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Prius Engine Idling at at Stop

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by R1CH13, Sep 29, 2015.

  1. R1CH13

    R1CH13 Member

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    I have a 2011 Prius II with ~127,000 miles and I drive a 200 mile round trip commute. Starting up my car this morning and putting it into gear I noticed the engine rev really high. I never heard it rev that high before (btw the temp was 66 degrees). I drove my car for 100 miles and when I approached a stop my car usually turns off. I noticed that my car is idling for 30 seconds and then turns off. Anyone know the symptoms? I'm guessing my 12v battery needs to be replaced?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it doesn't sound like the 12v, but it's worth testing. could be some basic maintenance item, i would have the codes checked. maybe pcv, throttle body/maf, erg, plugs and etc. are you up to date?
    it's also possible your hybrid battery has a weak cell.
     
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Even in freezing temperatures the ICE isn't going to idle for 30 seconds to charge the traction battery or just to warm up. All the 12v battery does is boot up the computers. The 12v may be weak but that isn't the problem
     
  4. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Oh, I don't know. It could be a weak 12V. I know when a Gen II does this it is a good item to check. The Gen III probably does the same thing. Plenty of threads in the II and III forums about that little 12V battery. If it is the original (like mine) it might be time to replace it. I use a conditioner (Optimate 5) once a month to keep mine in line. So far, so good.
     
  5. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

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    Around PC, the 12v can be the source of pretty much any issue a Prius can have, and certainly check the voltage with a multi-meter. But considering a 2011 at 127k miles, you spend enough time in READY mode that your 12v is well looked after by the HV system. Unless you're bad about leaving dome lights on or using accessory mode, I'd guess the 12v is fine.

    To bump Bisco a bit, if you have no check engine light, I'd start with a careful cleaning of the MAF and throttle plate/body. Mop the puddle of oil from the floor of the TB as best you can, too. If these have never been cleaned, it's likely the problem, imo. Good luck!
     
  6. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    I have issues with engine not shutting off at stops if brakes were applied too hard. I think ECU assumes that you are in accident avoidance mode and keeps ICE running in case if you need extra power to get out of the way.
     
  7. VicVinegar

    VicVinegar Member

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    My 2013 has done this since new and it primarily shows up when it is cold and I am almost done with my 40 mile commute. One dealer said there was "nothing wrong", which sounds like "no codes to read", and another wanted to charge me $100 if it wasn't a problem to repair under warranty. So knowing there wasn't a code, I figured they wouldn't find anything.
     
  8. jdonalds

    jdonalds Active Member

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    If the heater is on the ICE may stay on when the car stops. The ICE supplies the heat. Try turning the heater off before you come to a stop. I think the ICE then would shut off. I've long noticed this behavior. If I'm trying to squeeze higher mpg's out of the car I'll turn the heat off for this reason.
     
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  9. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    After 100 miles at 66F coolant should be well over 150F. If the ICE is running because the heater is on then something's wrong.

    Agreed that turning on the climate control or defroster before temp is 150F will cause the engine to run as it tries to warm everything up.
     
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  10. R1CH13

    R1CH13 Member

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    So I talked to my service advisor and he told me that I needed to clean the throttle body and the maf sensor. I did all of that yesterday along with replacing my 12v battery (upgraded to an optima) and now it's running smooth and my check engine light disappeared. My mpg went up I think but the biggest thing I noticed was the restoration in lost hp.
     
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