Possible anti-theft malfunction?

[Vic Doucette]

I've always noticed the anti-theft symbol (blinking red light shaped like a car with a key shape inside it) blinking red after I shut off and lock my car. I assume that means it's working properly.
In the last day or so the blinking red light has turned to a steady yellow/orange light.
Dioes this mean I have a problem? What might it be?

[rigormortis]

isn't it supposed to blink in the first 30 seconds after you lock it, and then stop blinking?
you can always test it by rolling a window down, locking the car, and then waiting a bit.. then reach through the open window and open the door.... and the alarm should go off

[EZW1]

I believe the light is solid for 30 seconds after you close the door, then begins to blink. I read this in Toyota documentation somewhere. Now, if the light is changing color to yellow, then I would be inclined to believe this is a problem.

[rigormortis]

are u sure were talking about the same light? theres an alarm light that stays on and flashes and theres an amber light that flashes or stays solid if your key is out of range.
i dont think its possible for the red alarm light to even change color

if u wanna test it, then do that lock with the window rolled down reach through the doors thingy. the hood will set it off too.

lets start from scatch by doing the arm through the window. open door open hood to make sure its okay before we send you to the dealer

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by rigormortis

are u sure were talking about the same light? theres an alarm light that stays on and flashes and theres an amber light that flashes or stays solid if your key is out of range.
i dont think its possible for the red alarm light to even change color

if u wanna test it, then do that lock with the window rolled down reach through the doors thingy. the hood will set it off too.

I believe this is the correct answer.

As for flashing, the red light flashes indefinitely when the immobilizer is active.

Tom

[revans9]

Originally Posted by qbee42

I believe this is the correct answer.

As for flashing, the red light flashes indefinitely when the immobilizer is active.

Tom

I have only had my 2009 Prius for a couple of weeks but never noticed the alarm flashing until yesterday when I turned the engine off. Is it operating correctly? Does this cause a drain on the battery? What is the immobilizer?

Janice

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by revans9

I have only had my 2009 Prius for a couple of weeks but never noticed the alarm flashing until yesterday when I turned the engine off. Is it operating correctly? Does this cause a drain on the battery? What is the immobilizer?

Janice

The immobilizer is part of the electronics that keeps the Prius from starting if you don't have a key fob. Think of it as an electronic engine lock.

The immobilizer light blinks red whenever the car is shut off, as a warning to potential thieves. A flashing yellow indicator means that the key fob is no longer detected when the car is operating. In this mode you can continue to drive until the car is powered off, but then it will not start again until a key fob is recognized.

Tom