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Check Hybrid System - car inoperable

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by VaPrius2010, Nov 13, 2012.

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  1. VaPrius2010

    VaPrius2010 New Member

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    2010 Prius
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    So a little over a month ago, I was driving my 2010 Prius (about 42k miles) when the Check Hybrid System light came on. I lost power and my car was stuck on the road, as I was unable to get it into neutral. So I called a tow truck and was towed to my local dealership. The dealership ran some tests, thought it might have been the throttle body. They switched my throttle body with a loaner prius to see if this fixed the problem. The new throttle body worked in my car and my throttle body was put into the loaner and functioned fine. Then they ended up fixing a TSB for the electronics in the car. I was told the problem was resolved and I could pick up the car about a week later.

    After picking up the car a week later, before I could even drive away from the dealership, the Check Hybrid System warning came on again. I talked with the service manager and left my car to be fixed again. They checked all the systems and were still unsure what the problem was. Eventually they made sure all the connectors were properly seated and test drove the car and ensured the problem was gone. About two weeks later, I was told the car was fixed and I could pick it up.

    After picking up the car, I was still unsure the problem was fixed, but I was told that was all I could do. I opened a case with Toyota USA, but they offered little help. After having the car, for about a 1.5 weeks I was on the highway. Once again, the check hybrid system light came on and I lost engine power. Luckily, I was able to pull over from the left lane without causing an accident. Once again, I had the car towed to the dealer and now I am waiting to hear back from them.

    I called Toyota USA again to reopen my case (they just reopened a new one). I explained the situation again and asked for them to resolve the problem. I stated I now have a car that has died 3 times, which they have claimed was fixed and working properly. Toyota USA seemed to offer no solution or a way to resolve the problem.

    Has anyone else experienced this problem or had any luck dealing with Toyota USA? Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 VaPrius2010, Nov 13, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Major bummer... sorry to hear of the problem. Keep on them but I got a feeling they will do the right thing.
     
    #2 spiderman, Nov 13, 2012
  3. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Ive gotta imagine if the "Check hybrid system" warning is coming on, there has to be some computer codes stored somewhere. What does it say on your service papers from the dealership - anything like "found codes ....." ?
     
    #3 PriusGuy32, Nov 14, 2012
  4. VaPrius2010

    VaPrius2010 New Member

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    I don't have my service papers on me... they were left in the car. I will try and call tomorrow and get a list of them.
     
    #4 VaPrius2010, Nov 14, 2012
  5. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Any update?
     
    #5 Jonny Zero, Nov 16, 2012
    PriusGuy32 likes this.
  6. VaPrius2010

    VaPrius2010 New Member

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    Sorry for the delays... I have been busy with work and the holidays.

    So I finally got my car back last Tuesday. They said it was a short circuit in the ecu. So they put my ecu in another car and the same problem occurred within 5 minutes of driving that car around. They replaced my ecu and it appears to be working now, although this is the third time they have told me that.

    I still don't trust the car, so I will most likely be getting a new car. I am going to see if Toyota can give me a decent deal.

    Thanks for the help.
     
    #6 VaPrius2010, Dec 2, 2012
  7. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Is it possible to try a different dealer in the area if this happened again?
     
    #7 PriusGuy32, Dec 2, 2012
  8. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Replacing the ecu was a major expense for Toyota, and would have been done as a "last resort". The fact that the same problem occurred in a different vehicle when your ecu was swapped into it should lend some credibility that that was where the problem lies.

    Perhaps you shouldn't rush to replace this vehicle and lose out on the depreciation, etc. But it is your car, and I can't blame you for having lost confidence in it.
     
    #8 xliderider, Dec 3, 2012
  9. VaPrius2010

    VaPrius2010 New Member

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    Yes. They said I could take it to another dealer if I wanted. Although when it failed the last time, Toyota USA already made it clear the dealer would be calling Toyota Technical to work through through the issue, which any dealer would do to resolve the problem.
     
    #9 VaPrius2010, Dec 3, 2012
  10. VaPrius2010

    VaPrius2010 New Member

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    When I saw the itemized bill (not the one they gave me), I think the cost to replace and install the ecu was about $1,100+. I would prefer to keep the car for a few more years, but we will see.

    Today I called Toyota USA to see if they could give me a new car at a low price. The manager I spoke too offered me $1,500 back in a loyalty incentive, but stated they couldn't do anything on price.
     
    #10 VaPrius2010, Dec 3, 2012
  11. bpsjtt

    bpsjtt New Member

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    I got the same message on my Prius apparently 2010 model at 42K and the car is stalled on the road...lucky that I was not on the freeway. The car is still at the dealer and they said inverter malfunction and it should be replaced (I have no clue on this)...keeping my fingers crossed :(
     
    #11 bpsjtt, Jan 14, 2014
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat! that does not sound good, is the inverter 3/36 or 8/100?
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 15, 2014
  13. xbox40

    xbox40 Junior Member

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    This just happened to me on my 2011 Prius. Was driving on an express way and suddenly the check hybrid system message came on and I lost power but was able to still steer the car off the road into a parking lot. Got the car towed to the dealership and was able to drive the car into the service bay. While waiting there, I turned off the car. When the service advisor came to me, the car won't go into Drive. It only stayed at N. They had to push the car along. Waiting to hear back from the dealer.
     
    #13 xbox40, Jan 13, 2015
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh boy, were you part of the recall?
     
    #14 bisco, Jan 13, 2015
  15. xbox40

    xbox40 Junior Member

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    Just heard back from the dealer, it is the ECU failure. They would have to replace the whole thing and it could take up to a whole week depending on if they can get the part in or not. The service advisor said it is in the recall but they didn't think my car is "old enough" to exhibit the symptoms yet. Not sure what that means, the cellphone reception wasn't the best, so I guess I will report back when I get something in writing. Anyway, the repair will be covered under warranty so that's a good thing. I probably should have ask for a loaner...
     
    #15 xbox40, Jan 13, 2015
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks for checking in, glad you're covered!
     
    #16 bisco, Jan 14, 2015
  17. xbox40

    xbox40 Junior Member

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    Update on the car. After more than a week, car still sitting on the dealer lot waiting for parts. The service advisor said it is waiting for Toyota to authorize on the inverter?? They gave me a Prius V loaner. I will update when there is progress.
     
    #17 xbox40, Jan 23, 2015
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    cool, what do you think of the V?
     
    #18 bisco, Jan 23, 2015
  19. xbox40

    xbox40 Junior Member

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    Finally got the car back today, somehow that's how long they got the parts and the right mechanic to work on my car. The damage is over $5k -warrantee covered of course. The advisor showed me the break down $ on the screen but they don't show on the invoice I got. They replaced the hybrid inverter, IPM, ECU, current sensor and sub wire harness - operation code AGG79G <- whatever that means. I am glad the car is back and it drives as good as before.

    As for the V, I love it. The ability to move the backseat back and forth is great, not to mention the extra room in the back. Now the dog can be happy in the back. I think that's my next ride.
     
    #19 xbox40, Feb 1, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2015
    spiderman likes this.
  20. kronos89

    kronos89 CHRRYPRL

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    Wow. How many miles on your vehicle? at least they stood behind their product, yet the problem could have caused an accident.
     
    #20 kronos89, Feb 2, 2015
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