Whenever temperature is below 25F the engine starts and then shuts down with in 20 seconds. Ready sign stays on and I can drive on battery. Check engine and warning triangle also comes on. It starts again after few tries and if I shift into drive right away and start driving the engine will stay on. No problems after that as long as engine is hot. Warning lights also go away after a stop and starts. Same thing happens if the car sits in cold for a few hours. Does anybody have any ideas where to start troubleshooting?
I had the same problem until I had the throttle cleaned. My warning light had been on close to half the winter in other years. I live in MN. I had this done last fall, 2009, and haven't had the engine kill or the warning lights come on!!!! My mechanic said this is a problem on other Toyota models as well.
All hints above should help. There is also a slight chance that you have engine oil of the incorrect (too high) viscosity. A healthy Prius will fire up at -40 like few other vehicles. Fuel economy is strongly reduced but she runs.
There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on a sticky throttle body for 2001-2003 Prius. I suggest contacting Toyota service for details, or check http://www.alldata.com/ I had my 2002 Prius' throttle body cleaned when I received my letter from Toyota.
