If you own a Gen 2 Toyota Prius (2004–2009) and all of a sudden find yourself driving with a completely dark dashboard—no gas gauge, speedometer, or odometer—you're not alone. This issue, commonly known as the “combo meter” or “combination meter” failure, is something many Gen 2 Prius owners have experienced. It can be frustrating and potentially unsafe, as the car itself still operates normally, but you’re left in the dark when it comes to critical driving information.

Hybrid batteries are designed for longevity and efficiency, but they have one tough enemy: heat. Excessive heat can significantly degrade the performance and lifespan of a hybrid battery, ultimately leading to premature failure and costly replacements.

When a hybrid vehicle sits unused for long periods, the battery doesn’t have a way of maintaining its charge. Hybrid batteries rely on active driving for recharging. This includes power that is produced when the engine is running, wheels are spinning, and regenerative braking is in action. Without regular driving, the battery gradually depletes, and if left for too long, it can lead to some serious issues.

If your hybrid car has trouble starting and shows the P3190 code, it’s important for you to address it quickly. If you ignore it this warning can lead to a fully depleted hybrid battery that may need to be replaced—a costly and avoidable fix if you handle it early.

If you're a Prius owner, you may have heard terms like "inverter" and "hybrid drive" thrown around by mechanics or hybrid specialists. But what do these terms really mean, and why are they crucial to the health of your vehicle's hybrid battery? Let's dive into this topic and understand why a failed inverter, often referred to as the "hybrid drive," can indeed cause your hybrid battery to fail.

Brake actuator failure is a common issue faced by vehicle owners, particularly those driving hybrid models. The brake actuator, also known as the brake pump, is a critical component of your car's braking system, and its failure can lead to serious safety concerns. This post will explore what a brake actuator does, why it fails, the warning signs to watch for, and the importance of timely repairs.

As hybrid vehicles become increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and lower emissions, there’s a growing focus on the sustainability of their key component—the hybrid battery. Hybrid batteries are integral to a vehicle's operation, but like all batteries, they degrade over time. Fortunately, an environmentally friendly solution exists in the form of reconditioned hybrid batteries. Reconditioning not only prolongs the lifespan of these batteries but also provides significant environmental and economic benefits.

If you’re on the hunt for a dependable and fuel-efficient car, the Toyota Prius probably already has your attention. But what about older models? Specifically, those made from 2004 onward? The short answer is: Yes, buying an old Prius is a great idea, and here’s why.

When a hybrid car starts to act up, it can be challenging to figure out whether the problem lies with the 12V battery or the hybrid battery. This distinction is important because a bad 12V battery is usually a simple fix, while a hybrid battery issue can be much more complex and expensive. Knowing how to differentiate between these problems can save you a lot of hassle.

The 2nd generation Prius is a fantastic car and it is not uncommon to see Gen. 2 Priuses with over 300k miles or more on them. Luckily these cars can be found for quite cheap as many folks have moved on to newer, low-mileage vehicles. There are some common issues to be aware of that are quite common with the Gen. 2 Prius.

What’s not commonly known is that your HV battery consists of dozens of modules that need individual specialized attention. These modules must work in balance and be finely tuned to operate properly in your vehicle.

Quite often the pump will function intermittently before failing completely. If your inverter coolant pump fails - replace it immediately.

P0AA6 is a general code indicating there is a high-voltage leak somewhere in your vehicle’s hybrid system and “may or may not” refer to a problem within your hybrid battery. Your vehicle’s hybrid system consists of a hybrid battery, an inverter (hybrid drive), a transaxle as well as your A/C compressor.

Do you have multiple Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) codes when scanning your hybrid? It could just be the HV traction battery that’s your main issue, and sometimes it could be something else. Get some straight answers from PriusKings here.

The P0A80 Code - what to do?