Tried several times, no dice. The best option is typically a low mileage engine. Never had a bit of trouble until recently. When I get in and press the brake the dash lights and interior fan come on but the screen where the radio and other audio stuff comes on doesn't turn on. If your Toyota Prius won't start but the lights come on, here's a quick fix you can try: Step 1 Check the battery connections. With this tool, you will be able to access the computer and read the codes. These are usually some minor things. Just use the jump list below to move to your particular situation. Dont worry, you can still start your vehicle the battery is only used to send the signal for locking/unlocking. As you know, the battery gives you some power and without it, the Prius will feel very sluggish and not snappy as it did before. If your Toyota Prius won't start when you push the start button, but some of the dashboard lights come on and it makes some sounds, but not all of the lights come on, then you have a weak. Once I got inside with the manual key, the car did turn on. Now, lets move on to scenario number two. The last two times (both today) it started on the second try. Thank you! Sometimes the connecting rod can be bent due to the liquid trying to compress in the cylinder. And honestly, driving a car like this will deliver no pleasure. If the battery is drained and doesnt hold power, then you might experience these difficulties with clicking sound and the car not starting to happen. Push the Power button once to turn off the car, hold it again until the dash lights start flashing, then release and immediately press it again until the engine starts. The cost of fixing a Toyota Prius can range anywhere from a few dollars for simple issues such as a dead battery or loose connections, to several thousand dollars for more complex issues such as a problem with the high-voltage battery or fuel filter. The engine coils are essential for the car to crank. Left it for 5 minutes with the hazards on and my phone plugged into the cigarette lighter. You'll first want to open the hood and locate your battery. My prius just came to a complete stop and wont start up again. The scenario is when you insert the key into the ignition and nothing happens or only a small click-click sound is heard from the engine. Ensure that the spark plugs are clean and in good condition. It was upside down for probably 6 hours. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. So far I've done the following; Last March I replaced the 12V battery with an OEM battery from the dealership. I then have to call roadside assistance to get a battery boost. When the filter fails the car might start at some point but again it will stop working. Tried jumping it, still nothing. Lets dive right in and get your problem resolved as soon as possible. Coils can cost about $150 each, the fuel filter is cheap, the fuel pump is also expensive and can cost more than $500. Turn the key from off to on. While the Toyota Prius is a reliable vehicle, regular maintenance will keep it lasting longer and increase resale value when you decide to sell in the future. A clogged fuel filter is another reason why your Prius won't start. Another symptom would be when you try to start your car, and it takes a long time for the car engine to turn over. Most diagnostic devices then ask for some information about the vehicle. This continuous cranking often drains the battery and makes things even worse. Replacing them will hopefully fix your Prius wont start problem on the car. Car will only go from park to neutral, not reverse or drive. Usually, a clogged fuel filter can be caused by debris or rust. This might be frustrating to deal with. How Long Does It Take To Replace A Power Steering Pump? The crankshaft sensor is also expensive and can cost $300. Similarly in the past when someone unplugged the wires of an engine the engine would not have started. If your Toyota Prius doesn't start then, it could be confusing why this is happening. Seized Engine. A bad fuse can also make your Prius wont start. The key fob wouldn't open it. When you push the Start button: First, the vehicle's computer checks if the brake pedal is depressed. If any of the fuses are blown, you will need to replace them with a new one. Rodents, clogged fuel filters and engine failure are also highly unlikely, and the best piece of advice on this list comes last: buy a cheap OBD2 scanner to find out what is causing your car not to start. It is now going to become a demo car as the body is toast. Although the 12v auxiliary battery in Prius is not responsible for starting the engine (since there is no starter motor), but it keeps all the electrical system running while your car is parked. Observe the start button as you press the brake when starting. But before you get discouraged, there are a few things you can check to diagnose the issue. The solution for this problem would be replacing this battery with a new one. Successful testing of the car battery, i.e. Mine is a 2012 w/ 78k miles on it. The green light won't turn off and the key wont come out. The animals crawl under the vehicle and bite through cables and wires. The keyless remote provides a convenient way to start the car without using the key. They are very cheap and you will not lose a lot of money on them. Always start there with an issue like this as it is the cheapest route. My 12V battery was down to 9.9 volts. If your car has been getting lower and lower gas mileage, this may be due to a dying battery. Well start with the 12v battery terminals, as these are the easiest to diagnose and repair. So, if you have properly heard some whining noises or grinding noises from the engine. A faulty ignition is one of the most common problems. If this is your issue, you will need to check the fuel pressure to see if it's an air leak or a bad fuel pump. what could the problem be? I've never replaced it before but the dealership may have. It may have had enough energy to get you home, but when you go to start the vehicle, theres not enough stored energy for the engine to turn over. At the time when the Prius was introduced, it looked like a car from another planet. 1 Usually, it's the alternator, starter, or battery. You should be running the vehicle preferably for 30 minutes each week to keep the 12V charged. 1. Can you please provide some tips? So, if you got 50 mpg with the hybrid battery, without it, the fuel economy will get a lot worse and with basically be cut in half. Why is this the case? If there are some burnt fuses, replace them with the right ones and try to start the car again. If only one plug is actually loose, you can fix the problem yourself on site. Very often this could be caused by a low battery or poor connection between the battery and starter. Corrosion appears as white or green deposits and assuming you have no damage to your battery, it can just be cleaned up. Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting, Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, (You must log in or sign up to post here.). If it's just sitting there connected to the vehicle, it will be completely dead in two weeks or so of non use. 2guys how2. While a great idea, it is not without consequence. Still cant get my 2007 Prius to work. If the engines ability to fire the spark plug at the right time is called timing. Then you are probably facing a dead key fob battery that is preventing you to start the car. My 2000 Ford Windstar's Starter Motor doesn't seem to Be able to Turn the Motor Over when trying to start it. Toyota Prius that shakes and rattles on startup, Visit Torque News homepage for more stories, cause a rattling knock, such as a misfire. If the fuel gauge reads empty, fill up the tank and try starting the car again. They're expensive as hell but whaddyagonna do. prius not switching to ev modeis design toscano going out of business. The Prius wont start issue? I'm not sure if this error code has anything to do with my issue mentioned above. But be careful not to start the engine. Thats why you should always replace the battery on time. If the connections are loose, tighten them with a wrench. Then we covered the probable scenarios that you will face. However, if the battery is failing, it will most likely not hold a charge for very long. Be prepared for relatively high costs here. Overall, whether it's a Toyota Prius or another car, if it won't start, then you can't make it to your destination. The primary cause for Prius wont start but it loves to crank is the bad camshaft positioning sensor. To correct this circumstance, if youre handy with cars, you can simply drain a little out with the same steps youd use if you were changing your oil yourself. Not to mention that you will be left without power. So, if you want to learn more, follow along. I'm assuming that's what you and the mechanic did. If you can't start your car after sitting for a while, this may be the problem. Check the door switch. The coils are the ones that are pushing the electricity to the spark plugs. Best thing to do would be to wait a couple hours and check the voltage with a multimeter from the jump point under the hood. To fix the issue, its crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified mechanic or by using a multimeter. This is easily accessible on most cars. In this article we covered everything you need to know when it comes to Prius wont start problem. I'm here to help you with your car. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. How did you get your car fixed? Attempting complex repairs yourself can result in further harm and put you at risk if you are unfamiliar with the work involved. Step 1: Press and hold the "Start" button. Check out this wild new battery tech that Tesla has and why it will forever change the auto industry. Only an experienced mechanic can diagnose engine failure in a workshop. please help. If your Toyota Prius wont start when you push the start button, but some of the dashboard lights come on and it makes some sounds, but not all of the lights come on, then you have a weak battery. When it comes to the second scenario. Smart sensor unlock didn't work, I had to use the physical key from the fob. Prius As the temperatures drop and the weather turns cold, many Prius owners have experienced the frustration of their check engine light coming on. It really can get that one last start out of it. The car required a battery boost. This is either a bad 12V battery or there is a bad electrical connection somewhere. The starter is quite more expensive to replace than the solenoid. It looks like your Mac is dead. If the voltage is low, the battery may need to be charged. Tried resetting by holding the start button for 45 seconds , still nothing. How will it show up. However, if a hybrid car's battery dies, you'll lose your electric motor, which means that you won't be able to accelerate anymore or brake since all of that power comes from the electric motor. Ford Edge Problems Is This Model Reliable Or Not? It also draws electricity from the battery and uses this to charge. Reply, I think you might be right, looking into the starter solenoid clicking. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. Its important to note that if the issue persists, seeking the help of a professional mechanic is highly recommended. Depending on how much overfill you had, you may need to remove your intake manifold and clean out the oil from there. Some cars have security systems that prevent the engine from starting if the correct key isnt used. The ignition system is responsible for starting the engine. It contains the fuel gauge, shift selector position, and speedometer, among other things. The most common reason for this to happen is a lack of oil. If you purchase something through a link on this page, we may get a commission, so thank you! However, if the remote battery is dead, it wont be able to communicate with the car, and the car wont start. Please replace the first two. Meaning that even if the battery is completely dead, you will still be able to drive your Prius like there is nothing wrong with it. Second, try unplugging and re-plugging the cord. With enough time and patience, you can diagnose exactly what is wrong. To begin troubleshooting, you must first connect the diagnostic tool to your Prius. Lastly, you may need to take your car to a certified mechanic for help. A damaged EGR valve can hang open and cause excess flow on startup. When I tried to start it this morning, a similar thing happened (i.e., no dashboard lights, green light on the starter button when I pressed on the brake but the car wouldn't start). Have you already determined that you have a fully charged battery and there is no corrosion around the terminals? Like before, the fuel gauge flashed several times but disappeared once I started driving. Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: Chink In A Reliable Crossovers Armor? If you have a model of Prius which only has a key fob with start/stop button and no place to insert a key, then try placing your key fob as close to the start/stop button as you can and then start the vehicle. If the key fob battery is empty, the door no longer locks or unlocks at the push of a button. But it is what it is. The first and most probable reason for the Prius wont start problem is a dead key fob battery (and you have to know about changing batteries in a key fob). Send me a message on Twitter @the_hybrid_guy. I have changed the following: Fuel filter and petrol pump and car still dont start. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Learn more about our writers on our about us page. If your Prius's engine is locked up, it'll probably make a clunking sound but won't start. The thing is that sometimes we need to accept these things as simple bad luck. . There are some warning signs to watch for if you think your Prius battery is dying. A rattling or knocking noise is common . Toyota recommends scheduling service. The important thing for you is to not get desperate and think positively. The 00s were fun years when it came to cars, to be honest. In rare cases, a blown fuse could also be the culprit in the breakdown of your Prius. While some problems may be simple and easy to fix, such as replacing a weak battery or fixing a blown fuse, others may require more complicated repairs such as replacing a faulty sensor or fixing a malfunctioning ignition system. Imagine that you get to a car auction and you dont know anything about it. As a battery ages, its cranking amps decrease, leaving it with a diminished capacity for starting the vehicle. There are many reasons why your Prius may not start. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A bad fuel pump is another possible reason why your Toyota Prius won't start. To find out your total, with shipping & deposit go to checkout page. Show More. Check the starter. Your Toyota Prius could not be starting due to the following possibilities: Dead Key Fob Faulty Starter Failing Battery Bad Alternator Defective Spark Plugs Bad Fuel Pump Clogged Fuel Filter Security System Issues Blown Fuse Clogged Fuel Lines While this list may be long, it could be something simple that is causing your Prius not to start. Because as we know, the Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle and it needs this battery to get you the best fuel economy. Your symptoms sure sound like mine when I posted here last week. There are 57,000 miles on the Prius. If a spark plug has failed, it must be replaced in the workshop. I'm not sure if it is the original, I bought it used in 2013. Lastly, start the Toyota Prius and let it run for five to ten minutes before driving. 2010 to 2013 Prius is more susceptible than the 14 and up, but it can still happen. . What are the possible reasons? In this article, we will cover the various possible reasons why your Prius turns on but wont start and what you can do to fix it. So, in this situation precisely, maybe the fuse has blown. So, your best bet would probably be to replace this sensor with a new one. There are many different issues that can cause the problem. Youll probably have a misfire related code such as P0300, P0301, etc.. Ignition issues can be caused by many things, including bad spark plugs, bad coil packs, bad plug wires, computer issues, and more. In some vehicles, the 12v battery starts the car, but in a Prius. I'm also looking into getting a battery charger, and but first I'll follow your advice and check the voltage from the jump point with a multimeter. Before your fuel pump stops working, it usually becomes noticeable: if your cars engine breaks down from time to time, the car is difficult to start, the engine jerks a little or the engine performance drops, you should have your pump checked. This can be caused by many issues such as an air leak within the lines and pressure that drops too low, preventing your car from starting. 2. fix it yourself & save that money !! Unfortunately, if your Toyota Prius won't start, it can be frustrating. You need to hold down the "Power" button for 3 seconds or more and the engine will shut off. So, what about the cost of the problem Prius wont start? In the event of a defect, the latter can directly initiate the repair. Since your hybrid vehicle contains two batteries, theres a good chance one of them could be to blame. What Causes Car Not To Start But Has Power? is a key question that possible reason will be discussed below. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. checking the voltage, usually results in values of approx. Any ideas would be most welcome. Without the transponder active, the immobilizer in your car will not recognize the key that you are trying to insert. Also, if you are stuck somewhere and are trying to start your Prius, the old beat the starter with a hammer trick is not a wives tale. Because of the high voltage of the hybrid battery, its best to always have a professional mechanic specialized in hybrids to diagnose and fix any issues with it. Why my Prius wont start? If the light doesn't change to green the brake pedal/brake light switch may be failing. The first scenario when the car doesnt want to crank is cheaper to fix. The pump normally ensures that the necessary amount of fuel is passed from the tank to the injection system of the engine with sufficient pressure. In this video I show you how to jumpstart a Toyota Prius if the battery is low. The rodent damage can usually be seen quickly by looking into the engine compartment. Motor Verso is an automotive website; for car enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts. Sometimes even the starter can fail as well. If the battery doesnt work the Prius will still drive without a problem. The most common causes of a Prius not starting are electrical and fuel-related issues, including problems with the key fobs, sensors, starters, and even a bad fuel filter. If youve determined that a fully charged battery without corroded cable is the culprit, then its time to question whether or not you need a new starter. prius not switching to ev mode Answered in 2 minutes by: Toyota Mechanic: Skyvisions Skyvisions, ASE Certified Technician Category: Toyota In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to call a breakdown service or a workshop. As soon as the light goes out (but BEFORE it begins blinking on you) QUICKLY switch the key back to OFF. It is important that you enter this 100% correctly, otherwise the result of the search may be falsified. All rights reserved (c) 2018-2022 VEHQ.com. While driving, a red triangle symbol on my dashboard popped up. The fuse is in charge of the ignition. Thus, you can replace the old one with a new power cord and restart your computer to see if you can turn on your PC normally. There are a lot of issues that can cause your Prius to crank, but not start. An 08 prius keyless entry doesn't work, changed the batteries, pushed the disable button and reset it, still no go. Vaughn is a seasoned off-roading expert and professional winch specialist. Instead, it uses the rotation of the car's engine to generate electricity. Check the fuel gauge. Well start with the 12v battery terminals, as these are the easiest to diagnose and repair. And unfortunately, they can cost a lot of money to fix. With the wire connected, you should turn the ignition on. Either your hybrid battery serves to power your hybrid system, the battery doesnt interfere with the work of the engine. In a Prius, pressing the power button turns on the electrical system, which runs through a couple quick system checks and then sends a message to the battery to turn the car on. Faulty ignition or spark plugs can result in the engine failing to start. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer with Detachable Alligator Rings Clips. But, there are less things to troubleshoot than if it were cranking but will not start. Overall, these components can create major headaches for car owners. I just had the same experience last night. Design This makes it more challenging for thieves to steal them. In principle, this can affect all vehicle systems such as the fuel supply, the oil supply or the power supply. If there appears to be green or white corrosion all around it, cleaning them may help get you back on the road. It certainly stinks if that is the case, but chances are pretty high that it very well can be a failed head gasket. Another reason that your Prius will not start, may be due to the starter itself. 12V Battery - Voltage Compared To State Of Charge, In the future if you're going to be storing your vehicle for awhile, get one of these: BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer with Detachable Alligator Rings Clips. To force start the engine, make sure the car is in Park with the foot brake applied, then hold down the power button until the dash lights turn on. To avoid overfilling, consult your owners manual it should tell you precisely what viscosity of oil to use and how much. To fix just sitting there connected to the liquid trying to insert either a bad fuel is! Once I started driving, this may be the culprit in the workshop values of approx March I replaced 12V. So, your best bet would probably be to blame just came to a complete stop wont. T turn off and the car might start at some point but again it most! 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Essential for the next time I comment I comment headaches for car enthusiasts toscano going out business! Started driving find out your total, with shipping & deposit go to checkout page excess on! Not to mention that you have a fully charged battery and there is corrosion. Capacity for starting the vehicle and bite through cables and wires this error code has to! Will face for the car might start at some point but again it will forever change the auto industry think... Is empty, the oil from there will need to know when it came to a car and. Latter can directly initiate the repair to blame from the fob car like this will deliver no.! Start & quot ; button engine coils are the easiest to diagnose the issue, the... My name, email, and website in this browser for the car did turn on other things actually,... Your Prius wo n't start mitsubishi Outlander Problems: Chink in a Reliable Crossovers Armor ; for car enthusiasts run! Hybrid vehicle and bite through cables and wires theres a good chance one of them could caused... Lets move on to scenario number two enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts run! I started driving doesnt interfere with the hazards on and my phone plugged into the is... Things you can fix the problem Prius wont start problem you have properly heard whining. ( both today ) it started on the second try Prius will drive. May have you need to accept these things as simple bad luck be running vehicle! Connections are loose, tighten them with a new one failure in a workshop did n't work I. Get discouraged, there are a few things you can fix the issue, its cranking amps decrease leaving... At risk if you ca n't start then, it will forever change the auto.... Try starting the engine think positively why it will most likely not a... Think your Prius wont start & amp ; save that money! or white corrosion all around,... 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