HELP, HELP, HELP

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Apr 26 2007, 11:41 AM) [snapback]430582[/snapback]</div>

They should, but they insist that they don't, claiming every dealer uses a different, local database system. I KNOW Giant Toyota must have a way to capture that data.

I just looked up TSBs on the 2004:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/results.cfm

As I understand TSBS, those are not necessariyl mandated recalls, but simply the fixes that have been developed over time, as problems have shone up. As you said, some cars may never have the problem.

So, theoretically, if I can begin to get a handle on how those 39(!) problems (I guess 39 isn't too bad, considering that the possibilities must run into the thousands) manifest, I'll know what to be watching for in the future.

 

first call from Toyota and they say they think it's a "transponder" problem.

On the next call back I am going to ask them to read me the diag codes, which I will post here.

 

Final telephone report is that we had a computer failure and the "part" will be replaced for $250 + labor.

We may have the car back by the end of the day. I'll keep you updated.

BTW. the service rep says he does not have access to any of the 3 digit codes, but these are the ones they have found: b2796 and b1260.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr.Vanvandenburg @ Apr 27 2007, 10:49 AM) [snapback]431180[/snapback]</div>

I definitely need to find and read the extended warranty.

Tech support (the one I talk to, not the one who does the work) calls the part a computer. I asked him for the system level description and he didn't know, but I'm assuming a computer would be part of the what we call the ECU. I would love to find out that it is indeed covered under the long term warranty.

My papers are in the glove compartment, though, so unless someone has a useful link, I won't know until we pick up the car.

Thanks, Galaxy. I've got those copied valuable words copied on a piece of paper now. One thing I will do when we pick up the car is ask how they eliminated all the other failure possibilities. I don't want to be learning the hard way that the problem is really a short in the wiring harness.

 

A quick websearch tells me that the long warranty covers the "hybrid control module" but I can't seem to find any other use of that term except there. Does anyone know what the HCM consists of?

BTW Penn. Prius...your problem sounds like one all new Prii owners encounter until we get the hang of driving them. Hope it's cleared up now.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 27 2007, 11:41 AM) [snapback]431209[/snapback]</div>

i think our Toyota Gold (I believe) EXTENDED warranty expired at 60,00 miles, so if a failed component is not part of the Hybrid system, we are out of luck. BTW, the Hybrid system warranty also covers something called the "battery control module". But I will check you link, just in case it still applies.

So, since the auto is designed to run up to 7mph on battery power, and if as he implies a computer has failed, that relays information from the switch to the battery, do you think I have a case at all for pleading for warranty coverage?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 27 2007, 12:01 PM) [snapback]431222[/snapback]</div>

Well, that's good news. Now I just have to get to the car, to pull out the warranty papers. Although it is a bit distressing to me that the rep tells me that there is no record of the car being covered under a Toyota Warrantey.

IF the computer they are replacing, and remember, the tech rep couldn't tell me exactly what the part was, when I asked, beyond saying it was "a computer" is the part that relays information between the sks transponder, and the transmission--which is battery-powered at start-up, then the "computer" must be part of the Hybrid Control Module. Or so it seems to me.

 

Galaxee, thanks for offering to check it out. If this is still hanging on Monday, maybe your hub can help then.

The tech first said transponder failure...which would correspond to B2796.

Then he next said computer failure, which seems like it would correspond to B1260..failure of the TRANSMISSION control ecu. That's what gave me hope that this would be covered under the regular Hybrid System Warranty, if not under the extended warranty.