After several months and over 8000 miles we got the dreaded christmas tree display in the Prius this evening. This time, the engine ran for a few seconds, then shuddered and stopped. After two more tries with the same symptoms, and swapping circuit opening relay with another like part, I called Toyota Roadside assistance who helpfully told me my coverage had expired (great way to find out). They offered to arrange a tow for me, but I decided to call my insurance to find out what options I had with them. In the meantime I tried again and the engine started and ran. Drove home, hooked up the OBD scanner and retrieved a P3191 plus a pending P0300 (multiple misfires detected).
It seems unlikely that the relay is the culprit this time. I'm looking at a couple of possibilities:
1. bad or damp fuel -- car has not been refilled since 10/29 and is at half a tank according to the guess gauge. Could be some moisture in there...
2. Fuel pump/tank.
According to the relevant TSB our VIN already has the updated ECU so it seems unlikely that replacing the computer will do any good.
Dealer is unlikely to be of any help at the present so I've cleared the codes and we will put some fresh gas in tomorrow, then watch for signs of any more trouble.
Anyone with similar experience in the "classic" Prius I'd like to hear from you...
It seems unlikely that the relay is the culprit this time. I'm looking at a couple of possibilities:
1. bad or damp fuel -- car has not been refilled since 10/29 and is at half a tank according to the guess gauge. Could be some moisture in there...
2. Fuel pump/tank.
According to the relevant TSB our VIN already has the updated ECU so it seems unlikely that replacing the computer will do any good.
Dealer is unlikely to be of any help at the present so I've cleared the codes and we will put some fresh gas in tomorrow, then watch for signs of any more trouble.
Anyone with similar experience in the "classic" Prius I'd like to hear from you...