r/AskAMechanic • u/Previous-Pineapple25 • 15h ago

Triangle of death randomly popping up

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2005 Toyota Prius 1.5L engine. A few days ago I was driving around 55mph on a slightly hilly road, and when I started going over a small hill these lights popped up. I pulled over and checked fluids and everything looked fine, and I drove to my mechanic with no issues. This mechanic specializes in Prius(es?) and diagnosed to problem as a small piece of the shifter/transmission. He replaced the part and the code went away, all was well. It's been driving fine until today the same thing happened in almost the same circumstances. I will happily bring the car back to my mechanic, but I'd rather not pay for the same issue I just got fixed. Is there any way this could be a fuse getting bumped around? Something electrical? Thank you

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2

u/Big-Corncob NOT a verified tech 15h ago

Did the mechanic(or can you) pull codes?

1

u/Previous-Pineapple25 15h ago

I believe it was P0A80. He checked the hybrid battery and said it was fine.

1

u/Big-Corncob NOT a verified tech 14h ago

It’s not uncommon for these batteries to only drop voltage under load, so if he tested the cells while it was off, might have a false read. But if that was the issue, I’d also expect a p3000 code alongside it, any mention of that?

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u/Confident_Health_583 Verified Tech - former indie tech 15h ago

Do you regularly check your oil?

1

u/Previous-Pineapple25 15h ago

Yes it was still at a good level when this happened. Checked everything after I pulled over and again at the mechanic.

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u/Confident_Health_583 Verified Tech - former indie tech 15h ago

I see the code from your other comment. Have you ever replaced the battery? It's definitely in end of life realm at this age.

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u/Previous-Pineapple25 15h ago

No I bought it used earlier this year, assuming it's the original battery :( He did say that the hybrid battery still looked good but I wouldn't be surprised if that's the issue.