Need help before I buy used prius

Or it's simply out of fuel. Try putting in 5 gallons and start it with a good 12v battery

But once it starts, the seller won't want to sell it

 

Nay. Not so. When you start a Prius 2 from cold, the Atkinson cycle engine will kick in within about 7 seconds. You can start moving before this happens, but the vehicle does NOT have to reach 35mph before the engine kicks is. The engine MUST start and run, in order to quickly warm up and reach operational temperatures. It does this so it can run at its most efficient mode and meet its low emissions targets. So, Petrol is always required.

You’ve been described a possible scenario which is feasibly possible IF the engine was already warmed up, you were driving with a very light foot, and invoked the vehicle to drive along from a standstill running on the HV battery only. In the US, I believe the engine will kick in once you go over 30mph (42mph in the UK version). If you’re climbing a hill or you accelerate hard, it will kick in immediately.

Are you sure the vehicle hasn’t been jump started wrong, resulting in several blown circuits, damaged ECUs and very expensive repairs? What ever you are “told” about this Prius by its owner should be a theoretical irrelevance. You need to see the vehicle do what it is supposed to do, as in start up and work / drive, with all primary systems functioning within design parameters.

If it all runs and drives after a battery reset, (or a new 12v battery installed) and the dash still doesn’t light up, that will be strictly a “combination meter” failure issue which can be repaired in due course.

Right now, you have a prospective purchase “dead in the water”, fuelled only by the owners statements, allegations and promises.

Exercise pure logic in your decisions, as already, this prospective purchase isn’t looking too good, despite the attractive price.

Note: there are 250,000 mile Prius 2 vehicles still running about out there who have not had any of these problems. Methinks that vehicle has been tampered with by non professionals, and will give you considerable grief if you go for it - but realistically, the final decision is yours. I know I wouldn’t.


iPhone ? Pro

 

Check if the orange interlock switch on the hv battery is locked. Insert, pivet the lever up, then final step is to push straight down to lock, you'll hear it click

This is the number 1 rookie mistake

 

Classic 12v battery issue, car beeps when door is open, clock is dim or barely visible, etc.

Do you have access to a physical copy of the owners manual?

If not here is the online version, read up on how to jump start a Prius before attempting such.

2006 Toyota Prius Owners Manual and Warranty - Toyota Owners

Try testing the 12v battery and or try applying a 12 source to the vehicle and start it ("ready").

When trying to start the vehicle (also in the manual), press / hold the brake pedal and then press / hold the start button.

Not sure what kind of scan tool you're using, but until the vehicle is in 'ready' mode you won't be able to communicate.

 

1. Check 12v with multimeter to make sure it's over 12v. If over 12v, disconnect for 1 minute to reset. If under 12v, charge and replace if necessary

2. Check the orange interlock switch on hv battery is properly locked in place

3. Make sure there's fuel

The car should start if those 3 check out. Unless there was a botched jump start somewhere that blew fuses.

 

RUN!