The Toyota Prius is designed to shut off the engine when stopped as an energy-conserving measure. When the accelerator is depressed, it starts to back up, so you...
Talking on your cellphone while driving is a dangerous prospect, unless you use a hands-free device to talk and even when trying to dial the phone number you need. If you...
Nobody wants their car to suddenly stop working. Unfortunately, Toyota recalled around 75,000 of their 2004 Prius cars because of some technical issues that were causing them to stall. This could be...
The Toyota Prius is considered one of the cleanest, environmentally friendly vehicles to drive based on the amount of smog-forming emissions that most other vehicles put out....
For someone who has never driven a Prius, it may feel a bit like stepping into the cockpit of an alien spaceship when sliding into the driver’s seat....
Driving during extreme weather conditions brings its own challenges. For example, snow and ice can make roads slippery, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. It can also...
The Toyota Prius is an innovative vehicle packed with features that make your driving experience smoother and easier. One such feature is the Intelligent Parking Assist which helps...
The Toyota Prius is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of a gas-powered engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. It is perhaps the most well-known...
California natives are notably environmentally conscious, and this often shows in their choices of vehicles as well. While trucks rarely make it to the top spots, hybrid vehicles are frequently on...
The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular hybrid models on the automotive market, and it comes with an array of perks. A Prius is more environmentally friendly...
Being without electricity due to natural disaster or repair work being performed on electric lines in your region is at best an inconvenience and at worst life-threatening, especially when you...
The Toyota Prius was a game changer when it was first introduced back in 2000. As one of the first commercially successful hybrid vehicles, it eventually helped launch an...
If you’re lucky enough to have a short commute to work, then you need to consider different factors when buying a used car than someone with a lengthier drive (or more...
Most of us are faced with the prospect of commuting back and forth to work on a daily basis, but some have a much longer drive than others. When it comes...
If you are a mobile housekeeper, chances are that you are looking for a small, reliable used vehicle that offers good gas mileage and enough space to store your supplies. With that in mind,...
Using a stool is unsafe and thus we do NOT recommend that. The liftgate on the Prius is held open by two hydraulic supports. The OEM supports open (extend) 17.5 inches. It is possible to remove the two OEM supplied...
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several aspects to consider in this situation. First of all, dealerships are known for insanely high labor rates, but labor should not be over $100/hr for most repairs. The technicians that work...
Hi there. When a fuse keeps popping, it is because there is an exposed wire that is creating a short circuit. Since you hit something, it is possible that a wire somewhere behind the light may have come loose and...
Hi there. Virtually every system on a Hybrid is computer controlled or monitored, which means that the best way to diagnose this problem is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a warning light inspection. When that orange triangle is...
Hi there. Although this is not specific to the Prius, I believe the intelligence system is the same as explained on this video. I would recommend watching the video and referring to the Prius owner manual for steps on how...
Hi there. The P1121 code is a Toyota specific OBD-II trouble code that indicates a coolant flow control flow sensor problem being stuck. Typically, replacing the sensor is the repair solution. Here is an article that you might want to...
Hello - timing chains performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
After reviewing transaction histories and used car prices for the 2005 Prius, if the vehicle you are looking at does have a salvage title I would make a generous offer of $2,500. A salvage title is essentially an unmarketable title...
Prius spark plugs are more accessible on the engine than many makes and models, so it is one of the lower cost engines to perform the replacement on. You can obtain an exact written quote for replacement, and schedule the...
It sounds like you may have a damaged AC compressor clutch. As you may know the AC Clutch is the pulley that spins with the Belt. There are two ports on the rear of the Compressor. One is a Suction...
The amount of refrigerant charge could be incorrect. The system might have moisture or air trapped within especially if the system dryer was not replaced (as is required) when the condenser was replaced. The condenser fan(s) might not be cycling...
Hi There, The master warning light in the hybrids generally refers to the hybrid battery control module. This module monitors the charging of the high voltage battery (main hybrid battery) in these vehicles. When this control module is not working...
Hi there. A hybrid battery does not indicate a percentage of lifespan unfortunately that can be checked by a car owner in most cases. It's probably best to refer to your owner manual to see if there is a procedure...
Hi there. Which battery are we referencing here? If it is the 12volt auxiliary battery, you're probably ok. However, if we are discussing the cost of the high voltage (hybrid) battery, then the dealership is the only place that can...
Hello, thank you for writing in. With some further investigation, you will see that there is a problem with Toyota and their hybrid vehicles pertaining to sudden acceleration or stopping. You will want to contact the service department again and...
HI there. Usually cleaning the MAF sensor is done with an aerosol cleaner like brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner. These have alcohols, so cleaning the sensor the way you did should not have an impact. In most cases, the type...
If the car is moved when the engine is cold before it completes its warm-up cycle, then there will be moisture that is drawn into the engine causing the engine to shake and vibrate with a clanking noise. The issue...
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are a few considerations we need to make during this process. One being the battery is responsible for providing power in the accessory mode, while the alternator provides the power while the vehicle...
