Hello all you good Prius people. I have a 2002 Prius purchased in 2001 and delivered in Jan 2002. It has been very dependable and has over 228,000 miles. Over the years I have helped other Prius owners with minor problems and I am a mediocre mechanic and am knowledgeable about electronics. I have also commiserated with other folks when their battery died, never thinking it would happen to me. Well recently my car started throwing codes about 1st cylinder and 2nd cylinder. The Toyota dealership says that the battery is weak. I am driving it with error lights on. Today it got much worse and brake errors are showing, and can barely be driven. 2 questions First, any harm in driving it till it dies? What alternatives are there to spending $3,000? Thanks Dale
If you have a Windows XP system, get a miniVCI, $25-35, and we'll help you diagnose what is going on. At the same time, look for a copy of Volume I of the 2001-03 shop manuals, $100 used, because it has the diagnostic codes and procedures. Do you have alternate transportation? Bob Wilson
Bob: In regards to your 2nd question, no my Prius has been so dependable I have no 2nd vehicle. That may need to change. I do have several XP computers as well as newer ones. I still have a DOS one FWIW. I will try to buy a miniVCI at your suggestion Thanks Dale
welcome to priuschat! there should be several alternatives to a new battery, including replacing the bad cells in yours. check doorman products, and search here for other gen I battery rebuilders. all the best!
toyota parts cheap has new first generation batteries listed for $1,839 if you want to go that route.
Several videos on You Tube by people who are skilled at dealing with this problem: prius battery rebuild - YouTube
1. It is hard to say what harm is being caused without knowing what problems exist. From your OP it appears your car has multiple issues: engine, traction battery, braking system. As previously suggested, Mini VCI running on a Windows XP or Windows 7, 32 bit OS laptop is the best way to retrieve the logged DTC. 2. Your second question cannot be answered without knowing what the problems are.
