Toyota Prius Software Problems - READ ONLY

752 messages, Last post on Sep 10, 2006 at 5:54 PM

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#691 of 752 Re: LCD screen and Navigation problem [jrct9454] by bri4 Apr 12, 2006 (4:38 pm)
Replying to: jrct9454 (Apr 11, 2006 4:58 am) I took the car to the dealership and they observed the condition. The service manager called the Toyota Service Rep. and responded back to me that they are aware of the problem. The dealer service department could not help me. An appointment was made with the Toyota Manufacturing Service Rep. We drove my car and another used 2005 Prius. The Rep. concluded that both systems have the same characteristics and I agree. My contention is that they tested it against a used car with the same problem instead of a new system of the same version. I was told that they don't have any. I told them that their test method is wrong. I have since had numerous conversations with Toyota headquarters Torrance. They say they can't help me and have forwarded papers for arbitration. I cannot understand the reluctance to fix the system that has degraded within seven months.
#692 of 752 Re: MPG Problem? [dorisnichols] by mrosa Apr 19, 2006 (11:59 am)
Replying to: dorisnichols (Mar 18, 2006 3:53 pm) I've had the same problems with my '04. It has been serviced numerous times by the dealer whose techs look lost when the issue is explained to them. They usually hook it up to some service-mandated computer propram that "updates" the computer software. But it is clear that few if any of these guys have any real experience working on this type of car. Its like my attempting to explain how a VCR works on the basis of my ability to program it by pushing a few buttons. I would suggest taking yours to a Toyota dealer and requesting a "computer software update" that they say can improve the mileage. I just did mine but I was not impressed by the results thus far. Hope this helps...
#693 of 752 Re: Prius center console problems 61,000 miles [rakers] by mrosa Apr 21, 2006 (11:12 am)
Replying to: rakers (Feb 02, 2006 11:10 am) I was just wondering if or how your situation was resolved. I've been having the same problem for months and 2-3 trips to the dealer have failed to improve it. In fact, I struggle to get 43-44 mpg whereas I was around 50 mpg in the Fall. The reasons they gave included changes in the type of fuel used in the West (Ca.), gas gauge problems, and a colder than usual winter. My trump card might be that since I have reported prior to the expiration of the 3 yr./36,000 mile warranty, that I might be saved. Also, I noted that it says next to nothing about the on-board computer in the warrenty booklet. Have you any info on that?
#694 of 752 Re: Prius center console problems 61,000 miles [rakers] by grannyfranny Apr 22, 2006 (10:27 am)
Replying to: rakers (Feb 02, 2006 11:10 am) Thanks for sharing your stories. I took my 2004 Prius in yesterday at 43,000 with the same issue: radio cuts off, outside temp goes blank, climate screen says "check connection to air-conditioner", loss of function from temp up or down buttons on steering wheel, etc, etc. They said the center console unit would need to be replaced - for $4100, plus 100 for labor. I repeatedly asked if there was not a loose connection or a defective sensor, or if it could be a programming glitch in the recent recall reprogramming - and the answer was 'no' to all. They also said it was not covered by the hybrid system warranty, but that they would re-check with Toyota and I should get back with them next week. So I drove home, and noted that all systems are working again..for a while. I'll advise them to read the service advisory, check for the loose connection noted in it, and then, if replacement is still the only option, tell them of the precedent of the offer to do it for $600. Do we know where the dealer is who made that offer? and I'll add my own observation of milage dropping from my usual 52 average down to 46-47 since the recall 'fix'.
#695 of 752 Just got a $3500 repair bill!!! by kallen2223 Apr 30, 2006 (3:53 am)
Hi all - I have a 2004 Prius w/86,000 miles on it - I drive a lot for work. I have taken this car in regularly to have oil changes etc., had the reprogramming done when the recall came out. This week I had the issue of the radio going in/out, climate screen saying "check connection" etc. I took it in and after 3 hours the service dept tells me that the center console has to be replaced at a cost of nearly $3500. He said that because my car has such high mileage Toyota won't offer any reduced cost, etc. I see from the posts that others have had this problem. Is there any resolution other than with coming up w/all that cash? I have talked up this car to so many people and have been a big influence on at least 3 others to buy Prius - now I am wondering what happened to the Toyota quality I had heard so much about and believed in. Replies to this message: gagrice (Apr 30, 2006 5:05 am) eprupis (Apr 30, 2006 9:27 am) welbng (May 13, 2006 3:46 am) eprupis (May 13, 2006 7:57 am)
#696 of 752 Re: Just got a $3500 repair bill!!! [kallen2223] by gagrice Apr 30, 2006 (5:05 am)
Replying to: kallen2223 (Apr 30, 2006 3:53 am) now I am wondering what happened to the Toyota quality I had heard so much about and believed in. Welcome to the forum. Please keep us informed on how you make out on this. That is a lot of money. I would be curious if the console is made up of several different modules or did Toyota make it one piece that would need to be changed out.
#697 of 752 Re: Just got a $3500 repair bill!!! [kallen2223] by eprupis Apr 30, 2006 (9:27 am)
Replying to: kallen2223 (Apr 30, 2006 3:53 am) The same thing happened to me, but luckily when the car was under warranty and Toyota replaced it w/o charge. Your experience proves the wisdom of purchasing an extended warranty, especially since a 7 year (from date of original purchase), 100,000 mile Toyota Platinum Warranty (same as new car warranty) with $0 deductible can be purchased for under $1000 as long as the car is still under the original factory warranty. $250 a year seems to me cheap insurance against repairs such as yours. Replies to this message: welbng (May 13, 2006 3:46 am) eprupis (May 13, 2006 7:57 am)
#698 of 752 Re: Toyota Prius Software Problems [stevedebi] by joeythej Apr 30, 2006 (11:58 am)
Replying to: stevedebi (Mar 08, 2005 9:21 am) My daugher has an 05 Prius, and last night, while driving back from Gainseville to Ft Lauderdale, the same problem noted in other posts happened..and the car completely shut down and had to be towed to Stuart Toyota (100 miles from home). We are waiting to hear what the dealer will do about the issue and not just re-install the same faulty program. Also, I am going to ask the dealer, or Toyota, to flatbed the car to my home in Ft Lauderale when it is fixed as I had drive my daughter home from there and dont think its fair to have to drive 200 miles r/t again to pick up the car. BTW: while the car is "off" due to the software, one cannot lock or unlock the doors, except by manually locking them (then you cannot unlock them). also, the front wheels were frozen and the tow truck driver had to slide the car off of the ramp. we were forced to leave it at the dealer on a sat night with the electronic key in the drop box. has anyone had their issue resolved? thanks.>JJ
#699 of 752 You guys are scaring me! by monogram7 Apr 30, 2006 (12:50 pm)
Are these common problems? I just paid 16k for a salvaged and professionally repaired Prius with no warranty. No warranty at all. It only has 14000 miles on it but now I am worried that I could have a money pit on my hands! Bill
#700 of 752 Re: MPG Problem? [dorisnichols] by abennett May 06, 2006 (5:39 pm)
Replying to: dorisnichols (Mar 18, 2006 3:53 pm) Same problem - I'm now down to 34-38 mpg since the recall. It definitely does not run on electric when on the street and gets much less on the freeway. I don't think that the tech knows what he's doing. They just seem to know to put in the new software and don't have much knowledge about overall performance. The car's performance has never been been that great. I got it up to 60 mpg on a 200 mile trip once. The rest of the time it has been lousy, and no, it's not my driving. I drive mostly on the freeway 62 mph, coast, slow accelerate etc. I have considered myself lucky to get 44 mpg and the decline started the day they installed the new program. Can anyone recommend a good Toyota tech? The dealer is polite and all that but I think they don't have a clue. I'm in the Pasadena area. Replies to this message: stevedebi (May 06, 2006 6:10 pm) devsienna (May 08, 2006 12:02 pm)