Check engine light on, 650 mile move tomorrow - Michgal needs your help

Stop at a large auto parts store and have them read the OBD2 codes. Then tell us and we can interpret them for you.

You won't need the warranty data, they will access all information on their computer via the VIN number.

JeffD

 

I agree with Jeff. If you can read the codes before the trip we can get an idea of how minor/major the problem is.

 

Get a new gasoline cap (one from the auto parts store will do). The po445 code will clear after a few cycles. The po441 should be ignored until the 445 goes away.

JeffD

 

It just needs to be fixed in time for your next emissions test .

 

Luscious Garage put a post on Facebook with a 441 code. After confirming that the fuel cap was good she found a small hole in the fuel tank shell. Checked to make sure the bladder wasn't leaking. Mixed up some putty like JB Weld and problem solved.

 

This thread made me think of that. I really like how they handled that repair.

 

hey jeff,
i also have had the check engine like come on the last couple of days, had it checked at Auto Zone they couldn't get a good read. but when i got back in the car and turned it on the light was off. i assumed that since i had gotten gas on my way, it had recycled a turned the light off. but it came back on today and they got a P1121 code, something about the accelerator pedal position sensor. How much trouble can i look forward to?

 

P1121 has a special meaning in a Prius. It indicates that a valve controlling coolant flow in and out of the "Thermos" is sticking. This can be just due to a low coolant level in the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) coolant loop (as opposed to the separate Inverter coolant loop). The coolant acts as a lubricant for that valve which is a bit expensive (~$350 to $400 at a Toyota dealer) to replace. Check the ICE coolant level and add some Toyota Super Long Life Coolant if it is low and see if the problem clears up. It did for me 125,000 miles ago.

JeffD

 

thanks, i have noticed that the AC hasn;t been blowing as cool as it did and i thought i might check that out. but i also thought that it was because out temps have been over 100 for more than a month now(which is unusual here). i also considered that because i have 180k on it, it might need an overhaul on the AC. yuck, not looking forward to that.

 

You could just be low on refrigerant, any AC shop can add some (but if they add oil it has to be a special kind that can handle the high voltages in the Prius AC system).

JeffD

 

just looked under the hood. found three fluid reserves, the one on the far left of course is wiper fluid. the one next to it is i don't know what but fluid level is at max. the 3rd is just to the right of center, next to the hybrid unit has pinkish fluid(i am assuming that is the reserve unit i am to be looking at but it also looks full. Am i in big trouble?

 

Have you recently had the ICE coolant drained and refilled? Air remaining in the system is a common problem. Have the shop work a bit harder to get the air purged from the system. The air will usually get out after a few driving cycles and then the fluid level in the reservoir will drop indicating that a top off is needed.

If you do need to replace the valve, it is not a terribly expensive repair. I had to have my steering column fixed for more than twice that amount at 150,000 miles.

JeffD

 

my last service was a tune-up but that was about 3 months ago. other than the normal oil change

 

sorry, that was suppose to be 2 months ago

 

Hi-
You still haven't looked at the ICE coolant tank. Get a flashlight and open the hood back up. The radiator is right behind the front grill. Look behind the black plastic cover over the front of the engine. Look down and you'll see a white plastic tank. Its on the other side of the radiator. Thats the ICE Coolant overflow tank. On the pass side of that tank is the full level mark. Check that coolant level by shining the flashlight throughthe tank and make sure its to that line. Should be nice and pink just like the Inverter Coolant next to the Inverter.
I bet its empty. I bet you may have a weeping Coolant water pump. I like to bet.