Strange Transmission Lock Error, Car Starts

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jPark, Feb 9, 2015.

  1. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    I've read around the forums stating the P Lock error is common from a low battery causing the vehicle not to start.

    The strange thing is that my vehicle DOES start and the message appears and the dash shows READY and I am able to enter gear and drive. If I hit a button on the console the message goes away and if I'm driving at higher speeds the message does not return but the large triangle stays. The error message only reappears when I slow down to 3 mph.

    The error does flash back on the screen when I slow down to stop or sit at a light. The car does not shut off during this it just flashes the message and shows the large triangle.

    My battery test shows 12.3v on no load and 11.6 on a load. I would hate to replace my battery and have the issue not be resolved.

    EDIT: Replaced 12v Battery and it has not solved the issue. Did an oil change and transaxle fluid change as well. All fluids appear to be full.
     
    #1 jPark, Feb 9, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you could try charging the battery and see what happens. 12.3 is definitely low, but can't promise that's your problem. on the other hand, not replacing your battery may leave you stranded some day.
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 9, 2015
  3. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    while the car is running the voltage is at 14.6, shouldn't the error go away with that kind of voltage?
     
    #3 jPark, Feb 9, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no, errors don't go away. the car is trying to charge the 12 volt and is still seeing a fault. you could try disconnecting the 12 volt for a few minutes.
     
    #4 bisco, Feb 9, 2015
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    if its the original battery you should replace it anyway. see if there's a date code on your battery if you don't know how old it is.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Feb 9, 2015
  6. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    Replaced my battery in hopes that was the cause But the warning light and the message on the screen still remain. The car still drives perfectly fine except the message pops back up on the screen when I come to a near stop. Is there a fuse or relay that could be causing this? Or any plugs that I should check?
     
    #6 jPark, Feb 14, 2015
  7. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Check the bolt on the negative lead to the chassis. Make sure it is tight.
     
    #7 nh7o, Feb 14, 2015
  8. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    Yup, checked it. it's secured pretty tightly
     
    #8 jPark, Feb 14, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i suppose your hybrid battery could be on the way out, how many miles on her? have you pulled the codes?

    and how many miles?
     
    #9 bisco, Feb 14, 2015
  10. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    The hybrid battery holds the charge very well and I'm still getting 40-45 mpg and it doesn't show any codes. I've used the code scanner from the auto parts store and it comes back as no codes found. I hit clear and it it says codes cleared but nothing changes.
    220k
     
    #10 jPark, Feb 14, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    huh, i just think it's odd you're not getting any code. i wonder if the toyota code reader might pick something up.
     
    #11 bisco, Feb 14, 2015
  12. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    I'll go back again tomorrow to see if I can pull a code with my new battery installed. Does anyone know if there's a plug or harness or a fuse that I should look for? I'm planning on doing an oilchange next week on both the motor and the transaxle.
     
    #12 jPark, Feb 14, 2015
  13. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    If a door is not closed properly you can also get the parking error fault. This also applies to the tailgate. Sometimes the tailgate will appear to shut ok, but in fact will not be fully latched.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #13 Britprius, Feb 15, 2015
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if the system senses an open door, why doesn't it show the open door light on the dash?
     
    #14 bisco, Feb 15, 2015
  15. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    All doors appear to be closed. The dash doesn't show any lights on either.

    I opened and closed all the doors and the dash shows when a door is open.
     
    #15 jPark, Feb 16, 2015
  16. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    Any suggestions from anyone? Found a couple people post that they had the same issue but have not posted if they have found a solution. They don't appear to be active on the forums. PMs have been sent.
     
    #16 jPark, Mar 1, 2015
  17. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Besides the master warning red triangle light, do any other warning lights remain on?

    You might try getting Mini VCI to see what DTC have been logged. If you can retrieve any DTC that might give you a clue about what is wrong.
     
    #17 Patrick Wong, Mar 1, 2015
  18. jPark

    jPark New Member

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    No there aren't any other warning lights or engine lights. Should I buy a mini vci and scan it? I've used a obdii scanner and got nothing.
     
    #18 jPark, Mar 2, 2015
  19. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Most conventional scanners will not communicate with all of the ECU's in the Prius.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #19 Britprius, Mar 2, 2015
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  20. Darinkald

    Darinkald New Member

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    I ran across this post and it completely describes what's going on with my Prius I bought a month ago. I also installed a brand new battery and also changed the p lock mechanism on the tranny. Still have the red triangle. Everything works great except this error always popping up.

    Any follow up to the original posting?
     
    #20 Darinkald, Mar 7, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2017
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