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2006 Prius inherited from family member. Looking for advice.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DrRoboto, Feb 2, 2017.

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  1. DrRoboto

    DrRoboto Junior Member

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    2006 Prius
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    So a family member gave me a 2006 Prius with 132,000 miles for free and I am trying to fix it up. From what I hear the car has only had oil changes at regular intervals. It has been a few months now and I have done about half the repairs with parts on the way for the rest. I would like to list what I am doing for everyone here in the forums to see if I am missing something or what to look out for. I have researched quite a bit on how to do things properly but I would like to call on the wisdom of the crowd for tricks and tips going forward.

    List of problems and fixes:

    Car would not start, dead 12 volt battery.
    It was the original battery so I replaced it with a new one from Toyota turning in the old one for core credit. The battery compartment was flooded with water as well and I found the roof had a tiny gap in a seam leaking water down in there. I fixed with silicone caulk and haven't had any more issues.

    The car had many recall notices that were not done. I took it to a dealer and had all of them taken care of. The dealer also did a car inspection at no charge with a list of problems.

    Parking lights and license plate lights burnt out. Replaced with LED replacements.

    Bald tires, bad alignment. Replaced tires and had alignment done.

    Rough engine Idle and error code P0420 for catalytic converter. I replaced the spark plugs with new iridium plugs, replaced the PCV valve, cleaned the MAF sensor and the throttle body, replaced engine air filter and cabin filter. Performed oil change. Engine runs much smoother and after 2 weeks the P0420 error code went away and has not come back. If it comes back before 150,000 miles and I fail inspection for 2018 I can get it replaced under warranty at the dealership because I live in New Jersey and it falls under California emission laws.

    Serpentine belt is old and cracked, engine water pump has small slow leak. I will replace the belt and the water pump at the same time as replacing the coolant. I have the parts on order. I will be using the recommended toyota coolant.

    Front disk breaks are at 2mm. I will replace the front rotors and break pads. I have read that I must disconnect the 12v battery before doing this so the caliper doesn't accidentally engage while I have it off the rotor. These parts have been ordered. The rear breaks were inspected and look very good with little wear.

    I will drain and replace the trans fluid with Toyota specified fluid in the near future because it has never been done.

    The inverter coolant was changed when the water pump was changed due to a recall.

    The muffler has rust and small leaks. I may get an after market muffler in the future.

    Old gas cap seal was worn and cracked. Replaced the gas cap.

    Replaced all the wiper blades.

    The car runs great now and I get between 45 and 50 mpg. Usually around 48 mpg. The radio volume knob no longer pops out and the center console fabric covering had to be removed due to nasty stains/smell.
     
    #1 DrRoboto, Feb 2, 2017
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  2. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    It sounds like you've done your homework and have done well with the car. Welcome to the forum and you probably have plenty to contribute after the work you've done.

    Do you have the Mini-VCI cable yet, or something similar? It'll help when you replace ICE coolant. Be diligent about the bleeding process, but you probably know that.

    You may also want to replace brake fluid soon, and the MVCI will allow you to do that.

    Keep a close eye on engine oil level in the future.

    Keep an eye on the hybrid battery state of charge, and an ear out for the cooling fan (back seat right side).
     
    #2 andrewclaus, Feb 2, 2017
  3. DrRoboto

    DrRoboto Junior Member

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    Thanks, this is exactly the kind of response I was looking for. I have never heard of the MVCI cable so I will look into that. I don't think I have ever heard the cooling fan in the back.
     
    #3 DrRoboto, Feb 2, 2017
  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    You probably don't have to replace the rotors and I would only have them turned if they were damaged or warped. Same with the drums in the rear.
    It's interesting that the P0420 cleared by replacing the plugs and other intake work (PCV/MAFS etc....)
    I'll have to file that away the next time somebody out on the left coast gets a $2100 repair estimate to replace a cat.

    If that code comes back, it might mean that your car is a drinker and a smoker.
    It sounds like you're pretty diligent about maintenance, but +1 on monitoring the oil and replacing the CVT fluid.

    Good work!
    You have....what?
    A few hundred in parts???

    Start saving for a new (remanned) traction battery or hope that if yours fails it happens before 150,000 miles.
    You have dependable transportation for at least the next 75,000-100,000 miles!!!
     
    #4 ETC(SS), Feb 2, 2017
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Dr. Roboto, welcome aboard. You are either just out of warranty or will be soon based on the original in service date. Where are you located?
     
    #5 JimN, Feb 2, 2017
  6. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    It's there <--------- under his user name and also in his OP, "I live in New Jersey and it falls under California emission laws."
     
    #6 srellim234, Feb 2, 2017
  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    What a deal!! One more thing to be aware of. If the PO had pets in the car, check the condition of the battery cooling fan. They can get dirty from pet hairs or dirt if the car was driven in a dusty place. That reminds me. Another thing that gets neglected is the cabin air filter. It looks like you're getting pretty decent mileage already, so it's probably OK, but it only takes a couple minutes to check it.

    Congratulations.
     
    #7 jerrymildred, Feb 2, 2017
  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Yes JimN is correct it is 10-yr or 150k miles on the CARB warranty. My 2006 was among the last sold in Sept_2006 which was a hot market due to $3150 rebate at the time. It would have to be a straggler on the lot to not be >10yrs. On major things like HV batt sometimes Toyota is lenient if you call Toyota HQ.

    It can be oil burning that poops up the converter, so yes keep an eye on that. Maybe you fixed that issue.
     
    #8 wjtracy, Feb 2, 2017
  9. DrRoboto

    DrRoboto Junior Member

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    From the California vehicle and engine emission website they state:
    15 years / 150K miles (except battery), 10 years /150K miles Battery or other energy storage device. This is for all vehicles 1990 and newer.

    I just watched a video on how to check and clean the battery fan and its pretty involved. I do want to check it out because I don't hear it running at all. I just wish I didn't have to take the back seats out and all the trim pieces and everything.

    I did replace the cabin air filter and it was so dirty it looked like was stock and never touched for 10 years!
     
    #9 DrRoboto, Feb 3, 2017
  10. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    A 2006 that's been sitting? Research grid charging/chargers and HV battery replacement/repair options.
     
    #10 fotomoto, Feb 3, 2017
  11. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...but as far as I know, from following this site, all of the big ticket repair items such as Cat Converter fall under the 10-year CARB. We do have a Brake Actuator extension to Dec 2017 if I recall the dates correctly. Hey but if your dealer is willing to do a Cat Converter under warranty, never turn that down of course.

    This why for example there is some problem with stolen Prius Cat Converters in CA. Those of us in non-CARB can replace with cheaper cat converter...not sure about Jersey. Hopefully you have fixed that issue.
     
    #11 wjtracy, Feb 3, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2017
  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    There is no reason to remove the back seat to get to the battery fan on a Gen 2. (or any Prius afaik). You do need to remove some trim. Probably not more than a half dozen screws with a 10 mm socket along with several plastic pin. Takes about 10 minutes the first time. Hardest part for me was pulling loose the plastic grill over the intake by the right rear door. Much quicker once you've done it and know how. At least I never had to remove the seat on my '05 or my wife's '07 to get to the fan.
     
    #12 jerrymildred, Feb 3, 2017
  13. DrRoboto

    DrRoboto Junior Member

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    I looked for another video and you are right. I saw a guy remove the back trim pieces in minutes so it doesn't look so bad. I think I am going to do it this weekend now that I'm worried about it.

    I have looked at the Prolong™ Battery Charger after reading your post and it looks like something I should consider getting. I had an initial budget of $1000 for all repairs and that would put me over. The tires and battery being the most expensive. I think I will save up for it as it seems to be good preventative maintenance for the battery. I was told the car sat for a year around 2009 and from 2012 to just a few months ago was taken out on short trips and city driving only.
     
    #13 DrRoboto, Feb 3, 2017
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  14. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    It will be handy tool to keep you ready for big battery reconditioning and repair
     
    #14 Samprocat, Feb 3, 2017
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  15. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    The vendors only refuse to ship to CA and NY, so I think he is fine in NJ.
     
    #15 JimboPalmer, Feb 3, 2017
  16. DrRoboto

    DrRoboto Junior Member

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    Well, I hate to admit this but I left the prius running all day in the parking lot while at work. I don't know how I did this. I came out at the end of the day and I got in the car and it was warm inside on a cold day then the ICE kicked on and I realized what happened. Has anyone else every made this mistake? I guess it wont hurt the car but I feel like a moron.
     
    #16 DrRoboto, Feb 4, 2017
  17. car78412

    car78412 Member

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    I went to a wedding in Boston a few years back and had to use the hotel valet for parking. The next day I noticed I was down a quarter tank of gas and realized that the valet never turned the car off. It was on for at least 24 hrs. The Prius was fine but I was pissed. Got the hotel to refund the $45 parking fee.
     
    #17 car78412, Feb 4, 2017
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  18. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    The rear fan just above the battery 12v one foot back clran the turbine blades with a brush and if you look by the back seat left side next to window there is a vent there is a white fabric filter that's probably clogged I just take it off clean it and put it back on it part of the back cover you have to remove to clean fan remove fan to clean blades and vacuum

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #18 Jmack111, Feb 4, 2017
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  19. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    Don't bleed the brakes you'll have to take it to the dealer and have them do it after hurts it's a special computer I would just look at the fluid and see if it actually change color probably fine

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #19 Jmack111, Feb 4, 2017
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  20. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    Replace the cabin filter behind glove box there's two clip Landslide you at the pushing wall opening then there's Wellspring on the right side at the plastic pull off towards the side of the car then it falls down and pushing the two tabs on the white plastic thing behind it cabin filters inside probably full of Leafs

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #20 Jmack111, Feb 4, 2017
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