Engine won't start / stuck in accessory

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Lemons724, Aug 27, 2006.

  1. Lemons724

    Lemons724 New Member

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    I purchased my 2004 Prius in November of 03. The electrical part of the car gets "stuck" in nowhere land when the accessory is used. If I turn on the accessory just to listen to the radio and then attempt to start my car, (foot on break - power) it doesn't do anything, no- power on, no- power off, cannot change gears. Nothing. I wait a few minutes, then I can power it off and start over with the power -foot break - (really start the car and drive).

    Of course this does not happen often, only 3 times in the last 3 years, and I did not mention it when it first occured around 5k miles. When I checked the car in for service I was trying to show the man what I was talking about and it happened again, right there at the dealership. I thought FANTASTIC! If they can see it, they can fix it~!

    But the mechanic could not duplicate it while trying to diagnose the problem, so I still have no answers.

    I am hoping this is a simple thing and I just don't have experience in this matter yet.

    For the record, I have a basic prius, no extras. I remember looking at package numbers when I was on waiting lists, but ended up driving 2 hours to get the first one I could and it did not have any extras with it. There are now 44k miles on my Prius. I have already replaced my glove box, MFD, and as of yesterday, my Shift Assembly Lever.

    Any experience or words of wisdom you could share would be appreciated.

    I know my mechanic is active on this site and I wanted to thank you. No, Toyota (nor the extended warranty) would not cover the part, but thanks for trying.

    Thank you,
    Donna
     
    #1 Lemons724, Aug 27, 2006
  2. Ichabod

    Ichabod Artist In Residence

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    I haven't experienced this, but I saw a post recently that sounded like the same problem. The solution was to make sure the brake pedal is ALL THE WAY DOWN when you start, because apparently having the brake pedal not quite all the way can freeze up the system like that.

    I could be totally wrong though, since I have no first-hand knowledge of this.
     
    #2 Ichabod, Aug 27, 2006
  3. Don-RI

    Don-RI Member

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    I have had this happen as well -- you're right -- to avoid this, you need to hold the brake pedal **all the way down**.
     
    #3 Don-RI, Aug 27, 2006
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If you do have the brake pedal all the way down then the pedal position sensor may be broken.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Aug 27, 2006
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    #5 galaxee, Aug 27, 2006
  6. naterprius

    naterprius Senior Member

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    I've had this happen on my 2004. Last reported time was in July by my sister.

    I have honest to goodness verified for certain it is a glitch.

    It's rare, but bothersome.

    Nate
     
    #6 naterprius, Aug 27, 2006
  7. Lemons724

    Lemons724 New Member

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    Thank you to all,
    I read the replys and the threads you mentioned and it does look like a "fix" for what is going on.
    Everyone has been so helpful. It is greatly appreciated.
    Donna


    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Aug 27 2006, 02:25 PM) [snapback]310197[/snapback]</div>
     
    #7 Lemons724, Aug 28, 2006
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