I have a 2001 Prius. The "check engine" light went on?

Question

I went and got it tested and the codes are "P3125", "P3130", and "P0300" what on earth could these mean together?

Answer 1

You really should be asking on a Prius-related group, such as:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius_Technical_Stuff/
http://www.priusonline.com/
http://www.priuschat.com/

Codes for the 2001-2003 (NHW11) Prius can be found at:
http://www.ecrostech.com/prius/GenInfo/DTCs/TroubleCodes.htm
Many of the codes are shared with the NHW20 (2004-current) Prius.


Sounds like you have 2 separate problems.

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin. This is a notice sent out to Toyota technicians notifying them of new repair manual supplements, and how to better diagnose an unusual or commonly seen reported problem.

The P0300 refers to an engine misfire. This could have been caused by you using too high octane gasoline (petrol), or driving over very bumpy roads (like cobblestones). Or, depending on the results of testing done following flow charts at your dealer, you may need some work done...
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius-sat1/files/TSBs/2001-2003%20Prius%20TSBs/EG006-02.pdf
US TSB EG006-02
Mar. 1, 2002, M.I.L. "ON," Engine Misfire P0300/01/02/03/04, 2001 Prius, replaces TSB EG007-01. (May need valve clearance adjustment, replace fuel injector assembly/spark plugs, and replace Engine ECM)
Note that this TSB is covered under the federal emissions systems warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles.


The P3125 and P3130 are more troubling... What was the subcode on the P3125?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius-sat1/files/TSBs/2001-2003%20Prius%20TSBs/EG022-04.pdf
US TSB EG022-04
June 28, 2004, M.I.L. "ON" DTC P3130, 2001-2003 Prius. Also possibily P3125 subcode 264. Inability to restart after a long operation in stop-and-go traffic, or sustained high speeds in temperatures over 90^F. (fix: replace Inverter assembly, with Converter, and coolant)
Note that this repair is covered under the Toyota Hybrid Vehicle System warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius-sat1/files/TSBs/2001-2003%20Prius%20TSBs/EG021-02.pdf
US TSB EG021-02
Nov. 20, 2003, Master, Hybrid & M.I.L. "ON" P3125 Information Code 287, 2001-2002 Prius. (ONLY code 287, may need to replace HV ECU or inverter/converter assembly)
Note again that this is covered under the Toyota Hybrid System Warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles.

If you're out of warranty by mileage, I even more highly suggest that you contact the Prius owners lists above for more guidance and how to have the repairs done inexpensively.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Most newer cars turn the "check engine" light on for any little hiccup that may happen either with the fuel injection system or the flow of the fuel itself.

If you got it tested, and everything's okay, then don't worry about it. But if you notice anything funny, take it to the dealer. Don't wait until something really bad happens because it could void your warranty, and you'll have to pay a whole bunch for repairs.

Besides, you can check online and find out what those codes mean.

Answer 4

Hi,

I am looking up in the manuals, P0300 means "Random Misfire". The cause is typically a vacuum leak in the intake manifold, throttle body or vacuum plumbing, a defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve that is leaking exhasut into the intake manifold, or even bad gasoline. Less common causes include bad spark plug wires, worn or fouled spark plugs, a weak ignition coil, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, or weak valve springs. If a misfire is occuring in only one or two cylinders, you will usually find a misfire code for that specific cylinder rather than a random misfire code.

I will keep you informed as and when i find the rest of the codes.

Krishna

Answer 5

Senors. Just get it checked by the dealer because you never know what's causing it.

Answer 6

It means you fell for Toyotas "Greenwashing" marketing scam.

There is nothing "environmentally friendly" about hybrids. They have a life expectancy of about five years according to most mechanics. Once they start giving you trouble, junk them.

While hybrids are a step in the right direction, they just aren't good cars untill all the problems get sorted out.....and we haven't done that yet.

Answer 7

challenging thing. search in the search engines. this could actually help!

Answer 8

senors

go to your dealer and change senors