My [Prius](/topics-prius/) won’t start

My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I will be able to assist you. I’m sorry that you’re having trouble with your vehicle. Don’t worry though, we’ll be able to figure this out. Thank you for taking the time to let us help you out with this problem and hopefully we can sort it out quickly. Please understand that I do not know your knowledge or capabilities so I may need to ask questions to find out basic information to help solve your specific problem. Sometimes it may take a moment for me to respond because I may have to look up information about your concern. I appreciate your patience and will provide responses as soon as possible. First check the battery to make sure the cables have a good tight connection on. While putting the ignition to the start position, check the small wire on the [starter](/topics-starter-toyota/) solenoid. It should have battery voltage. If you have battery voltage, then check the main power cable to the starter. It is the bigger wire. It should have battery voltage at all times. If you have voltage at both wires, then your starter is bad. If you do not, let me know and we can check the rest of the system. My goal is to give you the best service possible and to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know. If I’m not online at the time, I will respond ASAP when I get back. You can ask unlimited questions to any of the 12,000 Experts! From doctors, lawyers, tech support, contractors, tutors, auto and boat mechanics, appliance technicians, veterinarians, accountants, appraisers, psychologists, engineers, heavy machinery masters, dream interpreters, and more, we've got you covered, 24/7.

I don’t know where my starter isHello

I see you have a Prius. It won't be possible to check the starter on this vehicle. Toyota Hybrid Vehicles do not use a conventional type starter. Gasoline [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/) starting is integrated into the Hybrid system. We'll need to use a scan tool. Do you have one?

No

Do you know anyone you can borrow one from?

No i don’t even know what that is

Oh I see. In that case you'll have to bring this to a repair shop. It would be impossible to test this without a scan tool.

i have to get it towed is what you saying

Yes. If you don't have any diagnostic equipment then there's no way to test it to find the problem. I would double check the battery terminals to make sure they are tight on the new battery.

My cables are tight the battery works fine. My car turns on but won’t start. There’s light blinking around my gears when i do turn it on. So i have to get it towed to see what’s wrong wit itThat wasn’t much of any help

As you can see in the pic the box lights around my gears on my dashboard

Don't shoot the messenger. I can't control what is needed to test it to find the problem. I didn't engineer the car. I can only tell what you need to do to find the problem.

What do i do once i get this scan tool. What scan tool i need?

You would need a scan tool that can communicate with all the systems in the vehicle. One that is compatible is the Autel Maxisys Elite.

Where do i hook this up to? After i get the tool what should i expect to see

There's a connector under the driver side of the dashboard. It looks like this.

After i connect this tool. It should tell me what wrong?

You'll need to go to the menu to check for trouble codes in all modules. This will scan all the systems and give us some trouble codes to determine what the fault is.

Okay so after i get the tool i should contact you guys again to help with the codes?

Yes. Let us know what the codes are and we'll be able to sort it out.

Another thing is when i turn my car on it won’t turn off unless i put the fob inside and take it out. Do you know why this is happening

It may be a problem with the ignition switch (start button).

That has to go into the shop to be fixed?

If you have an automotive tool set and are handy you could replace it.