2008 Prius with new 12 V battery won't shift; lots of warning lights

Ah that’s nifty!

 

I've had one user on there since 12/4/2016.

 

Suzy,
The 526 sub code is the most broad that contains everything that could possibly cause a high voltage leak. It does nothing to help pinpoint the source of the leak. The other issue you have is the leak is VERY intermittent. It has been taking weeks for the car to detect the leak. No one can find a leak when it is not present.

The cheap way to proceed, not the quick way, is to just keep driving the car until the problem gets worse. It's most likely that it will get worse. Every time the dash lights up read the codes.

Brad

 

Impossible! The experts on Priuschat said all she needed was that sub code and problem would be solved. (Just like changing the auxiliary battery can solve any and all problems.)

Actually, I do agree with you in a way. I'd like to see Suzy either change the transaxle or keep driving it until it dies as opposed to any other shenanigans.

And BTW, every time that code sets and only has that sub code of 526 she will have to reset/erase it to drive the car again. The odds of its setting with two sub codes are very slim.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I think you should check with local mechanics you know and trust and see if they would be willing to take a shot at it. I'd be happy to walk them through it.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Take a shot at replacing the transaxle, that is.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Hampton cove is near Huntsville.

Maybe @bwilson4web might have a local recommendation.

 

Here is something to look at:

 

Some of the 13 items on the list are still in your new battery. A new battery pack from Toyota consists of a set of new modules and case. The old relays and computer are transferred to the new battery. Relays rarely fail and computers are expensive so those parts get reused. A rough order of likely sources of a HV leak is.

1. Battery modules.
2. Transaxle (there is a reason Avi keeps saying to replace this).
3. Conventional oil was put in the AC compressor.
4. Damaged HV (orange) cables.

Brad

 

Ok @Raytheeagle, it finally worked. Perhaps the 'expected database' error ate the earlier attempts back in August.

I sent @SuzyGS a reply with my contact information and offer to come over with my 'toys' to see what we can find. Knowing they have a miniVCI is a major win and I happen to have a ScanGauge I can loan them to help catch this intermittent on the fly.

THREAD SUMMARY

1. Intermittent - the only good thing is eventually they fail hard but perhaps not yet.
2. Transaxle oil change - not done, yet. Seeing the transaxle oil is one of two definitive tests. The other being monitoring ICE, MG1, and MG2 temperature (see 2003 Prius - Cold Weather and Transaxle). (1)
3. 12V battery - the inverter has a DC-to-DC converter in the bottom, closest to the transaxle, that can fail hard but is also cooled by the inverter coolant. If it is going out because it gets too hot, the 12V battery would soon discharge. Low 12V voltages can induce a wide range of false codes.
4. Inverter coolant pump can fail intermittent - I saw this with our Gen-1 and bought the replacement pump but I gave the car away before installation. I understand there was a Tech Recall for Gen-2 inverter pump replacement but didn't see it mentioned in the thread. BTW, good Prius friend Hobbit: Prius links once documented 'gel formation of inverter coolant.' This can also block coolant flow and Hobbit documented how to flush and replace. (1)

Did I miss anything?

As a general rule, I try to avoid working on a model car that I do not own. The reason is I don't have a good way to confirm a diagnostic on my own before 'turning a wrench' on another's car. However, I'll share what I've learned about how to learn and hopefully it will help.

Bob Wilson

(1) Drain, take a sample, and replace of transaxle oil and inverter coolant are two things Bill Penny can do BUT provide two, dry, one cup, water bottles to hold the samples. They can also handle the inverter pump replacement if not yet done. Inverter pump replacement may take 'negotiation'. If you get samples, we can send it to the lab I use for analysis.

ps. Some earlier work: 2003 Prius

 

Follow-up to phone call, action items:

• Use miniVCI to see if MG1 and MG2 temperatures are readable from the "Hybrid Controller" ECU. - If MG2 is warmer than MG1 and/or MG1 warmer than engine coolant, the transaxle can be considered toast. Just drive around the block and monitor the temperature, it is fast. Combined with the earlier sub-code, it is 99% certain the transaxle is failing. Note the failure can stretch over several months but it becomes progressively worse with a speed-proportional, vibration even when coasting in "N": Gen 2 Prius (2004-2009) Transmission Failure, P0AA6, P0A92, P0A7A - Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists The current workaround, 12V reset by disconnecting the ground, is known and in use by the drivers.
• Test oil sample. - We can draw a small sample from the transaxle level/filler hole (see: Spring maintenance) to see if it is burnt or smells of paraffin, this confirms the transaxle is dying. Changing the transaxle oil is an option especially as I may have some left over from before. It would also allow inspecting the oil as it is but won't 'heal' a shorted stator winding.
• Discuss options after confirmed diagnosis of failing transaxle. - This requires choosing two from GOOD, FAST, CHEAP:
  • GOOD, FAST - Toyota $ervice center
  • GOOD, CHEAP - nurse car to either AutoBeYours or Taylor Automotive for an 'extended stay' at the spa.
  • FAST, CHEAP - order salvage transaxle; acquire/rent heavy lift tools; configure garage for transaxle swap, and; with a team and TIS, do the swap.
• Confirm inverter coolant pump was replaced: Prius Code P0A93: Inverter Water Pump Failure - Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists This is to address potential overheating of the 12V DC-to-DC inverter that might have led to earlier battery failure(s).
• Coordinate a 'house call' when we can get together with the car and go over diagnosis and options.

Now there is always a question of fix or replace. When has something reached 'end of life?' That is a much harder question that has a personal component.

Bob Wilson

 

I had one a month ago that drove perfectly. The dealership in Santa Monica wanted some crazy amount do diagnose it so the owner towed it to me. I removed the inverter and insulation tested the transmission and found MG2 was shorted to ground. I mistakenly thought the transmission was covered under the California emissions warranty and therefore decided to take it to the dealership. I had to drive it 25 miles before the code would set. THERE WAS NO SHUDDERING. IT DROVE LIKE BRAND NEW. NO VIBRATION AND THE FLUID WAS NOT BURNED.

To date I have NEVER seen a Gen 2 Prius transaxle shudder.

Once the inverter is out of the way, the transmission is not that different from a conventional one. Removing the inverter isn't that difficult. Can it be one of the other 12 components in the system? YES! Is it likely it is something else besides the transmission? No, in my opinion.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

My 2005 with failed transaxle had a shudder