Down to Earth Blog

This week, the hybrid-engine system on my 2002 Toyota Prius died -- or at least got pretty sick. The big exclamation point came up on the dash display, so I called the dealer, who said it was safe to drive in.

They checked it out an initially could not find anything wrong, but after I drove to the store and attempted to leave, the big warning symbol came on again and the car would not accelerate over 20 mph.

Turns out it needed a new engine computer, which was under warranty.  This was the first time I had any trouble with my Prius, which is four years old and has 56,000 miles on it. I love the car and love getting 54 miles per gallon. 

Anyone else out there with similar hybrid stories? Do you like them, hate them? Do they stay out of the shop?

Technorati Tags: Prius, Hybrid, Hybrid Car

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• #2 Comment from flgirl5982 
  10/25/06 4:12 PM | Permalink

  Heaven forbid.......you have committed the ultimate sin of asking people to give up their gas guzzling SUV's !!!!!  LOL   I have been driving small 4 cylinder cars all my life, and am quite happy.  I get over 30 mpg, and am considering buyng one of those new commuter cars that they're producing that hold only 2 people.  It's electric and doesn't use gas at all.  We're going to be in big trouble if our dependence on petroleum remains like it is.  We need to push our legislators to stop supporting the oil companies and look out for the average citizen.  I commend you for trying to help out the atmosphere, and our planet.
• #1 Comment from broadbent777 
  10/23/06 3:08 PM | Permalink

   IF more folks had purchased a GEO back in the 1990's we would not be in such a mess about our dependence on foreigh oil!  I'm sure the new hybrids are good cars but my 1991 Geo still gets 50 mpg.  We do not need new technology.  Just a change of attitude of what the american people should be driving!