2005 Prius put itself into neutral and gave a bunch of lights??

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jessika, May 13, 2016.

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  1. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    This morning on my way to work by car went into neutral and shut off while driving. The hybrid warning system light came on along with the malfunction indicator. The master warning light also came on. Has anyone had this happen? I would like an idea of what it could possibly be before going to Toyota. Also the car turned back on eventually... should I have it towed or should I drive it there?
     
    #1 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  2. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    Something broke.

    Read codes. Options in my sig.

    Drive it at your own risk.
     
    #2 S Keith, May 13, 2016
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  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If I had to guess, it would be your car has a failed inverter coolant pump. It overheated and shut down. As it cooled, you were able to start it again.

    I would not drive it a long distance. Repair cost would be around $500.

    But this is just a guess........
     
    #3 JC91006, May 13, 2016
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  4. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    Something only toyota should fix? Or any repair shop?
     
    #4 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Any knowledgeable shop can do it. There is a recall on the part.......if you haven't done the recall before, it'll be free with Toyota
     
    #5 JC91006, May 13, 2016
  6. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    Great! Thank you!
     
    #6 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat! how many miles on her?
     
    #7 bisco, May 13, 2016
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  8. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    Thank you~ She has 219,587
    Called Toyota and the inverter coolant/water pump was replaced in 2011
     
    #8 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow! how old is your 12v battery?
     
    #9 bisco, May 13, 2016
  10. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    50,000 on it
     
    #10 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    years is more important, but it might be worth testing, it's quick and easy.

    at 220k, it could easily be the hybrid battery though.
     
    #11 bisco, May 13, 2016
  12. Jessika

    Jessika New Member

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    than you. She goes in Tuesday
     
    #12 Jessika, May 13, 2016
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    please let us know how you make out, all the best!(y)
     
    #13 bisco, May 13, 2016
  14. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I don't know how far away from the dealership you are, but I would highly recommend towing from a purely safety standpoint. Whatever the problem eventually is determined to be? Driving a vehicle that might put itself in neutral and shut down in traffic is never a good idea.

    Best of luck with the diagnosis, and hopefully it trends towards being an affordable repair. But as far as getting that diagnosis and getting it to the dealership, safety should be a priority.

    PS.
    Goes in Tuesday? And if it was me? I wouldn't drive it at all until AFTER diagnosis and repair.
     
    #14 The Electric Me, May 13, 2016
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