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2006 Prius - Error codes C1241, C1249, C1377

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Varun Hknz, Jul 21, 2018.

  1. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi Everyone, this is my first post.

    Problem 1:
    I have a 2nd hand Toyota Prius 2006 ITECH, ~162km.
    - The red triangle came on, the little (!) light and the VSC started coming on after getting a general service done at NRMA Australia.
    The codes were given to be by NRMA after they did a computer scan are

    C1241: Low battery positive voltage or abnormally high battery positive voltage
    C1249: Open circuit in stop light switch circuit
    C1377: Capacitor Malfunction
    **According to them this is not their fault as these errors are electrical and not mechanical.


    Problem 2:

    I have recently discovered the that car at times refuses to accelerate past 30km/h sometimes when accelerating uphill. It needs to be stopped and started after 15 minutes in order to function properly again.
    - Looking at my display screen the battery seems to be charging and draining very quickly.
    - Also I hear a fan at back running every time I start my car.

    I have consulted with some honest mechanics and considered replacing my Hybrid battery.
    - The mechanics have told me this may not be necessary as there is message on the display suggesting HV Battery replacement and also my mileage is fairing low, at ~162


    My progress on fixing the problem so far:
    The warning lights temporarily disappeared last week after replacing 12V battery, however they came back after restarting the 3rd third time.
    I inspected the ABS fuses this morning in day light. They don't seem to be fried or anything.
    PS. I don't have an amp/volt meter.

    I read online replacing the Power Break Control Unit has fixed C1377 issue. However I am not sure whether this was a temporary fix OR whether it is my Hybrid battery that is the main culprit.

    I heard bad reviews from my friends about the Toyota dealership.
    - Basically they charged my friends over a $1000 fortune to inspect the problem, replaced a few parts only to temporarily fix the problem and have the errors codes reappear back after a few weeks.
    I am currently very tight on cash. It's also my hobby to fix things myself. Hence at this stage I want to have an attempt on fixing these errors myself before approaching the dealership/or other mechanics.

    Can someone please assist me with these errors codes and also advise whether it my Hybrid battery that is causing these issues?
    I read online Toyota will reimburse $500 thanks to their Hybrid HV Battery Recycling Program.
    My goal is to buy a new battery from Toyota in contrast to purchasing a reconditioned one. The warranty from my understanding should be 8 years which is far better than a 6 month warranty for a reconditioned one.


    Thank you for reading and all your assistance in advance.
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Would you happen to have a link to this Toyota Recycling Program?

    Thank you!
     
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  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The three fault codes that you listed have nothing to do with the high voltage traction battery.

    1. Have a helper depress the brake pedal while you look at the brake lights. Do they all work?
    2. The brake power supply (the rectangular black box next to the 12V battery) may need to be replaced. That is the reason for C1377.

    If you are serious about working on the car yourself I suggest you get Mini VCI so that you can retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), and a decent digital multimeter so that you can do basic voltage, resistance and current measurements.

    It is likely that your car has logged other DTC not shown on your list. Once you obtain a full list of all logged DTC, that might help you to understand why the car has occasional trouble accelerating.

    Regarding the warranty on a new traction battery, I highly doubt that it has an 8 year duration. If you are lucky, the traction battery warranty will be 1 year if the battery is sold at the parts counter, or 3 years long if installed by a Toyota dealer. That is the policy in the US, and I doubt that Toyota Australia is going to be more liberal with their warranty policy.

    I recognize that a 12V battery sold by Toyota may have an 8 year pro-rated warranty, but that certainly is not the same as the high voltage traction battery. So I encourage you to research the warranty terms further if this is a major consideration for your decision making.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Jul 21, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2018
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Please clean your HV battery fan if you haven't already.

    Ask NRMA for another free scan, and write down the INF (sub code) for any thrown DTC (main code), it is also possible NRMA doesn't possess the correct OBD2 reader for a Hybrid vehicle which prevents them from harvesting all of the logged codes. Like @Patrick Wong mentioned above, find or purchase a hybrid compatible scanner which will help you get this problem sorted out quickly.

    Here is the workup for DTC C1377, notice how it has eight (8) 'Detailed Codes' (INF's) associated with it.

    https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%94%B0%E6%99%AE%E7%91%9E%E6%96%AF%E5%8E%9F%E5%8E%82%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8Cpdf%E6%A0%BC%E5%BC%8F/Prius%20Service%20Manuals%202004/%E4%BF%AE%E7%90%86%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C/04pruisr/05/21avn/cic13774.pdf
     
  5. Petrodollar

    Petrodollar Member

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    Here's a little information for when you buy a device to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

    There are two types of diagnostic devices to consider, an SAE J2534 interface and an OBD-II reader (OBD is On-Board Diagnostics).
    To use Toyota Techstream software, you need a device called an SAE J2534 interface or pass-through. Techstream gives you complete scanning and programming functionality, so it can read all codes and subcodes. Techstream software is Windows only, thus the need for a Windows notebook PC.
    For general code reading, you need a device called an OBD-II reader. OBD-II readers will read standard OBD-II codes but are more limited in the manufacturer specific codes they can read, and do not do programming.
    They both use the OBD-II connector in your car, but have completely different command sets.

    See this thread for details and links.
    OBD-II and SAE J2534 Tools List for PC, Smartphone, Tablet; Toyota centric, July 2018
    (https://priuschat.com/threads/obd-ii-and-sae-j2534-tools-list-for-pc-smartphone-tablet-toyota-centric-july-2018.197750)

    SAE J2534 interface devices are in section I.

    Toyota provides the MongoosePro Toyota 2 MFC2 from Drew Technologies, number 2, in their Techstream LITE Kit, number 1, but they are expensive ($500 alone or $1345 for the kit of device + 1 Yr. subscription of software).

    For a low cost SAE J2534 device, look at a Mini VCI, number 5 ($35), 6 ($50), or 7 ($60).
    (These come with the appropriate software).

    5. Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Scanner for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream v13.00.022
    FT232RL USB interface chip, EZinstall software, For Techstream v13.00.022, Firmware v1.4.1, Win XP - 10, 32b and 64b
    Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream 13.00.22
    $35 (eBay 122345775564)
    (Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream 13.00.22 | eBay)

    6. Mini VCI OBD2 Diagnostic Cable for Toyota Lexus Scion TIS Techstream
    FT232RL USB interface chip, For Techstream v13.00.022 + v13.10.019, Firmware v1.4.1, Win XP - 10, 32b and 64b
    V13.10.019 Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner fr Lexus Toyota TIS Techstream
    $50 / Offer (eBay 302421242109)
    (V13.10.019 Mini VCI Diagnostic Tool Cable Scanner fr Lexus Toyota TIS Techstream | eBay)

    7. Mini VCI OBD2 Diagnostic Cable for Toyota CAN bus + K-Line
    USB, For Techstream v13.00.022, Firmware v2.0.4, Win XP - 10, 32b and 64b
    Original Mini VCI Diagnostic Cable OBD for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream fw 2.0.4
    $60 (eBay 292207676683, Hong Kong, China)
    (Original Mini VCI Diagnostic Cable OBD for Toyota Lexus TIS Techstream fw 2.0.4 | eBay)

    For a little higher cost, look at the VXDIAG VCX NANO series, numbers 3 and 4 ($80 - $90).
    (These come with the appropriate software).

    3. VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream v12.10.019
    Compatible with SAE J2534, WIFI Version, works with Wi-Fi or USB cable, Win XP - 7 32b
    SP245-W $90 (VXdiagShop.com, China)
    VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream v12.10.019
    Compatible with SAE J2534, USB, Win XP - 7 32b
    SP245 $80 (VXdiagShop.com, China)
    (VXDiag VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream V12.10.019 WIFI Version)
    (VXDiag VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream V12.10.019 Compatible with SAE J2534)
    (http://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale)
    (VXdiagShop Official Selling Website)

    4. WIFI VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream v13.00.022
    Compatible with SAE J2534, works with Wi-Fi or USB cable, Win XP - 7 32b
    SP245-W $90 (OBDII365.com, China)
    VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream v13.00.022
    Compatible with SAE J2534, USB, Win XP - 7 32b
    SP245 $80 (OBDII365.com, China)
    (WIFI version VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream V13.00.022)
    (VXDIAG VCX NANO for TOYO-TA TIS Techstream V13.00.022 Compatible with SAE J2534)

    Software is in section III.

    Toyota TIS software is available directly from Toyota for $65 for a 2 Day subscription

    Toyota Technical Information System (TIS) subscriptions have Professional Diagnostic and Security Professional levels, number 1 ($65 2 Day, $1295 1 Year).
    Both levels allow use of Techstream scantool software, all available ECU calibration files, and Identifix Direct-Hit, plus access to the technical information library.
    Security Professional adds access to vehicle security information, including key codes and immobilizer/smart reset capability. (Before you can purchase this subscription level, you must be a current member of the NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry).
    (https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_pageLabel=ti_whats_tis&_nfpb=true)
    (https://techinfo.toyota.com)
     
    #5 Petrodollar, Jul 21, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2018
  6. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi Thank you for your response. Apologies for the late reply.
    Here you go:
    Hybrid Battery Recycling | Toyota
     
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  7. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Looks like an Aussie only program, unfortunately.

    Wonder how the $500 off works with the core charge/deposit when buying a new battery?
     
  8. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi Patrick
    Thank you very much for your input. I will check the brake pedals tonight when my friend arrives.

    I am looking to buy the Mini VCI from either of these from Ebay below.

    For-TOYOTA-Techstream-TIS-V13-MINI-VCI-USB-Interface-OBD2-Car-Diagnostic-Cable
    For TOYOTA Techstream TIS V13 MINI VCI USB Interface OBD2 Car Diagnostic Cable | eBay
    I inspected this link further. It seems the link they provided for software contains V10 so I'm not sure why they are suggesting V13.

    This link is cheaper,
    For TOYOTA J2534 Techstream V10 MINI VCI USB Interface OBDII Car Diagnostic BG
    For TOYOTA J2534 Techstream V10 MINI VCI USB Interface OBDII Car Diagnostic BG | eBay
    **This link seems to be half the price.

    From what I can see, they both seem to have Firmware 1.4.1. However one is software V13 and the other is V10.
    - Can you please advise if buying the second package will allow me to exact proper codes for my problem?
     
  9. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi SFO, Thanks for your help. I am thinking of cleaning the fan as well.
    I found this video on youtube for cleaning the fan.
    - However I'm afraid to do this right now, as one of the comments on youtube mentioned
    "Prior to the cleaning my car was fine. Now all my dash lights are on and car won’t even go into drive?? I checked all my connections and they are fine??"

    I will look into this after I am done resolving the error codes.
     
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  10. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Any of them should be fine, as they should be all the same for the most part (which is hit or miss).

    Pick the one with the best seller or product rating, and if they have a free return policy.

    I noticed some less expensive options here : toyota mini vci | eBay

    Either 10 or 13 could work, and if it doesn't there are still options once you have the actual cable in hand.
     
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  11. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Thank you so much for your swift response. I will place an order tonight.
    My computer is a 64 bit. So hopefully. This will work.
     
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  12. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi SFO,
    I also found an app, TorquePro for testing hybrid battery testing. I am not sure on the accuracy of this app.
    Here is the link:


    It requires OBD2/Bluetooth adapter. Do you think I should buy this one instead?
     
  13. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Best to have techstream handy for heavy lifting, and use the BT adapter for everyday stuff.

    I recently picked up another OBD2 blue tooth adapter from china for a buck, as I had left my daily device in another prius.

    I use Torque (with a BT adapter) all the time for overriding my HV battery fan to the highest setting (check sig below), it has also saved me a couple of times while on the road when codes were thrown in real time.

    Not a bad idea to have both, and it shouldn't cost more than a couple of bucks (including shipping) for a OBD2 BT adapter.
     
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  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Nice override function via Bluetooth
     
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  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Since you have a 2006 model, either version probably will work fine. Buying Mini VCI is kind of hit or miss, it might work and it might not.

    I had to install 32 bit Windows 7 on a laptop to get my version to work. I am also using Deep Freeze software since my Mini VCI version had a counter which would limit the number of uses before the sw had to be reinstalled. That software restores the hard disk to a certain configuration upon system restart. DF was bundled with a Jaguar/Land Rover diagnostic software clone that I bought a year ago.
     
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  16. Petrodollar

    Petrodollar Member

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    For the Mini VCI, always try to buy from a seller that states the software works with 32-bit AND 64-bit Windows. Firmware will be v1.4.1 or v2.0.4. Most are offering TS software versions in the 12s or 13s (Ex. v12.10.019, v13.00.022, and v13.10.019). That's what the V10 and V13 are referring to. And as SFO said, make sure the seller has a good feedback rating and a good return policy.

    Numbers 5 and 7 in post # 5 state they ship to Australia (worldwide with some exclusions).
    (Numbers 3 and 4 also ship to Australia).

    Don't go too cheap with the OBD-II readers or they will be hit or miss also.
    These three are safe buys:

    OBDLink LX and MX Bluetooth devices are highly recommended, number 1 ($50 and $80). They work with the Torque Pro and Hybrid Assistant Android apps ($5 and $0).
    (http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt)
    (http://www.obdlink.com/mxbt)
    (https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/pc-based)

    ELM-327.EU ELM327 Bluetooth uses the genuine ELM327 v2.2 IC and is also highly recommended, number 2 ($57).
    (elm327, elm 327, obd2 bluetooth, elm327 bluetooth, original elm327, original elm electronics, original elm 327)

    Both ScanTool.net (OBD Solutions) and ELM-327.EU state they ship to Australia.

    For OBD-II Android software, look at:

    Torque Pro, number 3 ($5) and Hybrid Assistant, number 4 ($0), both for Android, are very popular.
    Torque Pro has a custom Parameter ID (PID) editor.
    (Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle)
    (Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play)
    (Hybrid Assistant)
    (Hybrid Assistant - Apps on Google Play)
    (Hybrid Reporter - Apps on Google Play)
     
    #16 Petrodollar, Jul 24, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2018
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  17. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Yeah, had to set up Torque with early warnings for the coolant (200F), the HV fan override, and other bells and whistles when I drove out to Texas last summer. You might recall me being a little overly concerned about my aged HV battery making it there and back in the mid summer heat (which I justified by how MANY hours one must drive through west TX without seeing a single Taco Cabana :confused: )
     
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  18. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Hi Everyone

    I have finally got the Techstream software working on my 64bit Windows 8.1
    It took me a lot of research, but am glad to finally have it working.

    1st time Health Check.
    I got the following errors: P3000 P0A80 P3020 C1259 C1310 B1421

    After clearing the codes and then doing the health check straight after I got only
    B1421 and P0A80

    Finally after 2 days later (ie on Sunday). I decided to do another attempt.
    I have got these error codes consistently after running the health check 3 times!!!
    P3000 P0A80 C1310 B1421
    **Pics have been attached for your review.

    From my research online, I believe the hybrid battery could be the main culprit. I have consulted with Toyota.
    The will charge me ~$2500 for a new battery and installation cost will be $600. Totaling $3200
    The warranty entitlements for a Hybrid Battery is 96 months or 160'000 klms whichever comes first.
    Toyota have confirmed and sent me an email stating this.

    However before replacing the battery, I want to confirm 2 things
    1. I am thinking of first dealing with this error, B1421: Solar Sensor Circuit (Passenger Side)
    I believe this problem is related to the motor blower, that is under the dash in front.
    Please correct me if I am wrong.
    As mentioned earlier, I do hear problems with the fan. The car at times refuses to accelerate past 30km/h when accelerating uphill. I need to turn off the engine, wait a few minutes and start the car again in order to function properly again.


    2. I have also read in several posts that the problem was simply a CORRODED CONNECTOR in the electrical wiring harness connector plug. In the right rear part of the car near the 12V battery and blower motor.
    This solution was mentioned in this post:
    2004 Prius, 176k. Error Codes: P3000; P0A80; C1259; C1310 | PriusChat
    This youtube link shows the blower motor under the dash. So I am little confused with the location being on the right rear part of the car near the 12V battery and blower motor. Has he/she got it wrong????

    Does anyone have a photo of where this connector is located and what the corrosion looks like?
    I did find this link online but I am not sure if this is the correct plug or the correct location, HV battery cooling fan fault and fix | PriusChat
    FYI, My car is from Australia and we have right hand driving here unlike America.
    FYI, I have checked the 2 plugs in the battery and the also the control unit plug. It seems fine no corrosion.

    Thank you again for taking the time to read this very long post and providing your suggestions.
     

    Attached Files:

  19. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Don’t worry about B1421, that is logged when the car is not in direct sunlight.
     
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  20. Varun Hknz

    Varun Hknz Junior Member

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    Summer has started in Australia. Do you reckon I should leave the car in direct sunlight then?