2008 Prius with Red Triangle and '!"in car icon. Won't go into gear R or D.

Rapid charge cycling in the primary indicator of needed HV pack replacement.

 

With over 200K it it likely the battery pack. That means either a new pack from Toyota or DIY the kit of new cells from newpriusbatteries as listed in my signature. Companies cannot afford the time needed to properly rebuild a pack for reliability.

 

Has it been driven much recently? It sounds like it could be the 12v battery is weak. You'll get all sorts of warning lights with a weak 12v.

 

Did you read and record the stored OBD2 codes (DTCs) before disconnecting the 12v battery?

Why did you pull the 12v again?

Anytime you disconnect the 12v it will clear the stored OBD2 codes (DTCs) from the ECUs, making it impossible to read them, or until the conditions are met and they're set / stored again. When having issues, always best to read the DTCs first before clearing.

As mentioned above the HV battery sounds like it is failing, and you should prepare for such. Given the description, it could be a HV ground leak in the HV battery case. If you have a DIY attitude, dive in and see if there are stains on the rails or belly pan. There are plenty of write-ups and videos that can walk you through the process, and you can even play 'whack-a-mole' if desired.

Disconnecting the 12v will allow you to start it once, then if a HV ground fault is detected it will set a DTC 3009 or P0AA6 (this is code that has associated INFs), preventing you from starting it a second time until the 12v is reset again. Continuing to drive around could result in bad things happening, including additional damage to the existing battery, or possibly worse.

Many modern DIY mechanics like to use an OBD2 scanner to retrieve the OBD2 codes (DTCs) from the ECUs, knowing the DTCs can help narrow down the required troubleshooting that is required to potentially fix the problem.

The preferred OBD2 code scanner would be a 'mini-vci' cable (20 USD) and techstream (dealer technician software) installed on a windows device, others get by with using an OBD2 bluetooth adapter and a phone/phablet App like Dr Prius or Hybrid Assistant.

The advantage with techstream (or a high end hybrid scanner) is it can offer the DTC sub codes (aka INF / detailed code) as well.

Once you've scanned for DTCs, and if you have a P0AA6 : You might enjoy reading : Toyota Prius 2007 (2ND Generation) Let's repair it together ABS VCS Brake RED TRIANGLE Engine Issues | PriusChat

Though you may not have the DTC, here is the workup for P0AA6 : https://attachments.priuschat.com/attachment-files/2018/04/145252_2006_Prius_RM_-_P0AA6.pdf

Notice in the above workup that there are five (5) associated subcodes (INFs) for the DTC, the format is P0AA6-xxx

Here is an image that shows how knowing the INF Codes (sub codes) can help isolate the problem area(s).



2004-2008 Toyota Prius with code P3009 or P0AA6 and info code 526, 613, 614 | TOYO Headquarters

 

If you have warning lights, then generally you'll have DTCs (codes) stored in the ECUs. Which OBD2 scanner/App are you using?

Best to wait until you know the DTCs (OBD2 codes), as there could be something else wrong.

Many, if not most would say not to buy a reconditioned/refurbished HV battery, as your existing HV battery could be in better shape.

Will you be relying on someone else to diagnose and repair this vehicle?

If so, which part of the LA metroplex are you nearest and maybe we can recommend a local mechanic or shop.

 

The second image with the torque screen shows "Connecting to OBDII", is the device connecting or does it still need to re-"pair" ?

If the Torque isn't pairing with the OBD2 adapter, then Torque will not communicate with the vehicle.

Were you ever able to use this Innova 3100e successfully with a prius before, as it may not be fully toyota hybrid compatible.

Given the collection of warning lights on the dash, you have DTCs (OBD2 codes) being stored, which are also ready for retrieval.

If you can get it to connect or pair, try using Torque to scan for DTCs / OBD2 codes, then post them here for additional guidance.

If you can't harvest the OBD2 codes (that Innova handheld not hybrid useful, Torque not pairing, etc) then disconnect the 12v battery again and try to restart the vehicle, if it starts up, then fails to start up the second time, you likely have a HV battery isolation fault.

You really need a Mini-VCI cable ($20) and TechStream going forward, unless this isn't in the budget

 

Do you know how to use Torque to scan for DTCs?

 

Get the hybrid assistant app, it's better for working with the Prius.

 

You have a high voltage leak. It's the only fault that causes the above scenario. The code is P0AA6. The leak most likely is from the battery. The AC compressor, inverter, transmission, and damaged wiring are other possibilities.

Here is a dangerous (deadly) way to check the high voltage battery for leaks. Wear gloves! Use an alligator clip for one of the test leads. Handle just one test lead at a time. Do not touch the body of the car while performing this test.

 

I will try to answer your post with prior quotes from above.

Which orange wires would that be?

The thread below was recommended reading, but it might've gone unnoticed.