Prius Classic help needed in Swaziland

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 5 2007, 07:46 AM) [snapback]490828[/snapback]</div>

In addition to the technical data, you need an OBD scanner to read out the codes from the hybrid and engine ECU. These are the road map to what is going on. Fortunately the codes are uniform so an English manual is sufficient:
http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/

Sad to say, getting repair parts will be a challenge. Do you know if the local Toyota dealer will order parts for your car? Do you feel comfortable will ordering parts from outside of your country?

Before going much further, how comfortable do you feel about working with the technical aspects of the car? This car is not rocket science but it is different and you've got what sounds like a broken one.

One last thing, we need to confirm the model. If you raise the hood, on the left side near the windshield is a plastic flap you raise to read the VIN number with the model number. We need to verify it is an NHW11 and not an NHW10. The reason I ask is there have been some exports of NHW10s and these were Japanese only vehicles. The NHW11 was the first model exported in any significant numbers, 34,000 to North America, and parts are more readily available than the NHW10.

Bob Wilson

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 6 2007, 02:05 AM) [snapback]491136[/snapback]</div>

Excellent! This is a good forum for technical information but you may want to visit the YahooGroup, "Prius_Technical_Stuff"

Let's get a good diagnosis before headed that way. Our experience has been that Toyota service is OK but sometimes they are a little 'by the book' and often expensive. With a 4 hour trip, let's make sure it is a trip worth while.

This is a little tricky since the battery assembly has two banks of 20 cell assemblies. There is a safety interlock relay in the middle. Even so, each bank has 135 DC volts at potentially lethal power levels, even when low. It really makes sense to get the manuals first so you can remove the pack safely, if it is necessary.

The Toyota scanner is the best because it also reads out the subcodes. However, if you pose the question in "Prius_Technical_Stuff," you'll get the best recommendations from folks who have them. I use the Graham miniscanner:
http://prius.ecrostech.com/
http://www.ecrostech.com/Products/MiniScanner/Intro.htm

It reads out the major codes but not the sub-codes. The major codes are enough to isolate to the area of interest.

Now a couple of quick questions. Does the car turn over at all and try to run or does it just sit there on each attempt to start?

You've checked all the fuses? (sorry but I had to ask.)

What is the battery voltage measured at the cigarette lighter when you turn the car on and try to start? (there should be no voltage when the car is off.)

When you turn the car on, just before the start position, do you hear the inverter pump running? It should sound like something under the inverter side mounted low on the frame.

As a suggestion, wrap up what we discussed and post it as an introduction to "Prius_Technical_Stuff." Folks there are pretty helpful and knowing your background after confirming the model will go a long way.

Bob Wilson

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 6 2007, 08:39 AM) [snapback]491186[/snapback]</div>

Owch. It is a subtle sound. Once turned 'on', not started, the pump is important for preventing overheating of the inverter assembly. We'll work on that once we understand why it isn't heard.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 6 2007, 08:39 AM) [snapback]491186[/snapback]</div>

We need to understand the voltage 'under load.' Actually the auxillary 12V battery is just powering the electronic control units (ECUs) that run the car. The cigarette lighter is a good place for measuring the voltages while operating the switch.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 6 2007, 08:39 AM) [snapback]491186[/snapback]</div>

All first postings have to be reviewed by the moderator so there may be a day before it shows up.

Bob Wilson

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swaziterry @ Aug 7 2007, 02:17 AM) [snapback]491743[/snapback]</div>

Good. The whining noise should seem to come from the frame area under the inverter. Hearing it is good news.

The cigarette lighter voltage test lets us know the battery can sustain the startup load. The anti-lock brake assembly includes a powerful pump. This can put a load on the 12 VDC battery. We like to see it in the upper 12 VDC range and anything over 13 VDC is great.

In North America with left hand side driver seats, it is at the bottom of the dash, facing down just to the lower left of the steering column. I'm not sure where the Japanese drive vehicles have it. However, I suspect if you get low where you can see the underside edge of the dash, it will be obvious.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

ps. BTW, your Yahoo Group initial posting showed up. I would recommend sharing your results with that team. They have been my teachers . . . the Prius "gray beards."