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Triangle with Problem Message

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018.

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  1. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    I have an 05 Prius. Every time I start the vehicle I get 20 seconds of perfection and then the triangle comes on screen with a "problem" message on the display.

    I have a good hybrid battery and new 12v. I also replaced the pump for the inverter. I've checked the oil level and coolant levels. All are good.

    Any input? I once purchased one that did not drive far with the triangle and it had bad gas in it. This vehicle did sit for about a year before I purchased it.
     
    #1 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you get the codes read on the car, it'll tell you where the problem lies.

    When you say "every time you start", does that mean after you shut down, it starts up normal for 20 seconds? No errors?
     
    #2 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  3. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    So, there are codes even if I don't have a check engine light and the triangle goes away after turning the car off...until 20 seconds after I start the car the next time? Just checking.

    Thanks!
     
    #3 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    When the triangle is on, there are codes
     
    #4 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Define good.

    That's bad news for a hybrid battery.

    Trouble lights=trouble codes. Need to get them read.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #5 fotomoto, Jan 10, 2018
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  6. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    Correct. I shut it down. No errors. Then 20 seconds later I get the light. I took it to Autozone to read codes but there were none that could be read (probably by their scanner?).

    When I say "good" all the cells have equal volts of 8.2
     
    #6 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, you need prius scanner, though it's surprising there were no codes at all. usually you get something generic. and if you measured the cells without loading them, it doesn't mean much.$25. scanner?
     
    #7 bisco, Jan 10, 2018
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    How are you able to get the voltage of the HV battery? You should check the 12v voltage after it's been sitting overnight.
     
    #8 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
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  9. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    I took it apart and tested each cell with a volt meter. The 12v is new but I'll be sure to check it out in the morning.
     
    #9 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    During your 20 seconds of perfection, try accelerating the engine speed. If you cannot rev up, the engine did not start. Rather, it is just being spun by MG1.
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, Jan 10, 2018
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Is the car driveable?

    Did you replace the inverter pump with a brand new OEM Toyota pump?
     
    #11 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it would have been better for you to have kept on with your other thread for continuity, so we don't have to ask the same questions over and over.
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 10, 2018
  13. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    The inverter pump is functioning well. No problems there. The car does drive. I have taken it over 40 miles with no problems, just the triangle. Battery charges fine.

    I did notice that the triangle comes on a few seconds before the gas engine kicks on.
     
    #13 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Are you sure you checked the coolant level at the radiator and not at the coolant reservoir?

    You're going to have to get the codes read. This guessing isn't going well lol
     
    #14 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what mpg's are you getting?
     
    #15 bisco, Jan 10, 2018
  16. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    About 45 mpg
     
    #16 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  17. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    Yes...I filled them all the right way. I'll get the code read. I appreciate the guessing and will update when I have an answer.
     
    #17 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    My final guess would be your hv battery interlock is not seated properly. Although your car starts, it'll display the triangle.

    Try and remove and lock the interlock a FEW TIMES. Lock and release....do it a few times
     
    #18 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  19. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ..did anyone say low low engine oil yet
    ?
     
    #19 wjtracy, Jan 10, 2018
  20. Rabbi

    Rabbi Junior Member

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    Yes, thank you.
     
    #20 Rabbi, Jan 10, 2018
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