Respond When Your 2004 Toyota Prius Stalls

This is a recalled problem from Toyota. Contact your local dealer.

Having problems with your Prius? Try these suggestions next time your hybrid car acts up.

There appears to be more than one failure mode that causes the computer to lock up.

Steps

  1. Start button doesn't work normally when starting with a cold start (Just won't boot)
  2. Prius operates normally but stops, with all lights on. Some have happened at highway speeds and sometimes it happens in a parking lot. Note, in this failure mode, if the key pod is in the "keeper" it will not allow the key to be removed.
  3. Start button successfully starts accessories and the dashboard lights, but not the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, so you can't engage "R" or "D" to move the car.

Steps for problem #1

  1. If it won't start, try to "reboot" the computer by pressing down the start button. Hold it down for at least 45 seconds.
  2. If all the warning lights come on, press the brake-pedal down as hard as you can, and then press the start button.

Steps for problem #2

  1. All systems are operating except that you cannot put the car in gear.
  2. Hold down the Start button for at least 45 seconds with your foot on the Brake.
  3. Release the button, Wait 10 seconds or so... all lights might remain on.
  4. Remove your foot from the Brake...press the Start button to turn off the car. It should shut down normally. See if you can remove the key from the pod.
  5. If fixed, start the car normally with your foot on the brake.

Steps for problem #3

The following steps assume you have already put your foot on the brake and pressed the Start button in order to boot up but cannot engage "R" or "D" (all you hear is two short beeps when you try to go into gear):

  1. Press the brake. You don't have to press hard.
  2. Press the "P" button to put the car into Park (even though it is not in Drive or Reverse, this is necessary).
  3. With foot still on the brake, press the Power button again. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system should now come on, with the reassuring single beep sound.
  4. Move the shift lever to "D" or "R" as desired, and drive away.
  5. If the key-fob_missing_light is illuminated (a yellow slashed key) even though you have it with you--move the key-fob away (more than 6 inches) from your cellular phone. The cell phone's radiation may mask the key-fob polling.

Tips

  • For additional tips from Prius (Classic and 2004/05) Owners, Mechanics and Service Professionals, go to [www.priuschat.com] Note: This is not an official Toyota site. Be prepared for some straight answers!
  • Print this list and keep it in your glove compartment. Check back regularly to see if anyone has added more useful steps.

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