04 Prius, lost power died, dash light flicker for a second and turns off, no start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Josiah Wilson, Jul 8, 2023.

  1. Josiah Wilson

    Josiah Wilson New Member

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    04 Prius lost power and died while driving. Tried to restart, and dash lights flicker and turn off car won’t start. Primary battery is a day old, hybrid battery is a week old. Everything ran fine for a week and then this happened. I push the power button and the dash lights come on, then flicker to squares and then turns off. Please assist.
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Quite likely a DTC P0A93, AKA a failing inverter coolant pump. Best to use a hybrid compatible OBD2 scanner, then you'll know for sure.
    The failing pump can run down a 12v, check the 12v voltage and recharge at a low amperage (<4), or return it to the retailer. If the 12v comes back healthy then check both of the battery connections, including where the negative cable mounts to the body for corrosion.
    Where did you get the hybrid battery, is it new OEM, something old, used, or hodge podge of modules with a random warranty?
    Again, 12v is likely low. Charge it up, or safely jump at the jump points by using a jump pack or a vehicle that isn't running.
    Once you've scanned the vehicle with a OBD2 scanner, please post the retrieved codes in this thread for additional guidance.

    FYI : you're moderated until you've posted five (5) times.
     
  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    As mentioned, you need to evaluate the condition of the 12V battery - make sure that the battery connections are secure. Use a digital multimeter to check voltage across the battery, as well as at the jumpstart lug in the underhood fuse box.

    An AGM battery should be 12.6 to 12.8V with the car OFF. Check that the negative cable is also secure where it bolts the the body.

    If voltage is ok at both points, you should scan all systems with a capable scantool. Here's a review of several apps and devices.

    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3290690

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. Josiah Wilson

    Josiah Wilson New Member

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    The Primary Battery is fully charged and the hybrid battery is new. The hybrid battery is a Dorman Replacement.
     
  5. Josiah Wilson

    Josiah Wilson New Member

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    I will pull the dtc’s shortly and repost
     
  6. Josiah Wilson

    Josiah Wilson New Member

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    Ok so I tried to pull the dtc’s with my solis ultra and as suspected it will not go into accessory mode to be able to pull codes and scan.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    FYI, a Dorman battery is not new, it’s old.

    but your problem is most likely a blown AM2 fuse. That’s located in the engine compartment of fuses
     
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  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    The suggestion to check the AM2 fuse is a good one. Usually if the inverter coolant pump shorts it will pop that fuse which kills the dash (and the car). Sometimes it can "not quite completely pop" the fuse, but enough that there's voltage drop across it (or something like that).

    So the recommendation is to find & unplug a black 1-wire connector (white with a black trace) at the left strut tower underhood (near - behind the fuse box). Or unplug the inverter coolant pump directly. Then replace the AM2 fuse and recheck operation.

    On a side note, your solus should be able to communicate with 5 of the 15-16 systems on your Gen2- even when the car isn't powered on. (Power source, BCM, gateway, immobilizer, & smart key-if equipped) You have to manually enter vehicle info as "auto VIN read" won't work with ignition power off.
    gen2%20fusebox.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  9. Josiah Wilson

    Josiah Wilson New Member

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    Let me just say you guys are awesome and thank you! I was a bit upset at this point because I had just replaced the hybrid battery and that came with its own issues. Then this new issue occurred. Had me stumped for a minute. But thanks to you guys, you guys took me directly to the problem! Thank you thank you. Am2 fuse was blown and inverter pump started smoking after the new fuse. Took the headlight out and replaced the pump and fuse. Problem solved!!! Had it done in less than an hour. Thanks again!
     
  10. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Hopefully, you used a new Toyota OEM inverter pump. If you used a cheap Amazon or eBay pump, you may have a problem with it again in a few months to a couple of years.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  11. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Specifically, there have been reports of some aftermarket pumps (like Dorman) that might work fine for a few months. Then maybe it decides to not pump - maybe next ignition cycle it does. With random inverter overheat.

    A new pump from Toyota seems to be good for around 100k miles.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.