Seldom Used 2004 - Check Engine Light - What Next

I think your overfilled oil needs to be drained out and then you should reset the car by disconnecting the negative on the 12v for a few seconds

 

Need to get the codes that resulted in the CEL. Since it sounds like you don't have a OBD2 code reader, go to a place that offers codes to be read for free. Call your local chain auto supply stores, chain repair shops, even local Toyota dealer might have a free check engine promotion going on. Bear in mind generic code readers won't be able to accurately display all of the Prius codes.

What are all the recalls you have had done?

Oil level 3/8" above upper dimple, means overfilled, which can be bad. BUT, it seems like you measured on a declining slope, w/ the engine at the bottom of the decline, producing a false high. However, your decline is small. Do as JC recommends: drain excess. Yell at the dealership for overfilling it and not checking it after filling. Insist that the dealership pull the codes and clear the CEL. File a complaint with Toyota too, to put the Dealership and Technician on notice for being incompetent.

You can update your profile w/:

• Prius Year (2004, Base or Touring)
• Location (Actual State or lie and put a neighboring State if you are concerned about privacy). This will help us, to help you, by directing you to a repair facility or parts store, that other PriusChat members in your area, have had a positive experience with. For example, if you are in Scottsburg, Indiana, you would hear very positive recommendations for Steve at Autobeyours.com.

Ask the moderator to move this thread to Gen2, Care, Maintenance, Troubleshooting.

 

is it running okay? might be an mfd issue, although, 12.4 volts isn't spectacular.

 

I was thinking that too. But OP didn't say MFD was acting weird. And can a weird MFD cause a CEL, or just coincidence.

 

good question.

 

Why not sell the car if it gets so little use?

 

I would be interested in buying the car .

You should go and get the codes for the cel, autozone should do it. No need to guess at it.

 

Lucky you! You have two great repair shops with great reputations.
Luscious' Garage - San Francisco
Arts Automotive - Berkeley

Carolyn of Luscious' also works on Leafs.

Maybe plan a trip to the city, and check out both shops to see which one you feel more comfortable with?

Since the CEL (Check Engine Light) is on, it means there's something wrong with the Emissions System. It can be simple or major. Your car is probably drivable, and it sounds and feels like it always has, before the CEL appeared. If so, we encourage you to get the codes read, so you know what it is and can plan for this repair accordingly.

 

Yes that could be the problem. It might have been even higher before some it got drawn into the throttle body and intake.

Maybe. But if it isn't normally driven much and has recently been driven harder than normal then it's possible. The idea is that the oil can get churned up when overfilled and drawn though the crankcase ventilation system to the throttle body and intake.

 

Maybe renting a gas car when needed would be a good alternative to keeping the Prius? Insurance, registration, and maintenance costs can add up.

With as little driving as the car gets, it would probably be in the engine's best interest if you change the oil yearly instead of based on miles.

 

If you have a battery maintenance charger on the 12v, you may want to consider a maintenance charger on the high voltage battery as well. No battery likes to be left unused for long periods of time. A weak high voltage battery can throw codes.
Would be helpful to know what you are getting.

 

They are sold in the PriusChat shop. Hybrid Automotive is the company. If the codes point to "replace hybrid battery" ignore it and go the hybrid battery maintenance charger route first.

 

Ingenious! Looks like a desktop power supply. I looked at the install instructions, and they even cleverly incorporate the HV Battery fan too, to be used during this trickle charge. Smart guys.
LINK to Gen2 HV Battery trickle charger, on PriusChat Shop (yay).
LINK to the install instructions.

 

Yep. By buying it via the PriusChat store, you not only get a good product, you help support PriusChat as well.
Win, win.

 

Yes, it might be. You could start by buying a can of MAF sensor cleaner, removing the sensor and spraying the bulb and the sensor wires to clean them off.