Hello all, this is my first post (YAY!) so go easy on me. I purchased a very well maintained 2006 Prius from LetGo. I'm very fortunate the previous owner took such good care of the car. I recently (two months ago) had regular maintenance done at my local Toyota dealer and in addition to basic oil changes, tire rotation and filter changes, I was told I needed new spark plugs ($400.xx). Okay fine. I was also told I need to replace the coolant flow control valves. I asked if this were an immediate concern, as I was quoted $790.xx in addition to spark plugs. I was told no. It could wait. I don't drive much, as I'm a stay at home mom but the car doesn't just sit. I live in a town where you NEED a car so we're mobile, just not as much as if I had a day job. Anyway, now the red triangle of death is on my car, and I hear what sounds like a fan/vent blowing from the rear of the car (passenger side in the back seat). I'm concerned it may be the hybrid battery at this point. Could the coolant flow valve cause this? Also is there one, or two control valves? Toyota is saying there are two that need to be replaced. The battery was tested last year by a reputable independent Prius specialist in my area and they claimed the battery was in good working order (at that time). I'm skeptical b/c Toyota has repeatedly tried to get me to trade in my Prius and I'm just giving them major side eye at this point as I know they want me to buy a new car but I refuse to part with my car. It has 172,xxx miles, I know it has more life in it AND it's fully loaded so I'm not sure what a "new" car would do for me at this point. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
welcome! go back to the prius specialist and have the trouble codes read. the coolant control valve will not cause this. the fan running more in the back usually indicates a bad battery, but it is possible the fan just needs to be cleaned. if it is the battery, look into the prolong charger. i'm not sure if it is too late to recondition it or not. if it is too late, your best bet would be a new battery from 'newhybridbateries.com'
I'm a girl. I'm convinced they took advantage. Chalk it up to the game. I honestly didnt know and they got over. I wont be going back though! Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Thanks, very helpful. I found a place near me with reasonable rates for battery replacement and I'm just crossing my fingers. Set the appointment. Hopeful for the best! Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
new is new. rebuilt/remanufactured is the same battery you have. there are a number of methods to rebuild, some better than others, but you're usually buying a pig in a poke. a new battery will last another 10-15 years and cost $2-3,000. installed. a rebuilt battery might las a month, a year, a few years and cost $500. - $2,000. and you don't always get what you pay for. plus, the warranty is often useless.
Thank you for this. I intend to keep the car as long as possible so your recommendation for new is likely the way to go. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
check out the website in post #2, and see if you can find a mech willing to install it. compare that total price to as many dealers as you're willing to take the car to.
Yeah I agree.plugs cost 30 bucks.. I changed mine in about 45 mins. Then again I sorta knew what I was doing and had all the proper tools. But 400? Rip-off!
UPDATE: So the coolant control valve aas replaced earlier today and the coded pulled afterward were: P3000 C1259 C1310 Thankful it's not the dreaded P0A80. I was told to bring it in on Monday but in the meantime, drove the car around (locally) bc that's what charges the battery. I loaded my son in the car for a few laps around the block and about 800 ft before we turned into my driveway the car began to coast. I put on my flashers and wonder why this is. By the time I turned in to park, the vehicle had picked up momentum again and I was going about 12MPH compared to zero while still on the street. It was driving fine up until then. So I'm going to take it in and see. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
p3000 is the battery controller. possibly corrosion at the connectors. you may need to have it checked with tech stream to get sub codes, do you know what the shop is using for a reader? you can ignore the others
Actron9125. I took it for a spin yesterday, as the woman on the phone said to drive it as often as possible to keep it charged but it was weird after a while and didnt quite stall, more like coasted ..!?!? Also the fan is back on so itll all come to light tomorrow when I take it to my Prius guy. Wish me the best, not giving up on my "Goji Berry"!! Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
driving it keeps the 12 volt battery charged. if it sits more than a few days at a time, a battery maintainer is a cheap investment. a good hybrid battery can sit for a long time no problem, but an older weak one can go out of balance from sitting. they do make conditioners for this situation, not much more than a good set of spark plugs all the best!
I appreciate your time and help, really! I took it to Prius Hybrid Repair in Annapolis, MD and their scanner picked up the dreaded P0A80 so it's being replaced. It makes sense because I didn't start having issues until I started staying home and left my job back in February. The car would sit for days. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.