Red triangle but good mpg

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Dahvid, Aug 30, 2024.

  1. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2019
    1,784
    532
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Contact Autel support? Either they tell you how to get those codes, they tell you that you cannot get those codes, or they don't answer. Two out of three you end up knowing more than you do now.
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    We know the INF codes are in the freeze frame. What we don't know is why that tool showed "no data" when you asked for the freeze frame.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    1,283
    482
    0
    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    When you did the "full scan", were many systems scanned like; Engine and ECT, Hybrid Control, Transmission Control, ABS/VSC/TRC, SRS Air Bag, Body, Air Conditioner, Hybrid Battery, Cruise Control, EMPS, Immobilizer, Gateway, Smart Key, and Power Source Control?

    When you clicked on the freeze frame button, were you sitting in the car with the car "on" with the Autel AP2500 plugged into the OBD2 port?
     
  4. Dahvid

    Dahvid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2024
    38
    0
    0
    Location:
    Usa
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Yes it was on a scanning screen and it went through all those systems you listed where it came up with the p0aa6 code

    And yes I was sitting in the car with the car in ready mode and while running. I have to clear the code to start it but it comes back on shortly after most times.
    Yes it scanned all those systems for full scan

    I tried to record my screen but it says it's an invalid extension. It's an mp4 video file

    I'm in the car with the car in ready mode. I've even tried it with the car on after the car has started (after clearing code) and still no data/ blank screen

    I leave the dongle plugged in (ap2500)
    Autel AP2500 OBD2 Scanner...


    I'll try downloading different builds of the app and seeing if that helps.
     
  5. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    1,283
    482
    0
    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    The car only needs to have the ignition on (2 pushes of the start button without touching the brake pedal) for the scan tool to work. The car does not need to be in "ready." Do NOT clear the trouble codes. Clearing the codes also deletes the freeze frame data.

    First, make sure the 12v battery is fully charged. Then put the car in ignition on. Then, do a full scan. Then check the trouble codes, and if you have code P0AA6 (current), look for the freeze frame data.
     
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    ... and if that freeze frame only has an INF code 526 in it, then power the car off, without clearing anything, and try to go READY again, without clearing anything, and then (whether it went READY or just stayed at IG-ON with the triangle showing), scan for codes and get the freeze frame data again, and now there should be two INF codes.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,895
    3,997
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    In addition, reiterating ChapmanF's post (#46) above, if the only INF code is 526, do not clear codes, turn the car off, and then put the car in IG-ON again. Rescan and there should be a second INF code in the 611-614 range.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Depending on where the fault is, it may be necessary to try to go READY before scanning again, not just IG-ON. It matters not whether the car successfully goes READY or just lights the triangle and stays IG-ON. On no account think "I have to clear the code so it'll go READY"; that'll just defeat the purpose.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  9. Dahvid

    Dahvid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2024
    38
    0
    0
    Location:
    Usa
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Understood, I just cannot get anything to populate under freeze frame. In the maxi app, only engine data shows under "live data" I've attached a long screenshot of that

    As I understand it the inf codes I'm looking for will but under "freeze frame" which nothing populates for me. 2nd screenshot
     

    Attached Files:

  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Correct. Autel support is probably the right channel for why you get nothing under freeze frame.
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  11. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,895
    3,997
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Are you downsizing your images or selecting some kind 'small' option when uploading your image file?

    I ask because the images are so small (even if I max zoom in on them) they are not of any use.

    Could I ask that you size your images so the width is around 1220 to 1440 px?
     
  12. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I don't know for sure, but I have a bad feeling that Dahvid probably uploaded that image and XenForo 'helpfully' scaled it down to a maximum height.
     
  13. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,895
    3,997
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm not sure about that, the other image is tiny too and that is a more normal aspect ratio for a portrait screenshot.
     
  14. Dahvid

    Dahvid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2024
    38
    0
    0
    Location:
    Usa
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Just as update I am still waiting for a response from Autel. I just sent another follow up email today but I originally emailed them on the 30th

    This is who I emailed [email protected]

    I have a mobile mechanic who's willing to go in there to see if there's any corrosion or water ingress for $100/hr 2 hrs max to do that. This is also the same mobile mechanic who's tablet style launch x431 could also not locate any inf codes

    Thoughts? I was trying to avoid paying anyone until I got the inf codes bc I wanted to figure out what the problem is first and the appropriate course of action.
    I'm waiting to do other repairs as well until I can get this figured out.

    Thoughts?
     
  15. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,713
    5,192
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    If it’s your hv battery that needs replacing, there is no reliable option other than new oem modules. Used, reconditioned, matched or aftermarket will have you doing it over and over again.

    The hacked Techstream is more robust with plenty of people here who know how to use it. Lower cost as well if you are ok with hacked and will do everything except ecu updates and pro locksmith functions.

    As stated before, the high voltage leakage could be at your AC compressor, the inverter or any orange cable. Not exclusively at the hv battery but it is likely worn out as well.

    I would be careful about calling out Boomers who invented most of this technology and are largely who you are seeking help from. To say nothing about having the time to help. Most of them can easily setup their scanners and get codes with detail. Experience counts.
     
  16. Dahvid

    Dahvid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2024
    38
    0
    0
    Location:
    Usa
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring

    Not calling anyone out. Just saying I'm somewhat technically inclined hopefully enough to explore running techstream.
    Any reliable sources to get it?
     
  17. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,713
    5,192
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    What you are buying is the hardwired interface from the laptop to obd2 connector. They are available on Amazon and everywhere else. Most interfaces are called mini vci. They come with a driver, some have a zipped or downloaded file, usually on a cd. The hacked Techstream is a zip file and is not a typical Windows install with somewhat cryptic instructions. Most use an offline Windows xp or 7.

    You can also buy a two day license from Toyota and download from them.
     
  18. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,090
    16,359
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Yes, I would call Toyota the 'reliable' source. When you download from them you know you're getting the real deal, but then you have to pay for a limited-time license any time you're going to use it. The two-day licenses are definitely less money than going to the dealer for a diag. (And it works for two days, so you can spend two days figuring out your issue and running Techstream diags as many times as you need; try asking for that at a dealer.)

    The copies that come sometimes included with a J2534 dongle have all been hacked in some way to make them 'forget' to check for your paid-up license. They all come from the kinds of folks who hack software like that. So 'reliable' becomes more of a fuzzy term in that realm.

    If the whole Techstream/scan-tool headache is about getting INF codes for P0AA6, you could just imitate what gen 1 Prius owners had to do, since gen 1 didn't give those INF codes for you. You can still kinda do the same thing in a later gen. See this post.
     
    #58 ChapmanF, Oct 2, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2024
  19. Dahvid

    Dahvid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2024
    38
    0
    0
    Location:
    Usa
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Ok thanks again to everyone here for their incredible input.

    Today I was able to make some progress.

    I had the mobile mechanic come and look at the battery pack.

    First thing was the fan was ABSOLUTELY FILTHY. it was caked in dirt and lint.

    Cleaned it off obviously.

    There was also a good amount of corrosion on the bus bars and nuts.

    We were able to run his higher level scanner and we got inf codes. 612 and 526

    He said he tested the voltages of each of the cells and I guess somewhat surprisingly they were only a .01-.02v in variance of each other.

    No signs of water ingress or cell leaks.

    Attached are pics of what I found

    Any recommendations on bus bar replacements?

    Also now I know the code and seeing the corrosion where does that leave me?

    Thanks again
     

    Attached Files:

  20. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2019
    1,784
    532
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Given how filthy that fan is it is a little surprising to me that the battery itself isn't dirtier.

    Check the wires, they may need to be replaced too.

    Some people buy parts here, including the plated bus bars (shouldn't corrode as fast as bare copper):

    Hybrid Battery Bus Bars | ACENBAY, LLC

    I have not used their products myself.
     
    #60 pasadena_commut, Oct 3, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2024