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2001 Prius Warning lights=$7300 estimate!

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Carpediem42, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. Carpediem42

    Carpediem42 New Member

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    Location:
    Bellefontaine, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello, Needing advice. My 2001 Prius is displaying the triangle with ! and the car outline with !. I noticed nothing different while driving it. It sat idle in my driveway for 2 weeks and then when I tried to start it, it was dead, just whined. I used my trickle charger overnight and then it started fine, I drove it around the block several times, again it seemed normal. Had it towed to repair shop and today was told the Main battery, main computer and power steering motor are shot and it will cost $7300 to fix it. Really? What should I do? It has 170k+ miles on it and has been a great and steady car. I've done all the normal maintenance. 12v battery replaced in 07. The day the symbols showed up we had a very windy rain storm with horizontal rain. Advice? Please and thank you!!
     
    #1 Carpediem42, Feb 2, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I suggest that you ask what DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) were logged. Then we can comment on whether it seems reasonable that you need to replace those three components.

    If the repairs are required, I would say it would not be a good investment to put $7,300 into your car with 170K miles. It's possible to obtain the traction battery and ECU as salvage parts, if you have an independent tech available who can install them.

    BTW when you say "main" computer, do you mean the engine ECU or the hybrid vehicle ECU? If you don't know, I suggest you ask for clarification.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Feb 3, 2010
  3. Carpediem42

    Carpediem42 New Member

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    Thank you! This is so helpful and gives me specifics to deal with the service dept. I'll follow up.

     
    #3 Carpediem42, Feb 3, 2010
  4. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    This sounds perhaps like a case of "blowing them out of the water." My friend (who is a toyota tech) tells me of scenarios like this. More than likely the tech who looked at your car isn't entirely sure what is wrong. So they quote a whole bunch of parts and work with the idea that you'll either

    1. take it somewhere else to get it repaired.
    2. Pay to have all that work done with the hope that surely one of the parts will actually fix the problem.
     
    #4 adric22, Feb 3, 2010
  5. Carpediem42

    Carpediem42 New Member

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    Location:
    Bellefontaine, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    DTC codes are: P3000, P3006, C1521, C1522. The computer was the Hybrid ECU and now they think that is okay and would not need replaced if the battery is replaced. So I'm now at power steering and main battery for $6k. Any guidance on how to go about finding salvage parts and an independent tech? I've been so satisfied with this car and would like to fix it if possible but not if I'm investing more than its worth.
    Thank you so much for all advice.

     
    #5 Carpediem42, Feb 3, 2010
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Two
    DTC P3000 HV Battery Malfunction is posted by the hybrid vehicle ECU and tells you there's something wrong with the traction battery.

    DTC P3006 Battery SOC Are Uneven is posted by the traction battery ECU and tells you that at least one of the 38 modules within the traction battery has failed.

    Did your steering wheel ever shake abnormally while you were driving the car? If not, then you can ignore the C152x codes for now.

    So now we are down to replacing the traction battery. A salvage Classic battery is pretty expensive due to demand exceeding supply. It is possible to purchase a Classic battery containing salvage 2G battery modules here:
    Remanufactured Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs

    However you would need to find an independent to install it for you. Suggest that you try to find an import car shop that specializes in Toyota and see if they can step up to this.

    Once you find your steering wheel starting to shake, then you should have the electric steering gear replaced. In that case I recommend you buy a new part since who knows how long a salvage steering gear will last. Good luck.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Feb 3, 2010
    2 people like this.
  7. Carpediem42

    Carpediem42 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
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    Location:
    Bellefontaine, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My steering wheel has intermittently shook when I would first start the car and turn to exit. I hadn't noticed that recently. Thank you so much for your information. I have definite leads to go on. Appreciate the knowledge!
     
    #7 Carpediem42, Feb 3, 2010
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