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2002 Prius Starting Problem temp below 25F

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by engrx2, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. engrx2

    engrx2 Junior Member

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    Location:
    Indianapolis
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    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?
     
    #1 engrx2, Dec 10, 2009
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Maybe a sticky throttle body? I believe that will sometimes cause a "no start".
     
    #2 dogfriend, Dec 10, 2009
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Symptoms are consistent with sticky throttle plate.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Dec 10, 2009
  4. lorraine

    lorraine New Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III

    That should not happen. I started mine right up this morning and it was 16 degrees.

    Lorraine
     
    #4 lorraine, Dec 11, 2009
  5. tf4624

    tf4624 Active Member

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    2008 Prius
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    besdies fixing the throttle plate.. TIME TO INSTALl a block heater LOL:rockon:
     
    #5 tf4624, Dec 15, 2009
  6. Gardinia

    Gardinia Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    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.
     
    #6 Gardinia, Feb 1, 2010
  7. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #7 tochatihu, Feb 1, 2010
  8. treet007

    treet007 Member

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    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.
     
    #8 treet007, Feb 9, 2010
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