TAHHHH DOHHHH!!! So, if anyone ever has the P3140 problem, check your inverter terminal covers! The terminal cover that goes over those terminals pictured above(I think those go to MG1(Don't quote me on that)), has a connector on it that goes into that white connector on the lower left hand side of the terminal case. The connector on the cover literally has a jumper in it, and all the white connector does is close a circuit that senses whether or not the cover is over the terminal case securely. If the cover is not on, not on correctly, or if the pins on the white connector pins are bent(like mine pictured in the top photo), you will get a P3140. You will get a triangle with no CEL. The only way to pull the code is to get a mVCI and techstream. The ABS light may flash as well. By the way, this also will happen with the terminal cover in the lower driver side of the inverter. You will get a P3140 and ABS light may flash as well. Just like the terminal shown above. This has been tested on two different priuses. CHECK YOUR TERMINAL COVERS PEOPLE! P.S. I haven't removed the actual large silver inverter cover to check if it also has a sensor on it. I will do that tomorrow.
Glad you got it worked out ! I just put a used inverter in a Prius classic I just bought and was very careful with those interlocks when putting the covers back on. Tim
Ok, now it makes sense. In effect, the circuit may end in a terminator resistor and the HV ECU is measuring the value. Too low, fault. Too high, fault. If a capacitor is in the temination, then it is an AC impedance which is even harder to spoof. Bob Wilson
OK so I've narrowed my P3140 down to this very interlock pictured in the OP. When I have the cover on, as soon as I turn the key, all the warning lights come on. I clear the codes and put a big piece of copper in where the male ends of the interlock that are on the cover go and I can start it up and move in gear no problem. I switch them back and the code all fire off again with the cover on. Any ideas on how to make this a good connection so it thinks the cover is shut? I don't want to drive around with those HV connections exposed.
Are there any oxidation issues with the pins or receptacle? Correct that if needed. Measure the resistance from one male pin to the other. It should be low. If not, there's a problem. If resistance is low, then the pins must not be making good contact in the receptacle. You can "help" them make better contact by twisting each one slightly. This will cause each pin to fit more tightly in it's receptacle.
[QUOTE="ABS light may flash as well. By the way, this also will happen with the terminal cover in the lower driver side of the inverter. You will get a P3140 and ABS light may flash as well. Just like the terminal shown above. This has been tested on two different priuses. CHECK YOUR TERMINAL COVERS PEOPLE!"[/QUOTE] This is a very good find and I will definitely archive your post. You're a Genius! Thanks,
This is just getting crazy now. With a copper wire jumper in the car starts up with no issues. I took the plastic part that has the male end of the connector off of the lid and put it in and the car starts up with no issues. I left the plastic part in and placed the lid on and lightly replaced the 4 screws and the code comes back. So frustrating!
The jumper I was using sticks up so I can't put the lid on over it. It was just to test. When I just have the plastic piece in that has the male ends on it the car seems fine. I have no idea why putting the lid on would change that.
Just to make this stranger. When I have the u-shaped piece of copper wire in there the car starts and runs with no codes....until I move the metal cowl piece back in place. Then it dies and I get the P3140. I move the cowl away again, clear the code and all is well until I move it back and it dies again. The cowl is not coming anywhere near touching the copper wire piece. Could it cause a problem just by being within say 3-4 inches?
Perhaps a piece of clear plastic as a new, home-made cover? Leave the cover off and just put in the fasteners? Bob Wilson
