interesting issue caused by carbon deposits in my fuel

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by myfootsmells, Jun 4, 2007.

  1. myfootsmells

    myfootsmells New Member

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    02 Prius

    My check engine light came on last night took it to the dealership and apparently I have carbon deposits in my fuel which intern caused my ECU to fail and now I have to replace the entire ECU. Does this make sense to anyone?

    This same check engine light came out about a month ago and disappeared after an hour. This morning when I started my car it didnt have the check engine light anymore either. The car still drives fine.

    What do you guys think? Is this warranting replacing the ENTIRE ECU?

    Michael
     
    #1 myfootsmells, Jun 4, 2007
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(myfootsmells @ Jun 4 2007, 03:34 PM) [snapback]455104[/snapback]</div>
    Mike,

    There were a series of TSBs issued that updated the ECU on the Classic Prius (can only be updated by a full replacement in the Classic) to make it less sensitive to a slow start or engine misfires. Your throttle body probably needs to be cleaned (this is a periodic maintenance item on the Classic), which is causing slow startups. One of the TSB's also suggested new fuel injectors, but start out by doing the items that are covered under warranty and see if you still have problems.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Jun 4, 2007
  3. myfootsmells

    myfootsmells New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jdenenberg @ Jun 4 2007, 02:02 PM) [snapback]455183[/snapback]</div>
    Hey Jeff

    Thanks for the reply. They're claiming no work is covered by warranty. I'm very skeptical about this. Doesn't seem smart that Toyota would let carbon deposits overheat causing the ECU to fail.

    Michael
     
    #3 myfootsmells, Jun 4, 2007
  4. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    As far as throttle body deposits from oil, the +2004 Prius also has this. Mine was recently cleaned free of charge by the dealership.

    As far as "carbon deposits in the fuel" not sure what to make of that. In the US all gasolines must contain a minimum level of detergents to keep the fuel system clean. Maybe your dealer wants to sell you an expensive snake oil to "cure" the problem
     
    #4 jayman, Jun 10, 2007
  5. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Michael, welcome to PriusChat! You may want to search the TSB forum to see if you can find any which apply to your car. It's very hard for a dealer to claim a TSB service isn't under warranty with the TSB in the customer's hand.
     
    #5 Bill Merchant, Jun 11, 2007
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