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big problems after recall

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Monz, Apr 7, 2014.

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  1. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    I brought my 2012 Prius in on St. Patrick's Day for routine scheduled maintenance and was informed about the recall--I hadn't even known yet. I was told it would just take an additional 45 minutes for the software update--no big deal. Except that it was.

    They said the computer that was hooked up to my car crashed during the update, and my car computer would no longer recognize the hybrid system. They had no explanation for the crash and said their computer had a full battery, etc. so it didn't make sense, but they would call Toyota to find out way to do and in the meanwhile I would have a rental.

    It is April 7 and I still have the rental. They said the part needed, a new computer, is on backorder. They hope it will be in by the end of April but there are no guarantees.

    Has anyone heard of this? My car was running perfectly before this. Do you think this will be an ongoing issue? Anyone have any advice? I am not happy to be still in my gas drinking rental; I really just want my own car back! Or a few people were telling me I should demand a new car, but that sounds maybe like crazy talk...
     
    #1 Monz, Apr 7, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sorry to here about your issue. toyota has had some serious backorders as witnessed by a few threads here. once they get the new part installed, you won't have any future problems. all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 7, 2014
  3. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    What does the Florida Lemon Law say?
     
    #3 KennyGS, Apr 7, 2014
  4. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    Thanks for your reply; I am hoping you are right and once I get my car back I will have no problems! I just want it back soon! And this just seemed like a weird issue to me.
     
    #4 Monz, Apr 7, 2014
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well, they are protecting the inverter by supplying less battery power during hard acceleration. what happe during your update is a mystery.(n)
     
    #5 bisco, Apr 7, 2014
  6. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    The Florida Lemon Law says that if you have a new car in the first 24 months that is undriveable for at least 15 days you are eligible for a potential refund or replacement, so by that I may qualify. But I really don't want to go that route if it isn't necessary as I love my car. It just seems like a major issue with needing a new computer and it seems strange to me that I need to wait so long. If I get it back when they say I might, it will be almost two months, and so far they say they don't know if I will even get it back then. Frustrating.
     
    #6 Monz, Apr 7, 2014
  7. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    a mystery is right!
     
    #7 Monz, Apr 7, 2014
  8. xraydoug

    xraydoug Active Member

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    I would ask for free gas for the loaner car. I would ask about the lemon law info. If this car has unfixiable issues it's only reasonable to have it replaced. that is how I look at it. Hope things go well with it.:rolleyes:
     
    #8 xraydoug, Apr 7, 2014
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ridiculous. i think i would start pursuing the lemon law and see where it goes.
     
    #9 bisco, Apr 7, 2014
  10. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    Thank you, and great idea about asking for gas!
     
    #10 Monz, Apr 7, 2014
  11. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I would also demand a Prius rather than a gas guzzler until you get your car back.
     
    #11 dorunron, Apr 7, 2014
    Zythryn likes this.
  12. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    This is the 2ed time I heard this happen!!:( ..... It sounds like they hooked up something wrong;
    and cooked it!!:mad:
    They should lone you the same type of car; and YES, I would demand free gas;
    while asking them about the lemon law.:LOL:
     
    #12 engerysaver, Apr 7, 2014
  13. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I hope you can get everything resolved, and be back where you want to be - soon. :unsure:
     
    #13 KennyGS, Apr 8, 2014
  14. hybridbear

    hybridbear Member

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    I agree with other posters. Request free gas for loaner and start pursuing Lemon Law.
     
    #14 hybridbear, Apr 8, 2014
  15. Monz

    Monz New Member

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    I appreciate the comments; I will look into free gas at least and try to see if they can speed it up!
     
    #15 Monz, Apr 8, 2014
  16. TechGeek

    TechGeek New Member

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    I think it's a pretty easy fix, and it shouldn't hurt your car at all.. With the type of memory used in car computers (at least during my time as a tech for chevy...), if for some reason something fails during programming - connection loss, weak battery, etc.. You can't 'start over' they just have to replace the computer
     
    #16 TechGeek, Apr 9, 2014
  17. neez

    neez Member

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    It's because somehow the bootloader software got wiped. The only way to load it is usually directly on the circuit board via a JTAG or similar connector. This is usually done just after the circuit board is manufactured but before it's installed into the metal casing. Then it's loaded with vehicle software via the external connectors probably via CAN.
     
    #17 neez, Apr 9, 2014
    canta likes this.
  18. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    My son bricked quite a few phones by "updating" the hardware. Mental note to myself: don't try to do it to my car at home.
     
    #18 Former Member 68813, Apr 9, 2014
  19. jharwd

    jharwd Junior Member

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    If the dealer computer crashed, it would be their problem.Toyota has the softwear to fix the problem with your prius.
    The dealer should make it right whatever it takes.Pay for the loaner,gas,and whatever else.
     
    #19 jharwd, Apr 10, 2014
  20. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

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    You know when you watch a software update and you see that warning "Do not cut off during update"....maybe that's what happened to your car. Lets us know how this ends. Good luck
     
    #20 jgilliam1955, Apr 11, 2014
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