2012 Prius v trim 3. What happened: Accelerating out of a stop the Prius randomly acted like it lost traction similar to when you loose traction on ice while breaking. I heard a low thud like sound. The Slip Indicator, Break System Warning, Check Engine, and Hybrid System Warning lights all came on and have stayed on since. The ECO Driving indicator went off and pressing the EV, ECO, or PWR buttons does not respond. EV mode doesn't automatically kick on as well. Using a Carista OBD2 Adapter I got the following: (Full ECU Report in spoiler below.) OBD2 - confirmed: P0A94 - DC/DC Converter Performance OBD2 - pending: P0A94 - DC/DC Converter Performance OBD2 - permanent: P0A94 - DC/DC Converter Performance Hybrid engine: P0A94 - DC/DC Converter Performance ABS: C1259 C1310 Most recent services: 4/5/19 - Software update to power management for 10/4/18 recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000). 4/4/19 - Oil change and break fluid replacement. Since I know nothing I'm wondering if this is something I need to take it in for or something I could fix on my own with guidance. Thanks for the advice in advance. Spoiler: ECU Report Engine Part # suffix: 47361 [No fault codes] Engine [ECU not present] Transmission [ECU not present] Transmission [ECU not present] Stop and start / Body control module [ECU not present] Smart start [ECU not present] Entry / smart key Part # suffix: 47070 Calibration ID: [No fault codes] Instrument cluster Part # suffix: 47590 Calibration ID: Calibration ID: [No fault codes] Instrument cluster [ECU not present] Body/convenience system Part # suffix: 47220 Calibration ID: 030C1UCV**010000 [No fault codes] Heater & air conditioning Part # suffix: 47280 [No fault codes] Airbags [No fault codes] Airbags [ECU not present] Sliding roof [ECU not present] Parking sensors [ECU not present] Power source control Part # suffix: 47343 [No fault codes] Remote engine starter [ECU not present] Starter electronics [ECU not present] Navigation Part # suffix: 47020 Serial #: [No fault codes] Blind spot monitor [ECU not present] Blind spot monitor (slave) [ECU not present] All-wheel-drive system [ECU not present] Theft deterrent [ECU not present] Driver's window motor Part # suffix: 47010 [No fault codes] Front passenger's window motor Part # suffix: 47010 [No fault codes] Rear right window motor Part # suffix: 47020 [No fault codes] Rear left window motor Part # suffix: 47020 [No fault codes] Rear hatch window motor [ECU not present] Driver's door [ECU not present] Front passenger's door [ECU not present] Rear right door [ECU not present] Rear left door [ECU not present] Rear hatch [ECU not present] Driver's seat [ECU not present] Front passenger's seat [ECU not present] Rear right seat [ECU not present] Rear left seat [ECU not present] Seat A/C (front right) [ECU not present] Seat A/C (front left) [ECU not present] Seat A/C (rear right) [ECU not present] Seat A/C (rear left) [ECU not present] Driver's seat switches [ECU not present] Center console switches [ECU not present] Rear console switches [ECU not present] Telematics [ECU not present] Telematics [No fault codes] Adaptive headlights [ECU not present] High beam assist [ECU not present] Hybrid engine Part # suffix: 47343 Fault codes: P0A94 DC/DC Converter Performance Adaptive cruise control [ECU not present] Auto-leveling suspension [ECU not present] Auto-leveling suspension [ECU not present] Stabilizer control (front) [ECU not present] Stabilizer control (rear) [ECU not present] Tire pressure monitor [ECU not present] ABS Part # suffix: 47162 Calibration ID: F152647162 Fault codes: C1259 Manufacturer-specific code C1310 Manufacturer-specific code ABS [ECU not present] Smart city brake support [ECU not present] Power steering Part # suffix: 47411 [No fault codes] Power steering [ECU not present] Pre-collision sensor [ECU not present] Pre-collision system 2 [ECU not present] Pre-collision system [ECU not present] Self-parking system [ECU not present] Master window switch [No fault codes] Right mirror [ECU not present] Left mirror [ECU not present] Steering column [ECU not present] Steering column stalks/switches [ECU not present] Steering wheel [ECU not present] Adaptive suspension [ECU not present] Night view [ECU not present] Dynamic rear steering [ECU not present] Lane-keeping assist [ECU not present] Parking brake [ECU not present] Adaptive steering system [ECU not present] Headlights [ECU not present] Rear electronics [ECU not present] Rain sensor [ECU not present] Electrical power control [ECU not present] Electric supply [ECU not present] Occupant detection [ECU not present] Gear selector switch Part # suffix: 76010 [No fault codes] Electric propulsion control [ECU not present] Plug-in control [ECU not present] Active engine mount [ECU not present] CAN network gateway [ECU not present] Accessory network gateway [ECU not present] Lane-keeping assist 2 [ECU not present] Active noise control [ECU not present] All-round vision camera [ECU not present] Sliding Roof Sunshade [ECU not present] Heads-up display [ECU not present] Windshield wipers [ECU not present] CAN network gateway [ECU not present] Special vehicle assist [ECU not present] Grill shutters [ECU not present] Single-lens camera sensor [ECU not present] Front radar sensor [ECU not present] Road sign assist [ECU not present] Motor generator [Failed to check fault codes] Rear motor generator [ECU not present] Hybrid battery [ECU not present] Solar charging control [ECU not present] Plug-in control [ECU not present] Rear spoiler [ECU not present] Unknown ECU [ECU not present] Obtained with Carista 383099 for iOS.
I am assuming it does not drive but you did not mention that critical bit of information. It seems your system broke although I have never heard it stated so well: Break System Warning. Seriously, I would guess your inverter quit (broke). If you are under 150k miles, Toyota may replace it free. When it goes it throws all sorts of unrelated codes.
Interesting, because it looks like the IPM reflash TSB was done. My concern all along has been latent, pre-reflash damage that could later manifest as a failure.
Before I got my Gen 3, the service records show that the E0E Reflash was done at 175k, then F0R Inverter replacement was done at 189k. So yes, the damage was done prior to the update. I originally thought mine went from reflash to replacement in 90 days, it was about 40. I’m now 15 days post J0V, but I don’t put about 12k a month on mine like the previous owner did.
The "all sorts of unrelated codes" factoid gets thrown around on PriusChat all the time, usually as a way of saying "I haven't looked up how the codes are related." P0A94 is a code from the hybrid control system. It indicates a problem with the DC/DC converter. The converter is located within the inverter/converter assembly, but it is distinct from the inverter circuits and IPMs that drive the car and are the subject of various recalls. The converter's job is to supply 12 volt power to everything else in the car (and keep the 12 volt battery charged). I'm not aware of any rash of failures, or service bulletins, or recalls connected with the DC/DC converter. Of course that doesn't mean it can't ever fail, just like any other part in a car. The C1259 and C1310 codes are both codes reported by the brake/skid ECU. They are set when that ECU gets messages from the hybrid control ECU reporting a problem there. So when the brake ECU got the message about the P0A94, it reported the C1259 and C1310, as it's programmed to do. The C1310 just says the brake ECU knows of some hybrid-control problem, and the C1259 says the brake ECU understands it is on its own for all braking needs. because a hybrid control problem might make regen unavailable. (In this particular case, failure of the DC/DC converter, regen is probably still possible, but the brake ECU might not be programmed to know that.) The brake ECU giving up on regen and assuming complete control is the same thing it does when you lose traction in moderate braking, so it's not surprising it felt the same. Until this is resolved, you probably want to find a charger for your 12 volt battery, because without the DC/DC converter to charge it, eventually it will be drained too low to start the car.
Thank you all for your insight. I took it into a dealership for service and just got it back. During the time it was being serviced they told me it was an issue with a drive axle and didn't elaborate much past that outside of updates for parts coming in. Below is a transcript of parts and service comment from my single page invoice. I wasn't charged for the service or parts. Cause: ZF5 BHG20A ZF5-Replace IPM Transistor - Prius v 70740 WP 1 04899-47021 Transistor Kit, P0WE 1 04899-47060 Plug Kit, Inverter D 2 08887-02809 Grease X 23 7884 4 1 08826-00100 Seal Packing 1 90430-A0003 Gasket 1 00272-SLLC2 Super Long Life Cool Service Comment: 137381 2.90 BHG20A. Checked vehicle for hybrid warning, Code P0A94 info code 172, 553 & 557 is present & resets. Warranty enhancement program ZF5 is related. Codes specify to replace power module intelligent transistor kit. ZF5 recommends to follow T-SB-0036-16. Removed inverter & replaced IPM assembly. Installed inverter. Cleared all codes and test drove good.