2001 Prius won't start

i'm dealing with the same issue with a 2001 i just bought. i just installed a rebuilt hv battery pack that seems to be working fine too. i turn the key and nothing. i'm wondering if it is a fuse issue? i'm gonna try to have it scanned for error codes asap. unfortunately i don't have the scan tool.

 

In order to help you, we need to know what codes are causing your check engine light.

 

thanks usnavystgc! i don't have a scan tool to read the codes. i'm going to a mechanic friend today and hopefully i can use his to get a code. i don't get any check engine light or warning symbols. i just turn the key and nothing. not even a hint of it turning over.

 

I know you say the 12V battery is new but, what is the voltage on it? The symptoms really suggest a bad or low 12V battery.

 

i just measured it at 12.52 and tried to jump it also. still nothing..

 

Hmmmmmm???? I guess that means we need to have the codes read. Hopefully there is some. Let us know what you come up with today.

 

my (non-prius) mechanic buddy down the street came over with his scanner and we couldn't pull any codes with it. his scanner tips said the engine oil may be too thick and to drain it and try lighter oil? this was an auction car with a broken out drivers window and rear window. there was a lot of water on the drivers side floor and in the trunk. maybe its a bad wiring connection somewhere? if it was the main relay in the hv battery wouldn't i get a code or see a warning light in the prius screen?

 

With that said, it could be anything. You're probably going to need the manuals. Good luck and keep us up to date.

 

Not dealt with the NHW11 to any extent but is the HV safety interlock installed correctly? Usnavystgc may have more information on this>

John (Britprius)

 

hey john! is the HV safety lock you are referring to the orange service plug that plugs into the relay that cuts the hv battery voltage in half? (excuse my lack of the language) if so, yes i've had it in and out numerous times. gonna trouble shoot some more today and see what i can come up with. it didn't seem like it could be a bad coil but i'm gonna check all 4 anyway. i'll keep ya's posted.

 

Slim just trying to make sure you have the HV supply going to the front of the car as I'm sure you know it is this supply that turns the engine to start it, so Checking voltages in and out of the DC contacters would be my first port of call.

John (Britprius)

 

ok, again excuse my lack of terminology. by DC contactors are you are referring to the system main relay that is inside the hv battery where all the connections are made from the harness to the hv battery? here's a pic:

 

Slim,
What I would like for you to do (for my own peace of mind) is have you check the orange service plug to ensure it is properly inserted. This will seem elementary but please review this document in detail. Pls pay specific attention to step 9. (c) on page 21-118. Many people (including qualified technicians) tend to forget this step. Pls verify the plug is installed correctly IAW this doc. This is for an 04-09 but I'm pretty sure the procedure is the same.

 

i will double check it is securely in place. thanks!

 

There is a small microswitch on the side. Make sure the lever closes when the orange handle locks. It is good to measure to make sure it provides continuity. This is the microswitch that cares the safety interlock signal from the inverter to the HV ECU.

Bob Wilson

 

there is a microswitch on the orange service plug? i only see one handle the folds up and down to lock it into place. i have a 2001 prius.

 

I do not know what your problem is ,but one of mine you have to turn the key to start and than back to the off and than quickly turn it to start and than it will start. I am planning to look into what is causing this,but have not had he time to fix it yet. I would try that on yours and see what happens..

 

It is on the right side of the socket. The plug begins engaging when the handle is at the 45 degree angle. I'm looking for my photos but think I left them over at Prius Technical Stuff.

Source: Yahoo group "Prius Technical Stuff" June 26, 2011



Bob Wilson