1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Is P0171 System too lean enough to shut down a car?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by tyz, Aug 27, 2023.

  1. tyz

    tyz New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2023
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    North carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hey folks. I'm very grateful for this forum, and I've been reading all over the place, but have come to an impasse with my Prius. Wondering what i should try next.

    Current Status:
    Engine cuts on with heavy knocking sounds. After no more than 10 seconds it cuts off with message "Check Hybrid System"
    The codes I've read are:
    - P0171: System too lean - Bank 1
    - P0301: Misfire - Cylinder 1
    - P3190: Poor Engine Power


    And after a few troubleshooting attempts (see below) I eventually see C1259 HV System Regenerative Malfunction.

    What I've tried:
    - Replaced spark plugs
    - Replaced fuel injectors
    - Cleaned Air intake manifold, throttle body, and EGR pipe (i wanted to clean the EGR valve but found it too difficult more to reach the "bolt from hell"). These didn't look overwhelmingly caked with carbon. Plus the code is that there's too much air, rather than not enough?
    - Checked battery pack for damaged cells (all were ~8V)

    Some context:
    First observed by a family member on a random trip, i think they ended up driving it home entirely on the battery power, which may have hurt it. I got a grid charger and was able to bring it back up to ~212 volts, which seems to be enough? It's read as 3/4 full on start, but eventually dies out again. I'm thinking O'll need a new battery soon / now (thoughts on greenbean?) But what I'm seeing seems to be a gas issue right? I'll need to fix both eventually?

    I want to try replacing the fuel pump next, but want to know if I'm on the right track. Does this combination of codes mean something else? Can a fuel pump just give out like that?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    1,108
    410
    0
    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    What is the year and mileage?

    Did you try cleaning the MAF sensor?

    My wild a s s guess (WAG) is a vacuum hose that came loose.

    FYI, the engine is not starting, and stops trying to start after 10 seconds.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 Brian1954, Aug 27, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2023
  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,173
    4,078
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Eat your heart out lithium projectors!!!
     
  4. tyz

    tyz New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2023
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    North carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    2010, 204k miles

    No. I'll try this tomorrow, i gave it a glance and it looked fine ;)


    I ended up finding a used fuel pump pretty quickly and swapping it out. I also mixed in some injector cleaner to the fuel directly. Things seem better. Still rattling, still the same codes, but at least now it won't go into "Check Hybrid System" mode unless i drive it over 20 mph. I'm still surprised at those codes though and not sure what to do about them.