Prius not getting up to speed over 60

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020.

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  1. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    Hi

    So I took my old faithful out for a drive today along the highway. She was quite lumpy accelerating with a gradient up the highway. Anything over 60 was sometimes difficult to overtake when I got stuck behind a semi truck.

    I’ve noticed this kind of behavior before.

    Absolutely fine around town but just feels a bit “laggy” on the highway at high speeds. I tried turning off the ac to see if this helps but I didn’t see any difference.

    Rain hit and kind of ruined the day so ended up turning back from a big drive - but don’t want to experience this in general on long trips.

    Anyone else experienced anything similar - I have 2005 model.

    Thanks
     
    #1 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Are there any abnormal lights lit on the dash? Check engine or big red triangle?
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Jun 13, 2020
  3. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    The engine check light comes on but then goes off - I think this is related to the combination meter issues that I am having though and I actually posted this in another thread

    No warning light and no engine check generally
     
    #3 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 13, 2020
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Let's see.......you have a 15 year old vehicle, with how many miles on it ? (a lot probably).
    AND you live at a high altitude.

    My first thought is that ANY car that fits that description might exhibit similar performance.
    There are just a lot MORE things that can cause it with a hybrid.
    Both main power sources are suspect: The gas engine and the hybrid battery.
     
    #5 sam spade 2, Jun 13, 2020
  6. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Can you clarify this? Is it on for minutes and then clears by itself? Blinking on and off? It's on today, but off tomorrow?
     
    #6 TMR-JWAP, Jun 13, 2020
  7. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    It comes on with the dash when I start it but I get the black dashboard of doom and can’t see my speed etc... so I do the usual “fix” and go to the trunk and pull the power cord for about 60 sec then put it back in.

    That usually fixes the problems.

    Then I don’t see it again once the dash is fixed
     
    #7 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020
  8. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    145000 miles - pretty low for that age of vehicle.
     
    #8 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020
  9. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    Do you have a way to check for error codes and battery health (techstream or obdii bluetooth adapter with Dr. Prius app)?

    If not, Paul at Boulder Hybrids knows more about these things than just about anybody. Have him take a look.
     
    #9 royrose, Jun 13, 2020
  10. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    I’m not sure I have even heard about any of these diagnostics... I just need a reliable dash and to be done with all of these issues.
     
    #10 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 13, 2020
  11. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    A good option is Matt at TexasHybrid. He can program one to match your mileage, send it to you and then you send him your old one back. Very fair prices, and they've been refurbished.

    Texas Prius Battery Replacement
     
    #11 TMR-JWAP, Jun 13, 2020
    SFO likes this.
  12. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    the fastest way to be done with these issues is to have an expert diagnose them . I don't think Boulder Hybrids would charge a lot for the check up but fixing the problems could be costly depending on what's wrong.

    If you want to try to save some money, you will have to learn how to do some checks on your own. An OBDII bluetooth adapter plugs into the vehicles diagnostic port under the dash and connects by bluetooth to your phone. There are several apps that can give you info. The Dr. Prius App will test the health of your hybrid battery which, if it is a "refurbished" one, may be beginning to fail.

    If you search for OBDII on Amazon you can find adapters to buy. The Dr. Prius App's web site can give you more info on what the app does and how to choose an adapter: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

    Techstream is the software that Toyota dealers use to diagnose problems. It can give lot's of info but is more complicated to obtain and use than an OBDII adapter as described above.
     
    #12 royrose, Jun 13, 2020
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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Then take it to Toyota and pay them to fix it.
    Or trade it in.

    Easy. But maybe not cheap.
     
    #13 sam spade 2, Jun 14, 2020
  14. MileHighHybridOwner

    MileHighHybridOwner Junior Member

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    Not an option.... maybe Boulder Hybrids is a good shout.
     
    #14 MileHighHybridOwner, Jun 14, 2020
  15. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I live about 100 miles away but will consider taking my Prius there for major service when/if major work or preventative maintenance is needed.

    Either way, let us know what happens.
     
    #15 royrose, Jun 14, 2020
  16. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    What does the battery SOC show on the MFD during these driving situations ?
    Here is a thread on how to fix the combination meter yourself : combination meter repair - DIY | PriusChat
     
    #16 SFO, Jun 14, 2020
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