10 Reasons Why Your Prius Wont Start

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Toyota Prius has been in the market since 2001, and it only gets better every year. The hybrid’s beefed-up performance and sleek styling are only some of its impressive features that a lot of car enthusiasts admire.

Unfortunately, upgrades can come with a couple of issues, and the Prius is no exception. Although it’s seen as a reliable daily driver, some owners are left to deal with problems, including a no-start condition.

Here are 10 possible reasons why your Prius doesn’t start.

Dead Battery

The battery is the heart and soul of a vehicle’s electrical system, especially for hybrids like the Prius.

Overcharging is the most common reason why batteries fail prematurely because it causes the active plate material to disintegrate. Image credit: Toyota USA Newsroom.

Hybrid vehicles come with a high-voltage battery pack and a 12-volt battery pack. Either one of them can fail, but a dead high-voltage battery is more likely to prevent your Prius from starting.

In some hybrid vehicles, however, the 12-volt battery is also capable of starting the engine.

Overcharging is the most common reason why batteries fail prematurely because it causes the active plate material to disintegrate. Excessive vibration or bumping can also produce the same results.

Dim lighting and slow engine cranking are usual indicators of a dying battery. If the battery dies while the vehicle is running, the engine might stall.

Alternator Problems

The alternator generates electrical power from mechanical power to keep the battery charged at all times.

The alternator should be able to create direct current (DC) if the diodes and stator windings are fully operational. There should also be a good electrical connection between the battery positive terminal and alternator output terminal.

A high resistance in electrical connections or junction blocks prevents the battery from being fully charged, which could also mean that your vehicle won’t start.

Faulty Starter

A clicking sound after turning the key is usually caused by a faulty starter. If the starter is damaged, the engine won’t rotate.

Regular wear and tear can cause the metal arms on the starter solenoid to become brittle and less rigid.

Fuel System Issues

There are several issues in the fuel system that could prevent your Prius from starting, such as a defective fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, and clogged fuel lines.

Defective Fuel Pump

A defective fuel pump due to leaks will not create enough pressure to pump fuel to the engine. This can result in power loss or a no-start condition.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A fuel filter traps dirt, rust, water, and other gasoline contaminants so they can’t reach the fuel injectors. Most fuel injectors are made to filter particles that are 10 to 20 microns or larger in size.

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the fuel filter anywhere between 30,000 and 100,000 miles.

If the fuel filter becomes clogged, the engine won’t receive the right amount of fuel to kickstart the combustion process, preventing your vehicle from starting.

Clogged Fuel Lines

Fuel lines are nylon, steel, or fuel-resistant tubings that carry fuel to the throttle body or fuel rail. They also return excess fuel to the tank.

A fuel line that’s exposed to extremely high temperatures can create a vapor lock. Once this happens, vapor will enter the fuel injectors, causing the engine to stall.

Similar to fuel filters, fuel lines can also get clogged and prevent the right amount of fuel from reaching the injectors.

Faulty Ignition Switch

Broken springs and worn ignition switch contacts are some of the most common reasons why the ignition switch can fail.

Once the switch fails, certain systems like the air conditioning unit might not work properly or the vehicle might not start at all.

Defective Ignition Lock Cylinder

Over time, the wafer tumblers or pins inside the ignition lock cylinder can get damaged, preventing you from turning the key and unlocking the ignition.

A damaged cylinder also makes it possible for the ignition to turn and run even when the key is removed.

Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor

A faulty camshaft position sensor is one of the possible reasons why your Prius won’t turn on.

The camshaft position sensor monitors the camshaft’s position relative to the crankshaft.

The camshaft position sensor monitors the camshaft’s position relative to the crankshaft. The input from this sensor is used to determine which cylinder is approaching top dead center.

The powertrain control module (PCM) then uses this information to synchronize the pulsing of fuel injectors so they can match the engine’s firing order.

If the PCM notices that the ignition timing is off because of a faulty camshaft position sensor, it will trigger the check engine light and cause the vehicle to exhibit symptoms like poor acceleration and fuel economy.

Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor

Basic timing signal in distributorless ignition systems is read off the crankshaft position sensor. In most modern vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor also monitors crank speed variations caused by ignition misfire.

Similar to how the camshaft position works, if the PCM detects the ignition timing is thrown off because of a faulty crankshaft position sensor, the check engine light will illuminate and the driver will notice symptoms like poor acceleration and fuel economy.

Dead Key Fob

A key fob is a form of a keyless entry system that has a transmitter that broadcasts a signal to the electronic control module (ECU). The ECU is typically located in the trunk or under the instrument panel.

Prius redesigns that come with a push-start button might not start because of a dead key fob. Under this circumstance, replacing the drained key fob battery usually resolves the issue.

Security System Issues

Late-model Priuses come with advanced security features that aim to protect the vehicle from theft.

Some Prius redesigns come with an engine immobilizer, which is an anti-theft system that prevents the vehicle from starting under certain conditions.

The key fob or key transmits an electric code to the vehicle that should match the code in the immobilizer. If they don’t match, the engine won’t start at all.

The post 10 Reasons Why Your Prius Won’t Start appeared first on In The Garage with CarParts.com.

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