My Prius went off-roading...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Sneakychalupa, May 7, 2018.

  1. Sneakychalupa

    Sneakychalupa New Member

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    Long time lurker, first time poster...

    My car got stolen two weeks ago... the cops found it out in the sticks. The body is surprisingly not THAT bad, but as the car was on the wrecker I saw there were four wires hanging down underneath chasis: black, black, blue, white. Anybody know what these are for?
     

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    #1 Sneakychalupa, May 7, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to your first post(y).

    Some questions:
    • Do you have a pic that is not as zoomed in?
    • Have you tried to start it yet?
    • Are there any dash lights?
    • What other damage is there?
    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, May 7, 2018
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  3. Sneakychalupa

    Sneakychalupa New Member

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    So, I got a key programmed (key from dealer, programming from reputable local on-site locksmith) the key works only to start car (no-remote locks or proximity starting).

    We put the key in.... everything was fine. Made the usual Prius noises... THEN it switched to the engine... imagine the worst sound 90's riced out Honda Civic, then put playing card in its spokes. I'll upload a video tomorrow. It drives fine, SOUNDS AWFUL. Taking it to repair tomorrow... hoping it's just a cracked exhaust pipe or something. Worst thing is that I didn't have comprehensive insurance so all of this has been out of pocket.
     

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    #3 Sneakychalupa, May 8, 2018
  4. Sneakychalupa

    Sneakychalupa New Member

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    Nice gouge in the driver side door, took the rear view mirror, the wheels & tires, busted up a door panel, and stole the trunk mat.
     

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    #4 Sneakychalupa, May 8, 2018
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Looks like they did a fair bit of damage :(.

    Do all of the electronics work when you fired it up?
    Any dash lights?
    Are you able to read the lights that come up?

    The wires don’t seem to be connected to an oxygen sensor or anything on the drive line, but to something else.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, May 8, 2018
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Thats the sound it makes when the engine runs out of oil and blows the bottom end of the engine up. Check the engine oil. They may have ripped off the oil filter or busted the oil pan.

    Will insurance total it out? Did you have collision? Post a recording if you can.

    How did they get it? Had to be left running or they stole the FOB.
     
    #6 edthefox5, May 8, 2018
  7. EyePrime

    EyePrime Active Member

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    Are there any warning lights?
     
    #7 EyePrime, May 8, 2018
  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    I'm also curious how it was taken, if it drove off under its own power. That isn't supposed to happen without a key fob. Some car prowls are alleged happening with spoofing devices, though actually starting the car with such devices is a more advanced step.
     
    #8 fuzzy1, May 8, 2018
    Last edited: May 8, 2018
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  9. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

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    The wires look to be to the missing rear O2 sensor. That's the grommet that goes up through the floor in the pic. And the exhaust appears to be missing entirely... They probably "harvested" the cat.
     
    #9 m.wynn, May 9, 2018
    Last edited: May 9, 2018
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  10. Sneakychalupa

    Sneakychalupa New Member

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    You win the prize! Finally had a chance to put it up on ramps... and boom no Cat. Freaking blowholes... alright... taking it to exhaust shop on Monday.

    Also, they stole the mat/cover for the spare in the trunk, is that innate to prius or might it match another Toyota?

    @EyePrime, yea, check engine light came on, hopefully it will just be the fact that there is no oxygen sensor.
     

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    #10 Sneakychalupa, May 12, 2018
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  11. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

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    Sorry about that(n):(:(:(...

    The CEL will definitely show the rear o2 code (any of P0136-141) and/or P0420 cat code . You may want to see that the car gets an oem rear o2 sensor, either dealer factory part or Denso cross reference, which are one and same. Toyota's typically don't play well with aftermarket sensors, Bosch and the like. Given the age of the car, a new o2 sensor may or may not end up "exposing" the air/fuel ratio sensor as lazy, since both sensors will no longer be "aging in unison." Don't be completely surprised if in a few days or weeks after repair the car throws an A/F sensor or lean bank 1 code. Again, this is not a definite but definitely a possibility.

    Good luck with it(y).
     
    #11 m.wynn, May 12, 2018
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  12. Sneakychalupa

    Sneakychalupa New Member

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    Thanks... I'm just gonna take it to an exhaust shop and have them do it. More than I wanna mess with. Thanks again for the help!
     
    #12 Sneakychalupa, May 13, 2018
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  13. Tjane

    Tjane Junior Member

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    Yes, I do. It was your catalytic converter they stole it to reap the gold and platinum. Same thing happened to me. I had to get a piece welded from manafold to muffler to quiet it down. The wires they clipped to get it, now your ck engine light will be on. Sorey friend, its gonna cost ya.
     
    #13 Tjane, Apr 26, 2022
  14. Tjane

    Tjane Junior Member

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    I was at work at Chili's and someone in broad daylight stole my catalytic converter right out of a busy parking lot. Sounded like a moped but way louder. The wires hanging are the same color as mine .
     
    #14 Tjane, Apr 26, 2022
  15. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Tape up the bare wires so they don’t short out or they can cause ECM damage
     
    #15 Another, Apr 27, 2022
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