Toyota Repair: 03 Toyota Prius, toyota prius, service bulletins

Question
the car starts, but only runs for 10 to 15 seconds before the engine shuts off and all the warning lights come on.  It will re start, but only runs for 10 to 15 seconds each time.

Answer
Actually the engine does not start, the engine will spin over for about 12 seconds at about 1200 rpm, if the engine doesn't start the starting phase is terminated and the warning lights will turn on. Toyota has issued several service bulletins that address a no start condition, there is usually nothing wrong with the hybrid system, the engine just does not fire up so it's a matter of finding out why the engine doesn't want to start, in many cases this happens because there is oil collecting in the bottom of the intake manifold because the oil level is overfilled and cleaning out the intake manifold solves the problem but it may be something else, maybe the spark plugs or water entered the spark plug tubes, there are a few causes for this, I would recommend having the toyota dealer retreive the trouble codes and make a diagnosis and have them check the service bulletins that may apply, the main objective is to find out why the engine does not start.