Or anyone else. Go to the NHTSB site and search the complaints database for yourself. I did.
RE: #167. I had already attempted to eliminate duplicates based on your criteria (the numbers are based on non-duplicates), but I hope you realize that if the update was given and then it failed again, then either there was a different software problem, or the dealer didn't install the software updates the first time. I used the VIN number where available to eliminate duplicates.
Re: #167. I am not guessing at all (I looked it up), but I don't really have enough interest in the subject to peruse the NHTSB database again to look for those where the car died. However, based on my reading, I would say that the majority of the cars simply died. I define "died" as an instance where the car stop functioning. In some cases the traction battery continued to power the car (the ICE failed), in others it was a massive electrical system failure and the entire car just stopped. A few cars restarted later, but this is cold comfort if the car stalled on the freeway. One lady got into an accident as the result of her car stalling. I suppose that particular Prius didn't restart afterwards...
In my opinion, the numerous types of failures are worrisome. If everyone had experienced the (almost) identical problems, then it would indicate that a single software glitch was at fault. Having so many different symptoms causing the car to "die" opens the possibility that there are multiple problems that can somehow be triggered unexpectedly. Hopefully the NTHSB investigation will garner more information.
In any case, I think it is becoming clear why this forum exists...
It does? I just see the sales figures and problems with the DCX Smart car. Did I miss something? I agree that the problem needs to be solved by Toyota if it is 10 cars or a thousand. Stalling at freeway speeds is not fun and can take the joy out of owning any car.
My 04 Prius shut down all of a sudden. That was really scary. I talked to three dealers about this and they all sounded surprised. I talked to Toyota national and when I told them I was losing confidence in their company they started listening.
There was a local and national news report on this today or radio and tv. Maybe they will get to the bottom of all of this.
When I first read edmunds prius problems board the first post was by a woman whose car suffered blue death on the highway. So I asked my dealer who is a chemist and a hybrid enthusiast. He said that if that ever happens just press and hold down the start button for over 45 seconds and that will reboot the computer. I do not recall whether he used the word reboot. the point was that if the computer crashed holding down the start button of the Prius would enable the computer to be resusitated if you hold the button down for over 45 seconds.
I saw Susan Wornick's commentary on the news here in MA and she said that there is an investigation beginning despite Toyota'a denial.
My new Prius is en route to my dealer and should arrive today or tomorrow and believe me I am going ahead with the purchase with enthusiasm and confidence. but the i was willing to continue to drive my Chrysler Town & Country minivan after the transmission began to slip which I found exciting and added some excitement to my otherwise ho hum existence. I loved that car and it was sad when it was towed away from my driveway. I wanted to put in a remade transmission but my wiser wife said no one in his right mind does that with a car that has 179,000 miles on it!
If the blue death strikes the car will still be moving and give you time to get it off the highway. WHo would think to hold down the start button for a full minute?
quote ojogalt -"I saw Susan Wornick's commentary on the news here in MA and she said that there is an investigation beginning despite Toyota'a denial."-end quote
Toyota is not on record anywhere as "denying" anything. They are investigating the problem. They have not denied anything.... :confuse:
If you like the Prius. I opened this Forum topic because I think it is an important factor. But, as I've said before, if I were in the market for a car the size of the Prius, I would definitely consider it as an option.
However, the possibility that one can 'reset' the computer does not make up for the problem (if verified) of the vehicle stalling, or just dying.
Toyota is on slightly new ground here. While it is true that all cars use software modules to run various components, the Prius does so to a new level, which leaves it open to all kinds of software interaction problems that do not occur on simpler implementations. In some respects, Toyota is facing a software problem, not a mechanical problem, with the Prius. Toyota is an auto manufacturor, not a software development house. They still think like an auto manufacturor, which is evidenced by the fact that they don't post their software version on the screen when the vehicle powers up.
I believe the version is veiwable by a tech with a scanner. It would be useful for the driver to know, since they can convey this information to the technician.
"I believe the version is veiwable by a tech with a scanner. It would be useful for the driver to know, since they can convey this information to the technician."
Not to mention that it would allow everyone to simply say "I'm using version so-and-so" when talking with other owners, and thus be immediately aware of the need for an update.
I am not trying to contradict or disparage you, I am only trying to point out exactly what the referenced article said (Ms. Wornick) and what (Toyota) said in the article.
Toyota said ""It is important to note there is no recall nor has NHTSA opened an investigation regarding this issue".
But that isn't true according to Ms. Wornick's article because she said NHTSA has opened an investigation. Toyota is not investigating
stevedebi said: "Toyota is an auto manufacturor, not a software development house."
Can you imagine Bill Gates building cars ? Then we would have constant critical security updates and have to connect a bluetooth internet cell phone all the time to keep anti-virus software current.
"Toyota is investigating complaints from US drivers about its hybrid Prius cars stalling.
Company officials say a few owners of 2004 and 2005 Prius models are saying their cars stalled. The Japanese automaker says it's looking into the number of complaints, technical issues and possible causes."
So Toyota is definitely investigating. I'm sorry that the lady writer with the opinion piece did not know that or mention it.
What foolish company could possibly NOT investigate such a problem? Not the most profitable car company in the world, for sure. They are all over it....:D
Toyota, which learned of the stalling problem last Friday.
That would be Friday the 13th of May. So if they never knew about the stalling problem until May of 2005, how did they already have TSBs to cover the problems in 2004? The article continues:
The reports of problems with the Prius are an embarrassment for Toyota at a time when the hybrid has become a status symbol favored by Hollywood movie stars and is a major success for Toyota, the world's No. 2 automaker.
Who is worried about Leonardo breaking down on the 405? That would make the headlines across the country.
Sorry to deviate from the "software" problem, but thought Prius folks would want to know about this. Also, very interested to learn of any other Prius fires. My wife and I purchased a new 2005 Prius in NOV 04. After driving the vehicle to work and allowing it to sit nearly 8 hours in the employee parking lot, our new Prius (with approx 8k miles) burst into flames. Insurance has listed it as a "total" loss. Indications from fire investigation (fire dept and insurance company) are that the fire originated in the dash near the drivers side. Have notified Toyota (over 1 week ago). Waiting to see if this was a simple "electrical" fire OR if it had something to do with the Hybrid components. To this point, we had been very happy with the Prius and our other Toyotas (through the years).
Welcome to the Forum and thank you for your experience. Hopefully it will be covered by warranty and not ding your insurance company. It would have to be some kind of electrical defect if you did not add any devices to the electrical system. Or a lightning strike!
Apologize for posting to this discussion topic (new at all this). Have moved my discussion to the general Prius page (Prius Owners: Problems and Solutions). Thanks!
No new devices added. Agree...hopefully will not ding my insurance. But...REALLY glad it did not catch fire, overnight, in my garage and burn down my home.
I got the Accord Coupe V-6 6-speed with NAV. Put on super brights, Borla and K&N. Very pleased.
Honda NAV is outstanding ( also have Garmin 2610) Only thing I don't like is not being able to rename Waypoints.
versus TL
less cost (8K$) got for a coupe hundred over invoive excellent 2.9 % financing. regular gas smaller engine 3.0 versus 3.2 with bascially same pwoer to rate, thus better gas mileage. very very low insurance rate. fold down seat removable roof rack for bikes and Kayaks
Only negativs is not having heated mirrors in Houston. Would have liked Xexon lights; still toying with aftermarket for about $400.
Great combination of power, mileage ( very tall 6th gear get 29.6 mpg on highway trip, 23.5 commuting), luxury, relaibility and low total cost of ownership.
other to contender were S2000 (decided I wanted NAV and luxury fetures), G35 Coupe and 350Z roadster and 6-speed Nissan Altima SE-R. The radios in the entire Nissan/Infinti line are the worst I have ever seen. My 93 ES300 has a radio ten times better.
I probably would have bought a HAH if it had a 6-speed manual transmission option.
Sounds great! I love the look of the coupe. It looks very Mercedes like with Japanese reliability. Your mileage sounds great too. Enjoy the car!! Thanks for sharing.
quote Molokai-"Actually I saw Leo pulled over in his Prius helping someone with their VW hood open. The guy was in his 60's with open toed sandals."-end quote
All tongue and cheek... deep down I believe we all respect one another even though our opinions vary. Our passions sometimes cloud our ability to think objectively.
"quote Molokai-"Actually I saw Leo pulled over in his Prius helping someone with their VW hood open. The guy was in his 60's with open toed sandals."-end quote"
Heck, out here in LA, almost everyone is in their '60s. 1960's, that is...
Bought my new Prius at end of March this year. Was driving a Chevy Silverado 63 miles one way to work each day, for a total of 600 miles per week. That's not counting running errands, etc. on the weekend. Researched the hybrids (and certainly used Edmund's, one of my FAVORITE sites for researching autos!) and chose the Prius. Have been delighted with my Prius for the past 2 months - saving lots on gas and fun to drive. My wife takes it for errands on the weekends and we both use it to drive our kids around to functions. We have about 7,000 miles on it already and no problems at all so far. Most of my trip to work is on the freeway, and am getting about 45 to 48 mpg. My wife and I both love it. HOWEVER, now getting concerned about reading thru the posts and hearing the news recently about the stalled engine problem. There is no doubt that this type of car is the wave of the future - 20 years from now it will be commonplace. And as many of your posts have pointed out, computers are already ingrained in the autos of today and will be even more so in the future. There is no denying that. But the bottom line is that Toyota and other manufacturers must be aggressive and forthright to acknowledge these types of problems and seek resolution. It's scary to think I can be on my way to work at 75 mph in the middle of 3 or 4 lanes of heavy traffic and then have the car quit on me without warning. One or two incidents like that (especially if my kids are with me) and I will be back in my Chevy pickup (which I still own, by the way, and still love for other reasons). Also, as you can see by the last few weeks, this has to be doing extreme damage to Toyota and the image of the hybrid. Toyota not only has an obligation to address this problem in a rapid fashion, it's smart business sense to do so, as nothing will kill sales of a car like hearing it might stop running in the middle of the road.
Why be concerned? You are more likely to be in an accident caused by someone else than for this to happen. Just stay alert. This is still rare and just sounds like the updates weren't applied to all the cars that needed them.
I have driven 95,000 miles with my two Prius. No engine trouble whatsoever. None of my Prius owning friends have ever had any either.
The real problem is the lack of detail in these reports, causing people to speculate & worry. If they would report what the month/year their car was built (found on the driver's door-jam) and which updates they've had done (documented using stickers placed inside the hood or door-jam by the mechanic), they'd we'd have something actually helpful to work with.
With the latest news of a few Prius cars failing @ speed, I find it annoying that it gets blown out of perportion. In all of my several news contacts I've found a handfull of reports of this problem. Grant you, it is serious if its YOUR car and it would be in all our best interests to keep the info hi-way open. One other point too would be that there is no such thing as a "perfect car". There are great cars and I wish to submit that the 2nd Gen. Prius is headed to that pinnical very soon. When I see stories about the rich folks plunking down nearly 300K$$ for a "Diablo" that breaks down the 1st week off the showroom floor and that "they" inheritantly leak when it rains, I'll stick with my Prius. I've almost made it to 20K with nary a problem. What more can I say. By the way, what I like best about my baby blue Prius is the compliments that I get once people get a close-up look at her. P.S. Kinda enjoyed seein' my car in the movie.."Kicking & Screaming" Ha!Ha! RAILROADJAMES(Trust in Toyota)
Was the movie any good? Or were you watching for your car? I'm not a Will Ferrell fan. I do like Robert Duvall. Is it out on DVD yet?
The reason this stalling issue got blown out of proportion was due to poor dealer service training. If you take your car to 3 dealers and they are all clueless about the TSBs it just adds to the confusion. The media eats that up. Almost every article on the Prius stalling is a cut and paste from another media source. Not much investigation by reporters on this deal. Then you add Toyota's poor customer service to the mix and you got BAD news. Even CR rates Toyota customer service sub standard. Hopefully the informed Prius owners on this Forum have all insisted on getting the repairs done.
It depends what Toyota dealer you bring it to. I pity you when you have to bring your car in to VW for service. They are at the BOTTOM of the list as far as I am concerned. Amazing how Audi is so much better and they're related companies.
My first post to this forum was #76 on 2005 April 28, and 8 hours later the same day, posting #79 by tempusvn correctly diagnosed both the problem (screen lockup caused by bad MFD), and permanent fix (replacement of MFD = multi-function-display = touch-screen). And I can confirm that my screen-lockup problem was NOT fixed by a software (firmware?) upgrade on 1st trip to dealer, but was fixed and stayed fixed for 30 days now since the hardware was replaced on my second trip to Toyota dealer's service dept.
To summarize the fix, for those having the screen-lockup problem, the definitive answer is message #79: , the TSB is EL002-05 "Multi-Display Functions are Inoperative" . Thanks tempusvn and thanks to toyota for promptly replacing mine which fixed it!
By the way... this screen-lockup problem seems to be a problem ONLY with hardware, and not software issue. I'm guessing some of the other issues in this forum may also be blaming problems on software, rightly or wrongly, especially with the Prius/NTSB in the news this week. I work with computers for a living, and as with any diagnostic work, you have to proceed carefully and methodically to isolate issues to hardware or software. This forum is named "Toyota Prius Software problems", and like many forums, tends to branch out into other areas, which can be good and bad. But in this case, it seems the problem had nothing to do with software: we are just used to Microsoft Windows locking-up/misbehaving that a similar experience in my car was (wrongly) guessed to be a software problem.
#79 of 205 Screen Failure not a Prius-Only Problem by tempusvn United States of America Apr 28, 2005 (8:52 am)
Also note that the TSB doesn't only apply to Prius, though you'd never know it based on the way info is sometimes posted. Highlander & Land Cruiser are also listed, since they use the identical hardware.
(At above website are) Short-term (First-Aid) steps posted by prius owners that have gotten them going or out of a tough spot. Print it out and keep in your glove box! (There seems to be good advice out there, but it is scattered: I'm hope this wiki will distill and self-organize the steps an ordinary owner can take BEFORE calling the tow-truck/dealer.
The idea is if you find some gem of info when plowing thru the internet, anyone can add it to this wiki -website. I've started it out with 2 postings from this forum 158 and 174. Hopefully there will be more added by you!
WISHILIST. If someone is ambitious, perhaps a nice website on taking more preventative steps, how to contact Toyota and find out about recalls, TSB's etc.
While test driving a Prius yesterday, I asked the salesman about the stopping/software problem. His comment on it is touched on here, but you may find it interesting:
He suggested that the stopping could be due to Operator Error.
The explanation was that if the gas tank was empty, the electric engine could take over for a certain amount of time. When the gas engine was due to kick in, there would be no fuel and the car would stop.
He also told me the gas engine takes over at about 10 mph. This would not necessarily explain how a car could get to speed without gas and then stop.
As only a Soon-to-be-Prius Owner, I don't know if this is a possibility or salesmanspeak. Busy driving a car with which I was unfamiliar, I didn't ask questions about the explanation.
I don't think your salesman was too informed. The Prius can go on pure electric up to speeds of 42 MPG. The gas engine joins in below those speeds when more thrust is required. If you are careful and feather the throttle from a start, you can conceivably reach a speed of 42 (assumes your battery is close to fully charged).
"As only a Soon-to-be-Prius Owner, I don't know if this is a possibility or salesmanspeak. Busy driving a car with which I was unfamiliar, I didn't ask questions about the explanation.
What do you experienced Prius drivers think?"
Well, I'm not an experienced Prius driver, but I can research stuff on the internet. There have been about 3 dozen cases of propulsion failure in the Prius reported to the NHTSB. There has been one case repored (in the media, not to the NHTSB) about a person running out of gas.
Your salesman was wrong; Toyota has released at least two TSBs to cover engine computer updates to correct stalling problems.
However, I wouldn't let it keep you from buying your Prius. The odds appear to be quite long that you will have any stalling problems. We are all hoping that Toyota has fixed the errors by this time. But we don't know; car companies are not all that upfront about their fixes...
I purchased a '04 Prius back in January, car ran great, no problems, and we usually got around 40-42 MPG.
We have not had any of the stalling problems described in other posts, and we have had all the updates done.
About a month ago, we started having INTERMITTENT problems, where the battery level would drop down to 1 red bar and would not charge. When this happens, our average MPG drops down to the low 30's (I filled up, reset the Average MPG, drove a good mix of HWY and CTY driving to get this number). Also, when this problem happens, the car looses power and cannot take off very quickly, my wife actually pulled out into traffic, the car wouldn't accelerate and she almost got into a wreck
I've taken it into Toyota 3 times now, and they can't find anything wrong, I've even called Toyota Corp and escalated this, with out any success.
Has anyone else experienced this? I just can’t believe the incompetent mechanics at Toyota, that are telling me that this is normal behavior.
Welcome to the forum. My advice is document all your visits to the service department. It sounds like an intermittent short in the main battery. I would think that would totally disable the car. You might try another dealership if one is close by. Yours is the first case I have seen like that on the board. Because it is a safety issue I would make a report to the NHTSA, ODI. That is further documentation you will have if this cannot be resolved while under warranty.
It should be the same as when you bought it. It will go down if you are going up steep mountain roads. It should quickly recharge on the downhill or level portions. There is a problem, getting the mechanic to see the same problem is not always that easy. I thought the computer logged all the problems.
Has anyone had a problem where the Prius drives normally but the battery indicator shows no bars at all, the outside temperature and MPG reading is blank, and, at separate times, the radio just stops? Also, with the above bug, the screen lists an error message: "Check connections to the air conditioner". This has been happening over the past few weeks, worse lately. The car has been in for service fairly recently and had the recall software updates performed (ECU software plus the engine compartment seal replacement). Anyone have any similar experiences or solutions? And does anyone know how to reset the computer? Seems like a reboot might be a good thing... Despite this, the Prius is a remarkable techno-wonder...I expected some degree of early-adopter blues...
It sounds more like your car has something wrong with the connection between the computer and the screen itself. It doesn't sound as though it's a problem with the software, more that the hard-wired connection to the screen itself is faulty. I'd have the dealer check and re-seat all of the connections and see if that helps.
Comments
RE: #167. I had already attempted to eliminate duplicates based on your criteria (the numbers are based on non-duplicates), but I hope you realize that if the update was given and then it failed again, then either there was a different software problem, or the dealer didn't install the software updates the first time. I used the VIN number where available to eliminate duplicates.
Re: #167. I am not guessing at all (I looked it up), but I don't really have enough interest in the subject to peruse the NHTSB database again to look for those where the car died. However, based on my reading, I would say that the majority of the cars simply died. I define "died" as an instance where the car stop functioning. In some cases the traction battery continued to power the car (the ICE failed), in others it was a massive electrical system failure and the entire car just stopped. A few cars restarted later, but this is cold comfort if the car stalled on the freeway. One lady got into an accident as the result of her car stalling. I suppose that particular Prius didn't restart afterwards...
In my opinion, the numerous types of failures are worrisome. If everyone had experienced the (almost) identical problems, then it would indicate that a single software glitch was at fault. Having so many different symptoms causing the car to "die" opens the possibility that there are multiple problems that can somehow be triggered unexpectedly. Hopefully the NTHSB investigation will garner more information.
In any case, I think it is becoming clear why this forum exists...
There was a local and national news report on this today or radio and tv. Maybe they will get to the bottom of all of this.
charlie
I saw Susan Wornick's commentary on the news here in MA and she said that there is an investigation beginning despite Toyota'a denial.
My new Prius is en route to my dealer and should arrive today or tomorrow and believe me I am going ahead with the purchase with enthusiasm and confidence. but the i was willing to continue to drive my Chrysler Town & Country minivan after the transmission began to slip which I found exciting and added some excitement to my otherwise ho hum existence. I loved that car and it was sad when it was towed away from my driveway. I wanted to put in a remade transmission but my wiser wife said no one in his right mind does that with a car that has 179,000 miles on it!
If the blue death strikes the car will still be moving and give you time to get it off the highway.
WHo would think to hold down the start button for a full minute?
Toyota is not on record anywhere as "denying" anything. They are investigating the problem. They have not denied anything.... :confuse:
Never the less, Toyota is minimizing the situation
"It is important to note there is no recall nor has NHTSA opened an investigation regarding this issue," Toyota said.
For the exact URL : http://www.thebostonchannel.com/buyerbeware/4554961/detail.html
That is kind-of sort-of denying that a real problem exists, so ojogalt was right on in his statement!
no stalling , just cruis'n in 6th :shades:
MidCow
Toyota is INVESTIGATING the problem. You would not investigate a problem which you DENY exists.....:)
However, the possibility that one can 'reset' the computer does not make up for the problem (if verified) of the vehicle stalling, or just dying.
Toyota is on slightly new ground here. While it is true that all cars use software modules to run various components, the Prius does so to a new level, which leaves it open to all kinds of software interaction problems that do not occur on simpler implementations. In some respects, Toyota is facing a software problem, not a mechanical problem, with the Prius. Toyota is an auto manufacturor, not a software development house. They still think like an auto manufacturor, which is evidenced by the fact that they don't post their software version on the screen when the vehicle powers up.
Not to mention that it would allow everyone to simply say "I'm using version so-and-so" when talking with other owners, and thus be immediately aware of the need for an update.
Toyota said ""It is important to note there is no recall nor has NHTSA opened an investigation regarding this issue".
But that isn't true according to Ms. Wornick's article because she said NHTSA has opened an investigation. Toyota is not investigating
Mov'n On
MicCow
Can you imagine Bill Gates building cars ? Then we would have constant critical security updates and have to connect a bluetooth internet cell phone all the time to keep anti-virus software current.
No-DDOS or blue screen of death er stall for me,
MidCow
"Toyota is investigating complaints from US drivers about its hybrid Prius cars stalling.
Company officials say a few owners of 2004 and 2005 Prius models are saying their cars stalled. The Japanese automaker says it's looking into the number of complaints, technical issues and possible causes."
http://www.kotv.com/main/home/storiesNL.asp?whichpage=1&id=83389
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/worldbiz/archives/2005/05/18/2003255517
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=8506801
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-05-16-prius_x.htm
So Toyota is definitely investigating. I'm sorry that the lady writer with the opinion piece did not know that or mention it.
What foolish company could possibly NOT investigate such a problem? Not the most profitable car company in the world, for sure. They are all over it....:D
You are right! Thanks for the links.
cruis'n in 6th :shades: ,
MidCow
That would be Friday the 13th of May. So if they never knew about the stalling problem until May of 2005, how did they already have TSBs to cover the problems in 2004? The article continues:
The reports of problems with the Prius are an embarrassment for Toyota at a time when the hybrid has become a status symbol favored by Hollywood movie stars and is a major success for Toyota, the world's No. 2 automaker.
Who is worried about Leonardo breaking down on the 405? That would make the headlines across the country.
Hopefully it will be covered by warranty and not ding your insurance company. It would have to be some kind of electrical defect if you did not add any devices to the electrical system. Or a lightning strike!
Honda NAV is outstanding ( also have Garmin 2610) Only thing I don't like is not being able to rename Waypoints.
versus TL
less cost (8K$) got for a coupe hundred over invoive
excellent 2.9 % financing.
regular gas
smaller engine 3.0 versus 3.2 with bascially same pwoer to rate, thus better gas mileage.
very very low insurance rate.
fold down seat
removable roof rack for bikes and Kayaks
Only negativs is not having heated mirrors in Houston. Would have liked Xexon lights; still toying with aftermarket for about $400.
Great combination of power, mileage ( very tall 6th gear get 29.6 mpg on highway trip, 23.5 commuting), luxury, relaibility and low total cost of ownership.
other to contender were S2000 (decided I wanted NAV and luxury fetures), G35 Coupe and 350Z roadster and 6-speed Nissan Altima SE-R. The radios in the entire Nissan/Infinti line are the worst I have ever seen. My 93 ES300 has a radio ten times better.
I probably would have bought a HAH if it had a 6-speed manual transmission option.
cruis'n in 6th :shades: ,
MidCow
Good One M !!!
Heck, out here in LA, almost everyone is in their '60s. 1960's, that is...
We do not know that Toyota still has a problem. It appears that they may have resolved your concerns way back in January and May 2004. See here:
blane, "Toyota Prius Software Problems" #126, 18 May 2005 7:07 am
All of this recent talk MAY be about vehicles that were not brought in for the appropriate updates when their owners were notified early last year.
I have driven 95,000 miles with my two Prius. No engine trouble whatsoever. None of my Prius owning friends have ever had any either.
The real problem is the lack of detail in these reports, causing people to speculate & worry. If they would report what the month/year their car was built (found on the driver's door-jam) and which updates they've had done (documented using stickers placed inside the hood or door-jam by the mechanic), they'd we'd have something actually helpful to work with.
JOHN
P.S. Kinda enjoyed seein' my car in the movie.."Kicking & Screaming" Ha!Ha!
RAILROADJAMES(Trust in Toyota)
Was the movie any good? Or were you watching for your car? I'm not a Will Ferrell fan. I do like Robert Duvall. Is it out on DVD yet?
The reason this stalling issue got blown out of proportion was due to poor dealer service training. If you take your car to 3 dealers and they are all clueless about the TSBs it just adds to the confusion. The media eats that up. Almost every article on the Prius stalling is a cut and paste from another media source. Not much investigation by reporters on this deal. Then you add Toyota's poor customer service to the mix and you got BAD news. Even CR rates Toyota customer service sub standard. Hopefully the informed Prius owners on this Forum have all insisted on getting the repairs done.
Except for special reports, all news reports come from one of three sources: Reuters, API, UPI. So they all tend to read the same.
To summarize the fix, for those having the screen-lockup problem, the definitive answer is message #79: , the TSB is EL002-05 "Multi-Display Functions are Inoperative" .
Thanks tempusvn and thanks to toyota for promptly replacing mine which fixed it!
By the way... this screen-lockup problem seems to be a problem ONLY with hardware, and not software issue. I'm guessing some of the other issues in this forum may also be blaming problems on software, rightly or wrongly, especially with the Prius/NTSB in the news this week. I work with computers for a living, and as with any diagnostic work, you have to proceed carefully and methodically to isolate issues to hardware or software. This forum is named "Toyota Prius Software problems", and like many forums, tends to branch out into other areas, which can be good and bad. But in this case, it seems the problem had nothing to do with software: we are just used to Microsoft Windows locking-up/misbehaving that a similar experience in my car was (wrongly) guessed to be a software problem.
#79 of 205 Screen Failure not a Prius-Only Problem by tempusvn United States of America Apr 28, 2005 (8:52 am)
JOHN
(At above website are) Short-term (First-Aid) steps posted by prius owners that have gotten them going or out of a tough spot. Print it out and keep in your glove box! (There seems to be good advice out there, but it is scattered: I'm hope this wiki will distill and self-organize the steps an ordinary owner can take BEFORE calling the tow-truck/dealer.
The idea is if you find some gem of info when plowing thru the internet, anyone can add it to this wiki -website. I've started it out with 2 postings from this forum 158 and 174. Hopefully there will be more added by you!
WISHILIST. If someone is ambitious, perhaps a nice website on taking more preventative steps, how to contact Toyota and find out about recalls, TSB's etc.
What else is there outside of normal care for a vehicle? And all the routine stuff is already documented and available online from several sources.
JOHN
He suggested that the stopping could be due to Operator Error.
The explanation was that if the gas tank was empty, the electric engine could take over for a certain amount of time. When the gas engine was due to kick in, there would be no fuel and the car would stop.
He also told me the gas engine takes over at about 10 mph. This would not necessarily explain how a car could get to speed without gas and then stop.
As only a Soon-to-be-Prius Owner, I don't know if this is a possibility or salesmanspeak. Busy driving a car with which I was unfamiliar, I didn't ask questions about the explanation.
What do you experienced Prius drivers think?
What do you experienced Prius drivers think?"
Well, I'm not an experienced Prius driver, but I can research stuff on the internet. There have been about 3 dozen cases of propulsion failure in the Prius reported to the NHTSB. There has been one case repored (in the media, not to the NHTSB) about a person running out of gas.
Your salesman was wrong; Toyota has released at least two TSBs to cover engine computer updates to correct stalling problems.
However, I wouldn't let it keep you from buying your Prius. The odds appear to be quite long that you will have any stalling problems. We are all hoping that Toyota has fixed the errors by this time. But we don't know; car companies are not all that upfront about their fixes...
We have not had any of the stalling problems described in other posts, and we have had all the updates done.
About a month ago, we started having INTERMITTENT problems, where the battery level would drop down to 1 red bar and would not charge. When this happens, our average MPG drops down to the low 30's (I filled up, reset the Average MPG, drove a good mix of HWY and CTY driving to get this number). Also, when this problem happens, the car looses power and cannot take off very quickly, my wife actually pulled out into traffic, the car wouldn't accelerate and she almost got into a wreck
I've taken it into Toyota 3 times now, and they can't find anything wrong, I've even called Toyota Corp and escalated this, with out any success.
Has anyone else experienced this? I just can’t believe the incompetent mechanics at Toyota, that are telling me that this is normal behavior.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm
Does the Battery charging behavior sound normal like the dealer says?
It's not charging and behaving like it did when I bought it, does not seem right.
Thanks for re affirming that I'm not crazy... well at least where the car is concerned
Despite this, the Prius is a remarkable techno-wonder...I expected some degree of early-adopter blues...
Ken