Hi all, so I bought a 2005 prii with 145k miles about a month ago and have since driven it 1,200 miles. A few days ago, the red triangle light came on when I started the car in the morning. I had to get to work so I unplugged the negative on the 12v and reconnected it. It started and it drove just fine. I get off work and the same thing happens. I did the same thing and drove home just fine. I then ordered a optima yellow top from elearnaid and it was shipped and arrived in 1 day!!! I installed the battery this morning and called the dealer to notify them of my situation. The light didn't come on so I thought it may just be the 12v. But of course I didn't wanna run out of warranty and then the hv battery completely goes bad. The dealer tells me to bring it in and I did. They "diagnosed" the car and could not "repeat" what had happened to me. They said because I unplugged the 12v, it erased any codes. I thought it's always saved on the ECU? anyways, I told them about installing a new 12v battery and they said, "that must be it." I'm at 147k miles right now and I don't want my 150k / 10 year warranty to expire before something really goes wrong with the hv battery. Am I just screwed and hope for the best for miles to come? Or is there a Toyota number I can call to tell them of the situation? I'm almost hopeful that it was only because of the 12v but at the same time, I have doubts.
I suspect that your HV battery is just fine and the new 12v will resolve all your problems. Keep an eye on the battery level indicator screen. If you see fast, wide swings in the battery level that is frequently the first indicator the HV battery is going bad. Absent that...you're probably just fine.
Based on your history of post's here on PC that discussed your old battery, I think the reason the triangle was on was because of the 12 volt battery. I believe if the traction battery was failing and setting codes, you would see more than just the red triangle you reported. Like Frog said, chances are you are Ok. Ron
Toyota is pretty flexible on the warranty if you go a little over the 150k mile limit. The fact that you're raising the concern at 147k miles is important. So make sure you verify that the mechanic enters this concern into the notes on your online service record so if you have HV problems in the next 15k miles they'll be more likely to cover it under warranty.
PriusCamper. Thank you. That is reassuring. So far so good. Drove 80 miles with no problem and 44mpg @ 80 MPH hilly freeway.
Good luck with your new used car... Make sure you get online with Toyota and make sure your VIN# is registered to your name and address, as well as review all the vehicle's maintenance records, as well as add any maintenance work you've done / concerns you've raised... Also you might qualify for some of the recall work for inverter cooling pump and steering mechanism. The inverter cooling pump means you get a free cooling pump fluid change which will come in handy when they weather heats up again.
Here is the link that PriusCamper was referrring to if you want to register your car with Toyota. Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More Ron
I actually meant to like both post earlier. Ill save the link you supplied. I saw my "home" dealership was the place I purchased at. I changed that and updates my address. I like that you can add further info. I'm scheduled to do the recall today (Saturday.. It is 2am currently) off to bed... And back to topic...
Not necessarily, Camper. Some stealerships have been clamping the hoses on either side of the HV electric pump and haven't been replacing the coolant, just topping it off when bleeding it. I suspect this is what my local dealer did when my inverter pump was replaced in September last year. I have no proof that they didn't replace the coolant and stealerships typically don't let you watch the mechanic when he/she is working on your car. Time for a bluetooth spycam or a insect sized drone to keep an eye on those rascals.
