the side of the road just in time for the acceleration to die. It wouldn't let me accelerate at all; I couldn't even creep along at 2mph. No response to the gas pedal whatsoever, and the engine wouldn't turn on, it was running in battery mode. I turned it off and back on and was able to limp home after the restart. The three codes I have are P0A80 (archive/permanent/inactive), POAOF (engine failed to start), And P261B. This makes me think that the issue is my water pump failing rather than my hybrid battery failing. I just ordered a water pump and will replace it to see. But I was hoping someone else might have advice, or have info from experiencing the same thing themselves. I have the Dr. Prius app and three of my battery modules are low. Getting the three individual modules would cost $900 here where I live. So if the issue is the battery rather than the water pump, I wonder if anyone has advice on the cheapest way to fix or replace the battery.
    Thanks for any help!
     
    #1 Darcy851, Apr 3, 2026 at 1:25 AM
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    When trouble code P261B occurs and the engine coolant reaches a certain temperature ( I believe about 220F), the ECM will shut down the engine for protection of the engine. In most cases, replacing the engine water pump will fix the problem.

    What replacement water pump did you order and from where?

    How many miles on the car?

    EDIT: ChapmanF explains it better then I can in his post which I copied below,
     
    #2 Brian1954, Apr 3, 2026 at 9:16 AM
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
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    What’s the miles? (Already asked) Anything over 100k, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace water pump, and thermostat.

    Amayama’s very trustworthy, and often a lot cheaper:

    Aisin WPT-190

    @NutzAboutBolts video #29 here is helpful.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Apr 3, 2026 at 9:36 AM
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2026 at 9:49 AM
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