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Sudden loss of power, Red Triangle, Won't Start + P3190

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bgustafson, Dec 22, 2017.

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  1. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    Seriously? That is just pure highway robbery.
     
    #21 Bgustafson, Dec 26, 2017
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You’ll want Techstream ;).

    It marries well with an old laptop and a J2534 dongle available on Amazon :).

    Good luck (y).
     
    #22 Raytheeagle, Dec 26, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2017
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  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Does that mechanic have a Toyota Hybrid compatible OBD code reader or did s/he share any codes with you?

    Assuming you are still working from the same thrown DTC (3190), here is a work up (and check list) for such.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    #23 SFO, Dec 26, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2017
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  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'm not sure a bad coil would prevent the car from starting, it would just misfire
     
    #24 JC91006, Dec 26, 2017
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  5. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    I agree. I told them I could replace that myself but they insisted they can't troubleshoot more until they fix the issue. That's why I'm frustrated with them. However, it's also -6F outside and I don't have a garage to do repairs in myself. I would be a little worried about snapping something in such cold weather.
     
    #25 Bgustafson, Dec 26, 2017
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The bad news is, if it's not the cause, you'll still have to pay them
     
    #26 JC91006, Dec 26, 2017
  7. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    Yeah. I just have to chalk it up to another lesson learned. The reason they want to repair it is because it's "really hard" for them to diagnose the issue with the engine running "incredibly" bad. I'm definitely going to buy an old laptop and get Teachstream running on it this week.
     
    #27 Bgustafson, Dec 26, 2017
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  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I thought it wasn't running at all?
     
    #28 JC91006, Dec 26, 2017
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  9. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Doesn't sound like they are using a OBD device that is compatible with your vehicle.

    How did they determine an ignition coil was bad, and which one of the four (4) coils is actually 'bad'?
     
    #29 SFO, Dec 26, 2017
  10. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    It's not. They were implying once they get the engine running, it will run poorly due to the bad coil. I generally do trust my mechanic, most of my colleagues and family have used him for years. They don't ever push me to repair more than what is needed. They didn't end up replacing the coil, I'm going to do it myself.

    Update: Today they informed me after a lot of troubleshooting, the HV battery is dead. (AGAIN). I made the decision about five months ago (despite a lot of advice on this forum....) to put in a reconditioned battery with a 3 year warranty - and looks like I've been screwed. My mechanic will install a Toyota branded HV battery for about $3500. I haven't decided what to do yet. I'm certainly not going to bother with my warranty on the aftermarket battery because it will just fail again.
     
    #30 Bgustafson, Dec 27, 2017
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Another option may be a kit of new cells from @2k1Toaster for $1500. You get to keep the old modules too.
     
    #31 Prodigyplace, Dec 27, 2017
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  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I've never heard of a hv battery just dying like that. It only needs about 168v to start the car and there's no way a battery would suddenly fail to below 168v. The operating voltage on the car should be 201v and above.

    You also mentioned the car is running 5-6 seconds, telling you there's plenty of power in the battery to start the car. It's just not starting. Probably not the fault of the battery.

    Before you start plowing money into this car, I would suggest you use the warranty option on your 3 year battery. Make sure that's the problem before you invest so heavily in your car. Maybe it's time for specialized diagnostics.
     
    #32 JC91006, Dec 27, 2017
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  13. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    If you decide to go the warranty route, be sure to read the warranty paperwork. Many times the warranty is VOID if the battery is run down due to the engine failing starting. Most likely because there is nothing wrong with the battery, when the problem lies with the engine. Trying to make claim on a warranty in that circumstance could be construed as fraud. Just throwing it out there.
     
    #33 TMR-JWAP, Dec 27, 2017
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  14. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    My concern is, if I install another reconditioned battery. When / where might it die again? What if I'm on a road trip in the middle of nowhere...

    Very good point. Their warranty policy states: "Certain engine malfunctions on a hybrid vehicles will cause premature battery failure. Namely, a loss of engine function can occur where the vehicle drives on battery power alone, thereby weakening the battery to the point of failure. These and any other condition beyond the control of Best Hybrid Batteries are not anticipated or covered by this warranty policy."
     
    #34 Bgustafson, Dec 27, 2017
  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You have not determined if the battery is at fault yet. Your mechanic doesn't seem to know how to diagnose your no start issue. He's throwing darts and hoping 1 hits the target
     
    #35 JC91006, Dec 27, 2017
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  16. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    I agree. They have been talking to a friend who works at a Toyota dealership, and this is ultimately what they narrowed it down to. What questions should I be asking them?
     
    #36 Bgustafson, Dec 27, 2017
  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    What trouble codes and details are shown my the Toyota Techstream software?
     
    #37 Prodigyplace, Dec 27, 2017
  18. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    How did this trusted mechanic determine that the high voltage battery is dead (could it also be discharged?), did they use the same technique or tool that was used for diagnosing the bad coil(s) ??

    What tool or diagnostic method was actually involved in coming to this informed diagnosis ??
     
    #38 SFO, Dec 27, 2017
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  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You should ask them to pay for the new battery if it doesn't work. It's not their money that's being wasted.

    I would suggest you bring this to Toyota to diagnose. They will charge you about $120 an hour to diagnose the problem. You can then use the diagnosis to get the car repaired at your mechanic.

    My feeling is your have a bad fuel pump, dirty throttle body/maf sensor, or dirty injectors.
     
    #39 JC91006, Dec 27, 2017
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  20. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    Alright, so I can take the risk of having them install a brand new battery; I'll be very clear with them if it doesn't fix the problem, I'm not paying for it. I have a gut feeling it won't fix the problem, so in that case, they would probably end up putting my old battery back in. It's quite possible my HV battery has been damaged since this breakdown occurred with the numerous attempted starts, though.

    In the event it DOES solve the problem, I will go after Best Hybrid Batteries and at least try to get a refund for their faulty battery.
     
    #40 Bgustafson, Dec 27, 2017
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