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Driving with no coolant = replace hybrid battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015.

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  1. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    I put a tissue on it and it did stay in place so it is definitely sucking air, not blowing it out.

    I'm going to take it to Toyota tomorrow and ask:

    1. Do I have the correct transmission fluid?
    2. Do I have the correct coolant?
    3. Is my battery fan working correctly? Does it need to be cleaned?
    4. Do I need a new hybrid battery?

    But even if the transmission fluid or coolant are wrong, would that cause my hybrid battery to overheat?
     
    #21 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
  2. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    I can top off the fluids while the car sits in my driveway. The last oil change was done at a Vo-Tech school because they have a lift (and students to do the work). The dealer did the transaxle drain & fill while the car was there for something else.

    Many things can be DIY if you have the space and are willing.
     
    #22 JimN, Jul 6, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unfortunately, the p3080 usually points to the battery, but not always.
     
    #23 bisco, Jul 6, 2015
  4. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    That's fine. There's a place in Houston that has a great deal on them. Now I'm just concerned about my fluids and I want to see if Jiffy Lube has anything to do with it.
     
    #24 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is that hometown hybrids?
     
    #25 bisco, Jul 6, 2015
  6. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    Yes.
     
    #26 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they are members here, seem to have their act together. most importantly, try to decide how long you want to keep the car, and spend your money appropriately. refurbished batteries are a crapshoot, only as good as the warranty and the company that stands behind them.
     
    #27 bisco, Jul 6, 2015
  8. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    Yeah, it's a 2006 that I paid cash for and I only intend on having for another 5 years or so. The battery issue isn't a surprise. I was aware when I purchased it that it would need done eventually. I just want to make sure it has nothing to do with something that Jiffy Lube could have done. That's the thing that irks me. I feel like my lights going off within minutes of leaving there shouldn't happen. But could just be coincidence, as they are trying to tell me it is.
     
    #28 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    even if they did something weird, it would be tough to prove, i think.
     
    #29 bisco, Jul 6, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2015
  10. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    Probably, but it is worth looking into. Thanks for all your help.
     
    #30 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
  11. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Continuing to drive after the alarms came on was a BAD idea.
    Going to JL was a BAD idea.

    What to do now ?
    1. Check the coolant pump operation
    2. Verify the coolant level.
    3. Verify that the coolant is pink
    4. Collect DTCs
    5. Verify transmission fluid level

    The two coolant systems are for the engine and the inverter, but if the inverter is overheating I presume the hybrid battery will be unhappy too.
     
    #31 SageBrush, Jul 6, 2015
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  12. jonbru13

    jonbru13 New Member

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    I didn't have a choice but to drive after the alarms came on. Mechanics don't come to my house. Thanks for the input. The Toyota dealership will be able to tell me more tomorrow.
     
    #32 jonbru13, Jul 6, 2015
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all the best!(y)
     
    #33 bisco, Jul 6, 2015
  14. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Hi jonbru13. Was that in the inverter coolant reservoir or in the engine coolant expansion tank?
     
    #34 uart, Jul 7, 2015
  15. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Of course you do. Pull over to the side of the road and turn off the car. A tow is much cheaper than damaging the car.
     
    #35 SageBrush, Jul 7, 2015
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  16. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Perhaps all of OP's problems are related to air pockets blocking coolant flow.
    It is what I would expect from JL
     
    #36 SageBrush, Jul 7, 2015
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unfortunately, too many consumers are unaware...
     
    #37 bisco, Jul 7, 2015
  18. geekwithoutacause

    geekwithoutacause Junior Member

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    You can use an independent mechanic. Just make sure they use the right fluids. Bring it yourself if needed.
     
    #38 geekwithoutacause, Jul 7, 2015
  19. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Right.

    And be done correctly
    And be done really cheaply

    Last weekend I performed the annual maintenance on our Prius (v)agon:
    1. Engine oil change and filter
    2. Rotated tyres, inspected brakes. Next year I'll lube the pins
    3. Partial Engine Coolant exchange. No bloody air in my cooling system
    4. Engine and cabin filter check
    Total cost about $35.
    It did take me two hours, but a lot of that time was spent cleaning each wheel from all the crud that winter had deposited.
     
    #39 SageBrush, Jul 8, 2015
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The partial coolant change is premature for such a new car
     
    #40 JC91006, Jul 8, 2015
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