I have a 2001 toyota prius. When I start the car and press on the gas pedal the engine rev's but nothing moves and there is some clatter from the engine. I can put it in B mode and drive it a short distance, but that's it... Please help. The engine light has been coming off and on for a week now. It makes a loud audible tone and then I turn it off and back on and then it stops. Any ideas
Sounds like your MG2 motor is toast, meaning your transmission will need a replacement. The MG2 can be replaced without removing the transmission. The problem is finding a good MG2 at a reasonable cost, best bet would be is to find a GEN 1 that has been in an accident as a donor. TomK
Get Mini VCI so you can retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes logged by the various ECUs in your car and therefore have a clue about the root cause. You don't want to be replacing a transaxle on a guess - although it is reasonable that the transaxle may be the root cause of your car's problem.
Patrick, Id like to insert a question here for myself and Mr. Shropshire. I've had similar problems and on my 100 post thread I think many have suggested the same thing. I bought a scanguage and didn't take your advice on the MCI VCI (primarily because I needed a scanning tool for the next day.) I think you've indicate the Mini VCI is more accurate; that's with the techstream software we'll have to download?
Sorry to hear your 2001 is experiencing problems. If your issue does end up being a bad MG2 stator, Dorman now sells "new" MG2 replacement stators for the 1st gen Prius's. In my opinion, this is a much better option than rolling the dice and going for a used junkyard/ebay stator. I don't work for them, but I am ordering one myself to replace an apparent bad one on my 2001. A quick web search will show that one company is selling these for about $550 shipped. Look up part number Dorman 587-990.
When you purchase Mini VCI, the required Techstream and other software will be included on a CD. Assuming you are successful in installing that software on a Windows XP or Windows 7, 32 bit OS laptop, you will then enjoy essentially the same diagnostic power as a Toyota dealer technician.
