[HPeterson]

Does anyone know what the following diagnostic codes mean for my 2008 Prius:
P1922
P3F1A
P351C
C2F00
C0322

Thank you, Heidi

[bwilson4web]

I'll try to look them up tonight on my AutoEnginuity.

Bob Wilson

[bwilson4web]

Using the DTC library function in AutoEnginuity:

HPeterson said:

. . . for my 2008 Prius:
P1922 - not listed
P3F1A - will not take hex codes
P351C - ""
C2F00 - ""
C0322 - not listed
. . .

Sorry, I can't help.

Bob Wilson

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I think all of your codes are hex codes. How did you get them? Was this done with a scanner or with laptop based software?

[HPeterson]

Thanks Bob and GeorgiaHybrid for the replies and help. I'm not sure how they were retrieved as they were the result of a state inspection done at VIP. The inspection "failed" because VIP didn't know what those codes meant,though they were quick to point out there were no safety issues present.

[bwilson4web]

HPeterson said:

Thanks Bob and GeorgiaHybrid for the replies and help. I'm not sure how they were retrieved as they were the result of a state inspection done at VIP. The inspection "failed" because VIP didn't know what those codes meant,though they were quick to point out there were no safety issues present.

Did you have a check engine light?

Let me suggest that 'codes' can be left behind from a transient condition. One way to clear the codes is to disconnect the 12V battery, the ground, for a couple of minutes and then reconnect it. This will clear any codes and you might be able to get through an inspection ... (buying time.)

The other thing is you need some way to read the codes yourself ... so you won't be surprised. Today, I recommend the ScanGauge because it can be expanded with XGAUGE codes to read specific errors. In its most basic form, it is as good as anything over the counter but at $150-175, not cheap. Still, it works and there are a lot of skilled folks who are sharing how to program XGAGUEs to look for specific fields.

By the way, the ScanGauge can be used to learn how to drive the car a little more efficiently without being nutty about it. It provides the basic instruments needed to understand if the car is warmed up and clues about engine operation. Then too, the diagnostic capabilities are very useful.

Did you have any other problems or incidents with the car?

Could you share the city or area you live in? The reason I ask is there are independent Prius shops that have the tools and skills to find out what is going on. But one thing about these codes bothers me.

There is an "internal diagnostic display" in the NHW11 (maybe the NHW20, your model) that can be brought up by a tapping on different corners of the flat panel display. It shows internal, 'hexadecimal' codes, and some folks who first learn the taps don't understand that those are not real vehicle codes. They are used to diagnose the cables that connect the different control computers (ECUs) that operate the car.

One last thing, there are different vehicle protocols for the scanners. The NHW11 (2001-03 Prius) uses ISO-9141/KWP2000 (an early, slow speed, protocol) versus the NHW20 (2004-09 Prius) that uses CANbus, a faster, more modern protocol. We found that if someone tries to use "auto-discovery" with some scanners on my NHW11 Prius, it will induce a boatload of false codes. I don't know what "VIP" did and I haven't read of any reports of 2008 Prius having a similar problem but wanted to share.

Is "VIP" a private or state operated inspection station? When I lived in Washington DC, there was a DC operated inspection station but Virginia and Maryland had private stations.

Bob Wilson

[HighDesertHybrids]

There may be codes present, but the scanner output is garbage. Unhooking the battery negative (use a 10mm nut driver to unhook the negative cable from the body) for 5 minutes will clear P codes but not C codes. You would also need to make a couple of complete driving cycles, i.e. 30 minutes each including several miles at 55 mph, before going back for another inspection. Do you have any of the check engine, triangle, or ABS lights on?

[ambene]

I also went to VIP - this is an auto parts & service store like Pep Boys & Autozone. I also went for an inspection in New Hampshire. My codes are:

P0130
P0442
P1922
C2F00
P3522
C2F00
P3A1B
C2F00
P3A1B
C2F00

Is it strange that the same codes are present on different Manufacturers?

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Most of the "odd" codes like your P3A1B are car specific and you need to have a nice scanner (read factory or expensive Snap-on type gear) to get an explanation or do what most of us do, get a subscription for your specific car at alldata.com. You can either get a DIY by the car subscription or, if you are running a repair shop, get unlimited access to all vehicles.

Most of the P3 oddball codes are for the hybrid system and vary from year to year even for the same car.

[ambene]

Interesting. I bought the subscription and only found one code.