When I pressed the power on button, nothing would happen. No lights, no sound, no response… the car was absolutely dead. (NHW 20)
What can I do? Is it a problem of the 12v battery? or the 400v? Can a Prius 2 be started with jumper cables on the 12v battery? Or should I just call the Toyota official dealer?
Please help, do you have any ideas or suggestions what I can do to get the car working or what is wrong? Dr. Sampath
Dear All, please check out this videos. hopefully this wasn’t a mistake & Don’t Let Your Prius’ Battery Die, Ever.
Toyota Prius Repair and Maintenance Manual: 2004-2008 is the hands-on reference that shows you how to service and maintain your Prius.
This Bentley Manual contains the essential information and know-how you need to take the mystery out of servicing the Toyota Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive®. You’ll find step-by-step directions from safely disabling the high voltage system to real-world practical repair and maintenance procedures and full-color technical training.
The aim throughout has been simplicity and clarity, with detailed explanations, step-by-step procedures and accurate specifications. Both the professional technician and the do-it-yourself Prius owner will find this manual indispensable as a source of detailed maintenance and repair information. Even Prius owners who have no intention of working on their vehicle will find that reading and owning this manual makes it possible to discuss repairs more intelligently with a professional technician.
Model and engine coverage:
2004 – 2008 Prius NHW20
1NZ-FXE Engine
Technical highlights:
Written for both experienced professionals and do-it-yourself owners, this book removes the mystery and explains the technology behind the Toyota Prius in an easy and understandable style.
Advanced technological features described: High-voltage power inverter, hybrid motor / generators, electric air-conditioning compressor, electric power steering, continuously variable transmission, regenerative brakes and more.
Maintenance procedures from changing the oil to replacing the air/fuel ratio sensor. This manual tells you what to do and how and when to do it.
Valve clearance adjustment.
Cooling system and radiator service. Detailed instructions for checking, filling and bleeding engine and transaxle / inverter coolant.
Fuel injection and ignition system diagnostics.
Suspension repair procedures, including strut replacement.
Brakes and steering troubleshooting and repair.
Door, window, bumper, and seat service and repairs.
Electrical system service, with an illustrated component locator section.
Comprehensive wiring schematics, including power distribution and grounds.
Toyota OBD II diagnostic trouble codes, SAE-defined OBD II P-codes, as well as scan tool operation.
Sri Lanka has raised import duties on several categories of petrol-engined cars and three wheelers with steeper increases seen in larger hybrid vehicles, which had exceptionally low taxes earlier, Treasury Secretary P.B.
Sri Lanka has raised import duties on hybrid vehicles
On petrol cars with standard engines with capacities below 1,000 cubic centimeters the effective total tax rate will go up from the current 95 percent to 120 percent.
Between 1000 to 1,600 cc the effective rate will go up from 119 to 128 percent. On three wheelers the effective rate will go up from 38 percent to 50 percent.
On hybrid cars with engines below 2,000 cc total duties will go up from 38% close to 50 %
UPDATE: Total taxes on all petrol and diesel cars above 1600cc will remain unchanged.
Question: What about the battery life of a hybrid car?
Batteries used in hybrid cars prove quite expensive while replacing them. However the car engineers have been successful in designing these batteries in a way that they would last as long as the lifetime of the car. Most of the hybrid car manufacturers give the warranty of eight to ten years and this is quite a long period for the car battery to last. You would be surprised to know that Toyota hasn’t replaced a single battery pack for the popular hybrid Prius since it was brought on the market in 2000.
Question: What makes a hybrid car more expensive than the conventional car?
Hybrid cars cost a few thousand dollars more than their conventional counterparts. The price of the hybrid car increases because of the costly batteries introduced in them and two engines in place of one. However, if we consider the purchase in the long run, hybrid cars prove much cheaper than the conventional cars if the total fuel consumption is taken into consideration.
Question: Is a hybrid car slower than the conventional car?
Hybrid cars are by no means slower than the non hybrid counterparts. In fact most of the hybrid cars these days attain more than 100 mph of the maximum speed which is more than enough for many people.
Question: How to recharge the hybrid battery?
There is no need to plug in the batteries in the hybrid cars in order to charge them up. In fact they are charged in the normal course of the drive. During braking and coasting the extra energy released gets converted into electricity which recharges the battery.
Question: How does cold weather affect the performance of hybrid cars?
Generally car battery doesn’t work well at low temperatures; but in most of the hybrid cars thermal management system is introduced to cope with the problem and so the car battery gets charged up as soon as you start the car. When the car battery attains the normal operating temperature which happens pretty fast, the car can perform well even at lower temperatures.
Question: What about driving hybrid car in hot weather conditions?
Driving a car in hot weather conditions is a tough ask indeed. There are a few automobile experts who doubt the safety involved in driving hybrid cars. According to them high voltage batteries used in hybrid cars can be very dangerous in hot weather conditions as there are chances of catching fire quickly. They also say that if a car meets with an accident, the car will catch fire so fast that it would be very difficult to rescue people travelling in the hybrid car. However, this criticism doesn’t hold good if we consider the fact that most of the hybrid cars have performed pretty well in the southern part of the U.S.A. like Florida, Arizona or Texas. As regards the high voltage battery pack, it has the thermal management system to control the heat inside. When the battery gets hot after a certain limit, the system will shut it off automatically; thus saving it from any untoward incident.
Question: What are ‘Green Vehicles’?
Hybrid cars are popularly known as green cars on account of their eco-friendly characteristics. These are the cars with low emissions which imparted them the status of eco-friendly vehicles. Hybrid cars are rapidly emerging as a promising option and a feasible solution to the fuel problems of the world. The fewer and cleaner emission of hybrid cars is an important characteristic of hybrid cars. These cars are known to lower the noise pollution level as their engines go on generating the necessary amount of horsepower without much roaring. When you switch the car on the electric mode, the car is virtually silent even when set in motion. Green vehicles indeed, aren’t they?
While global warming has become a serious environmental issue, using a hybrid car is a wise option to cope with the situation. Reduction in smoke and the emission of pollutants because of the hybrid cars will certainly prove ecologically beneficial.
Question: Is hydrogen fuel cell technology posing a threat to hybrids?
According to many auto experts, cars powered by hydrogen won’t pose any threat to the sales of hybrid cars for at least ten to twenty years to come. The first set of hydrogen powered cars will have a single energy source and so hybrids will be a far better option.
Question: What encouragement is given to promote the use of hybrids?
In many countries use of hybrid cars is being encouraged by the governments. There are many schemes initiated by the governments to promote the use of hybrid cars. For instance, in the United States of America, you get some tax benefits if you buy hybrid vehicles. In some countries the road traffic departments allow hybrid car owners to park their vehicles free of charge. There also are some specially built roads only for hybrid cars. These perks certainly encourage the potential car buyer to go for a hybrid car.
The Hybrid car or as some may refer to it as the car of the future, which seems to have invaded Sri Lankan roads, may have a few hiccups in store for its local users in terms of repairs, spare parts and maintenance, according to industry experts. They say that at present there are no qualified personal to repair defaults in the cars electronic system and emphasized the fact that this car may not be suitable for our country’s climatic conditions. Mirror Business also attempts to answer some questions our readers may have, the Nature of the car, How does it work? Is it truly cost-effective to use? How safe is it? And most of all who do we go to, in case there is a breakdown? and several other questions that you may have, if you’ve got your eyes on a Hybrid car or own one already.
Is Sri Lanka ready for Hybrid cars?
We spoke to Lal Alawatta who is a qualified automobile engineer and the Managing Director of Lal Alawatta Associates in Battaramulla, to get an idea about the background of the car.
Speaking about the car he said, it came in to use in the 80’s and became very popular by late 90’s in western countries. With regard to Sri Lanka, it is just in, with about 200 reconditioned cars in the country. When asked about the technology used in the car he said, it uses a petrol engine and electrically powered motors which are operated by a battery.
“It is an electrically powered drive motor which uses a large battery pack,” he said. “When the engine idles, for an example in a traffic block, the engine will stop and then it will change over to the battery. “These are all computerized. Furthermore, if we are cruising at one particular speed without any load, the same change over would take place. All these changeovers occur through the computer,” he pointed out.
According to Alawatta, if we require more power from the vehicle such as when overtaking, accelerating from a stand still or climbing a hill, the vehicle will run on the petrol engine. “This too is computer-operated he noted. He further went on to say that there are two main types of models. In one model, the battery is charged when the car is in operation as in any other car. In more advanced models, there is the ability to charge the battery through an external power source, while the car is at a stand still,” he said.
Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
Technology Transfer
According to Alawatta the car contains a Lithium Dry Cell battery with a life span of 5-10 years, and comes at a cost of about Rs.1 million. He also observed that there is a trend for many models to adopt the Hybrid technology.
“Hyundai is attempting to create Hybrid cars, and within the next couple of months, there will be Mercedes Benz and BMW Hybrid cars coming to Sri Lanka,” he pointed out. However, Sri Lanka is still not geared for repairs of these cars. But in the future, that too will be possible, he noted. “In the past, people were not interested in front wheel driven cars and automatic transmission, but now we see almost every other car with this technology. Likewise, Sri Lanka will definitely adapt to this, but there will be a delay in the technology transfer to countries such as Sri Lanka,” he said.
There are advantages as well disadvantages of having these cars. The advantages according to Alawatta are the obvious economic benefits and the low rate of tax when importing the car which is about 15%. The main disadvantages are the high repair cost, lack of driving pleasure, incompetent staff to handle technical defaults and the lack of spare parts.
Speaking about the costs of the car he said it’s about Rs.3-4 million. “The two main brands Toyota and Honda has fuel consumption of approximately 20-25 km per liter,” he added.
What Honda agents got to say?
Mirror Business spoke to Sanjeeve Gooneratne, General Manager of Stafford Motor Co. (Pvt) Ltd., to get his views on the Honda Hybrid car. Sanjeeve mentioned that there are so many used hybrids imported on a daily basis to the country mainly from Japan and now they are even getting down cars from UK at a cheaper Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) and the main models are the Civic and the Insight. “We as the sole distributor for Honda products in the country, import only the brand-new versions to go in line with the climatic and road conditions. We don’t recommend reconditioned vehicles.”
When asked about the technical assistance Honda Hybrid users could get from Stafford, Sanjeeve said that they are in the process of getting the required equipment organized and sending staff for further training. “We need to do so much more prior to the launch, if Honda Japan is to be convinced and give us the green light,” he noted. “We can service the Hybrid like any other Honda, but we cannot give any assurance with regard to any repairs of used cars imported from various countries.” He emphasized that they are in the process of obtaining the necessary expertise and equipment even to go that extra mile of fulfilling the requirements of a used car owner in time to come.
Sanjeeve went on to say that because of the high fuel efficiency and the low tax rates, companies will also encourage their employees to go for a Hybrid, once the Brand New vehicles come to the market
Toyota Lanka
The viewpoint of Toyota, Sri Lanka
The Managing Director of Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Yoshiaki Kato shared some insights about the Toyota Hybrid vehicle which is the Prius. Kato said that the Prius hybrid known as Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system combines different power sources to maximize each one’s strengths, while compensating for the others’ shortcomings. “The car is almost soundless when driving and the main feature is its fuel efficiency and environmental-friendliness,” he added.
One version of the Prius actually does approximately 38 liters per Km he said. “We are not importing the Prius as yet because we will not get the go ahead from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) until we properly train and educate our staff as to how they should handle the vehicle,” Kato said. He added that they are not aware of the suitability of the cars presently imported to Sri Lanka by outside dealers, since those cars are designed for Japanese roads and climate conditions.
“We hope to bring down a few cars suitable for our road and climatic conditions and test them under the local climatic conditions, so that we can get an idea as to how the car performs under our hot and humid conditions,” Kato pointed out. When asked about the battery of the car, he noted that it contains a voltage of 201.6 DC and this voltage is stepped up to 500 to 650 AC three phase voltage by the converter assembly to supply power to the electric motors and he added that handling this would need specialized knowledge.
Honda Insight Hybrid
Prius Vs. Insight
The Honda’s power train is the more conventional of the two. A 13-hp electric motor is sandwiched between the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. As a result, Honda’s engine must turn when the car is moving. When cruising at light speeds, the Insight can shut down the engine, but it still rotates. The VTEC system closes the valves to minimize the pumping losses associated with turning the engine. A 0.6-kilowatt-hour nickel-metal-hydride battery stores the energy recovered during braking.
The Toyota, in comparison, employs a pair of electric motors and a planetary continuously variable transmission (CVT) to link them with the 1.8-liter gas engine. This gearbox allows several energy paths. Under hard acceleration, the 80-hp main electric motor assists the gas engine. Under light loads and moderate acceleration, however, the Prius shuts off the gas engine and moves under electric-only power. There’s a dash-mounted Electric Vehicle (EV) switch that provides about a mile of electric-only range, which is limited by the capacity of the 1.3-kwh NiMH battery.
Though these cars differ mechanically, externally they look alike. Both cars benefit from extensive aerodynamic development. Honda hasn’t released the Insight’s drag coefficient figure, but it’s probably close to the Prius’s 0.25. The Prius is, however, a bigger car. Its 106.3-inch wheelbase is nearly 6 inches longer than the Insight’s.
Car manufacturers across the globe have initiated plans to introduce Hybrid cars in to the market. Alawatta mentioned that not only Japanese but also European, Chinese and Indian manufacturers do not want to be left behind in the largest and fastest-growing market in the world.
European giants such as Mercedes Bens, Jaguar, Peugeot and Renault and Indian manufacturers Tata and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) are also to unveil their versions of the Hybrid vehicle in the coming years.
As with many of Toyota’s vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its third generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.
The Toyota Prius (its name comes from Latin and means “to go before”) exists as a partial solution to the automobile’s problem of tailpipe emissions. The Prius, like other hybrid vehicles, has a special powertrain that combines a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This powertrain, along with other advanced features, allows the Prius to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to regular cars.
Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota’s original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. So far, it seems Toyota’s reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. Early concerns about long-term durability have turned out to be mostly unfounded. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.
Current Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius was completely redesigned for 2010. However, it remains a four-door hatchback that seats five people. The car’s hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that produces 98 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque that’s used in conjunction with two electric motors and a special planetary gearset that functions as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 hp.
Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph. But under lighter load conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, the Prius alternates between the two, often running on battery power alone. This maximizes the car’s fuel economy potential. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to charge the car’s battery pack. The current powertrain is a little more robust on the highway than the previous-generation car, although not really any quicker away from a traffic light. It is more fuel-efficient, however, with an EPA combined fuel economy estimate of 50 mpg — which is tops in the hybrid game.
Other changes for this new model include a more sculpted take on the iconic hybrid shape established by its predecessor. The interior was given a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack than the old car. The hybrid system display now resides high up on the dash next to the digital speedometer, while stereo and climate controls are laid out in a traditional manner with physical buttons rather than a touchscreen (which reappears if you order the optional navigation system). The result is a car that’s easier to acclimate to. It’s also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the Prius’ superb interior packaging, which helps extends the car’s appeal beyond simple fuel efficiency. Its hatchback body style allows for an impressive amount of cargo to be lugged around, while a surprisingly commodious backseat makes it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV.
In reviews, we’ve found the current Toyota Prius to build upon its revolutionary predecessor’s successful formula of fuel efficiency and versatility. It’s now a more normal car to drive and use, making it easier to transition from a traditional car. While Honda’s less expensive but smaller Insight is worth a test-drive, those looking for a hybrid should still start their search with the Toyota Prius.
Used Toyota Prius Models
The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-’09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius’ hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.
Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today’s Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.
During its successful tenure in Toyota’s lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer “sport” suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A “standard” trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.
In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car’s greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.
The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable. But this in no way means that it is to be avoided. For a consumer interested in a used and affordable hybrid vehicle, this first-gen Toyota Prius could be a smart choice.
Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius’ powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.
Selecting a used Prius based on year shouldn’t be too difficult. Models built for 2002 and ’03 might have more of a draw, as it was then that Toyota started to offer additional optional features, such as a navigation system, side airbags and cruise control. Most first-generation owners seem quite happy with their cars and overall reliability has been very good.
Hybrid Car users in Sri Lanka