Automatic Transmission Control Module problems of the 2004 Toyota Prius

While driving Prius on major highway in dfw metroplex during evening rush hour the warning light came on, then a couple seconds later, entire dash board information screen and all warning lights flashed. Car engine continued to run, and would not turn off, but no power was available to steering or brakes. This problem occurred at the apex of a bridge. However, was able to coast the car into the median between the merge ramp of the major highway and the interstate. Very dangerous situation if it had occurred before apex of the bridge. )called the dealership, who in turn, called a tow truck. Had to basically play with power button, brake, and gear shift to get it into neutral so the car could be loaded onto the tow truck. Took dealer three days to diagnose the problem. It was blamed on a short in auxiliary battery. However, it seemed to be working okay. This was the third time occurrence such as this happened to this car, as well as a non-functioning driver information screen, that if the car was hot inside then information screen worked, if no, then the screen stated no connection to air conditioning , which occurred since first time the shut down happened. Thought this problem was supposed to be fixed with the software upgrade that they installed after the last occurrence. It appeared that this defect happened every 18,000 miles . Now there is 79,000 miles on the car.

My Toyota Prius stalled while moving at about 35-40 mph in city traffic in chandler, arizona. The emergency light came on and the engine quit. I was able to maneuver the car to the side of the road as it coasted, then we pushed it into a parking lot. I had the car towed to tempe Toyota (now power Toyota) and they re-programmed the on-board computer, and I haven't had a problem since.