Immobilization system light flashes while driving

Kinare · 03-24-2008, 08:41 PM

First time reader and poster...

I'm thinking of buying a 2004 used Prius. I had it inspected by an independent mechanic and they said everything is fine except the vanity lights don't work (from the flip down visors) and the security system warning light was flashing (was a very detailed 150-point check. They are familiar with hybrids).

When I drove the car, loved it. Every second. (I've always wanted one to be honest, and it was only sour grapes that made me think Prius owners are just hippies and pretentious types

)

But as I was driving it, I did notice a flashing light. It's a red light shaped like a car with a key inside of it. From reading a previous post, I think that's the immobilization system indicator light.

I am trying to figure out if this is a major deal. The light was blinking while the car was in motion. It seemed to blink constantly. The guy who was trying to sell it to me said that was the security system working (though I don't think he knew for sure, it was an independent seller who sells cars in his spare time).

I did some research on the internet, and what little I could find suggests that the key thingy (FOB?) was not configured properly and that's why the light was blinking.

Any heads up would be good. I am slated to possibly buy the car tomorrow. Any other warnings would be good at this point. I really really don't want buyers remorse on this.

Thank you.

richard schumacher · 03-24-2008, 09:04 PM

Was that a certified Prius mechanic? Those are symptoms of possibly serious wiring and/or computer problems which would be expensive to fix. This car needs a complete diagnosis before anyone buys it, to find out exactly what is wrong.

diamondlarry · 03-24-2008, 09:08 PM

I'm not familiar with older Prius but, could it be it has SKS and the batteries in the fob are dead?

V8Cobrakid · 03-24-2008, 09:42 PM

if the key light is lit.. it's the smart start looking for the key. maybe they started the key and left the fob at the dealership?

if the key is in the car, it should not do that. there should be 0 lights flashing while driving.. unless someone didn't buckle up.

Kinare · 03-24-2008, 09:56 PM

It was not a Toyota certified mechanic. He was looking for stuff that was wrong in general, like oil leaks and inoperable windows and malfunctioning lights and such.

The key was in the ignition (can it even be called that?). I put it there. The light was still blinking while driving.

I will ask about the SKS and battery thing. If that's the issue then great, I'm ready to buy. If not, I'll see if they can postpone sale for a day. If not I can walk away and no harm done.

Newb question... Why would the SKS cause the light to blink? Is anyone willing to test that on their Prius and see if the light blinks when you remove the battery (or know from experience with absolute certainty)?

Thanks, great help so far.

qbee42 · 03-24-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinare

The key was in the ignition (can it even be called that?). I put it there. The light was still blinking while driving.

I will ask about the SKS and battery thing. If that's the issue then great, I'm ready to buy. If not, I'll see if they can postpone sale for a day. If not I can walk away and no harm done.

Newb question... Why would the SKS cause the light to blink? Is anyone willing to test that on their Prius and see if the light blinks when you remove the battery (or know from experience with absolute certainty)?

Thanks, great help so far.

With the SKS, the key fob does not need to be inserted into the slot, but if it is inserted, no battery is needed. That pretty much eliminates the dead key fob battery theory. The car should not power up without the key fob, but once started the immobilizer light should stop flashing. You need to have this checked.

Tom

Patrick Wong · 03-24-2008, 10:32 PM

How many fobs does the car come with? If more than one try the other one to see if the red icon continues to flash. It should not flash when the car is in operation.

A Smart Key fob has the Toyota emblem embossed in silver while a non-Smart Key fob has the emblem in black only.

When the car is IG-ON do all warning lights turn on including the red triangle master warning light and the check engine light? Does the MFD work? (this is another source of warnings)

The red flashing light might mean that the fob was incorrectly programmed or this might mean that the immobilization system was somehow bypassed. Are you buying the car from a reputable source? Was the car in an accident?

If you don't have confidence in the seller I suggest extra care, verifying that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on all body panels, on the plate below the windshield, engraved on the body in the engine compartment etc.

I think that a mechanic who is not Prius-trained will have trouble providing an adequate assessment of the vehicle's electronics, lacking the proper code reader to retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes. A generic OBD-II reader is not adequate.

Kinare · 03-24-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

How many fobs does the car come with? If more than one try the other one to see if the red icon continues to flash. It should not flash when the car is in operation.

I'll have to ask, I'm not sure how many fobs or which kind (silver or black icon).

Quote:

When the car is IG-ON do all warning lights turn on including the red triangle master warning light and the check engine light? Does the MFD work? (this is another source of warnings)

I didn't see any other lights on when driving. I am not sure what the MFD is.

Quote:

The red flashing light might mean that the fob was incorrectly programmed or this might mean that the immobilization system was somehow bypassed. Are you buying the car from a reputable source? Was the car in an accident?

Carfax says no accidents. I am not sure if it's a reputable source. It's a couple who sells cars in their spare time. They seem nice but I don't want to base my decision on feelings. The car looks immaculate to be frank, except some wear on a black edge next to the driver's side window.

Quote:

I think that a mechanic who is not Prius-trained will have trouble providing an adequate assessment of the vehicle's electronics, lacking the proper code reader to retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes. A generic OBD-II reader is not adequate.

You are likely correct, and I really think I'm going to ask for them to take it to a dealer to have it checked out. When I initially talked with them, I wanted them to take it to a dealer so I could pay for an inspection. They balked big time, and said that it was a bad idea, because the dealer has a vested interest in me rejecting their vehicle. To me it made sense at the time, but it makes me wonder if they are trying to unload a lemon on me now.

So I'll ask to get it checked out, and if they say no I'll walk away from the sale. Thanks guys! You're so great. I really hope to get a Prius, but really not unless it's going to be a great car. I can still post here if I don't have one right =p

sparkyAZ · 03-24-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinare

I didn't see any other lights on when driving. I am not sure what the MFD is.

MFD= Multi-Function Display = the touch-screen LCD monitor in the middle of the dash

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinare

You are likely correct, and I really think I'm going to ask for them to take it to a dealer to have it checked out. When I initially talked with them, I wanted them to take it to a dealer so I could pay for an inspection. They balked big time, and said that it was a bad idea, because the dealer has a vested interest in me rejecting their vehicle. To me it made sense at the time, but it makes me wonder if they are trying to unload a lemon on me now.

So I'll ask to get it checked out, and if they say no I'll walk away from the sale. Thanks guys! You're so great. I really hope to get a Prius, but really not unless it's going to be a great car. I can still post here if I don't have one right =p

Tell them to take it to the dealer and that you want the same inspection as a Toyota Certified used vehicle would receive. If they tell the dealer they want a pre-sale inspection at the request of the buyer, the dealer does not have any vested interest except perhaps in finding problems that they can charge to repair. You can discuss the inspection report with your mechanic to determine what needs to be fixed and what does not. The seller has a vested interest in having you not find out about any serious problems, so I wouldn't go through with the deal without one.

Kinare · 03-25-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Does the MFD work?

Yes, thanks for the definition. It works fine. I checked it out.

I talked to them and they are OK with taking it back to either the original mechanic (which I had selected) or a dealership to find out what's wrong with it. The guy did mention that when he picked up his car from the mechanic, the mechanic said that he could probably fix it within an hour. The woman of the couple (I talked to both on the phone) said that when cars are shipped they have to be disconnected from the battery and somehow the problem arises from that. I'm kinda hazy on that.

The guy sounded kind of miffed on the phone that I'd want to wait an extra day, but still willing to do what I want to make me feel ok with the purchase.

A coworker has a son who is a Toyota certified mechanic (at a shop far, far away) and he said it would cost about $150 an hour to diagnose. The other shop, however, said they could do it for I think $85?

I'm inclined to think the problem is going to be minor so maybe have the guy take it to the local mechanic's shop (it's a clean looking shop, not a backyard mechanic). Plus the Toyota shop has a long wait time to get it in there.

I assume if it's a major issue the local mechanic won't be able to fix it and I'd get my answer that way.

Thoughts?

EDIT to add... the light is the only thing that appears to be wrong with it.

03-24-2008, 08:41 PM	#1
Kinare Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 59 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Immobilization system light flashes while driving First time reader and poster... I'm thinking of buying a 2004 used Prius. I had it inspected by an independent mechanic and they said everything is fine except the vanity lights don't work (from the flip down visors) and the security system warning light was flashing (was a very detailed 150-point check. They are familiar with hybrids). When I drove the car, loved it. Every second. (I've always wanted one to be honest, and it was only sour grapes that made me think Prius owners are just hippies and pretentious types ) But as I was driving it, I did notice a flashing light. It's a red light shaped like a car with a key inside of it. From reading a previous post, I think that's the immobilization system indicator light. I am trying to figure out if this is a major deal. The light was blinking while the car was in motion. It seemed to blink constantly. The guy who was trying to sell it to me said that was the security system working (though I don't think he knew for sure, it was an independent seller who sells cars in his spare time). I did some research on the internet, and what little I could find suggests that the key thingy (FOB?) was not configured properly and that's why the light was blinking. Any heads up would be good. I am slated to possibly buy the car tomorrow. Any other warnings would be good at this point. I really really don't want buyers remorse on this. Thank you.

03-24-2008, 09:04 PM	#2
richard schumacher ichorous liquor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 3,892 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Immobilization system light flashes while driving Was that a certified Prius mechanic? Those are symptoms of possibly serious wiring and/or computer problems which would be expensive to fix. This car needs a complete diagnosis before anyone buys it, to find out exactly what is wrong. Last edited by richard schumacher; 03-24-2008 at 10:41 PM.

03-24-2008, 09:08 PM	#3
diamondlarry EPA MPG #'s killer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 427 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	Re: Immobilization system light flashes while driving I'm not familiar with older Prius but, could it be it has SKS and the batteries in the fob are dead?

03-24-2008, 09:42 PM	#4
V8Cobrakid some guy... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,439 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	Re: Immobilization system light flashes while driving if the key light is lit.. it's the smart start looking for the key. maybe they started the key and left the fob at the dealership? if the key is in the car, it should not do that. there should be 0 lights flashing while driving.. unless someone didn't buckle up.

03-24-2008, 09:56 PM	#5
Kinare Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 59 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Immobilization system light flashes while driving It was not a Toyota certified mechanic. He was looking for stuff that was wrong in general, like oil leaks and inoperable windows and malfunctioning lights and such. The key was in the ignition (can it even be called that?). I put it there. The light was still blinking while driving. I will ask about the SKS and battery thing. If that's the issue then great, I'm ready to buy. If not, I'll see if they can postpone sale for a day. If not I can walk away and no harm done. Newb question... Why would the SKS cause the light to blink? Is anyone willing to test that on their Prius and see if the light blinks when you remove the battery (or know from experience with absolute certainty)? Thanks, great help so far.

03-24-2008, 10:32 PM	#7
Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 1,518 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	Re: Immobilization system light flashes while driving How many fobs does the car come with? If more than one try the other one to see if the red icon continues to flash. It should not flash when the car is in operation. A Smart Key fob has the Toyota emblem embossed in silver while a non-Smart Key fob has the emblem in black only. When the car is IG-ON do all warning lights turn on including the red triangle master warning light and the check engine light? Does the MFD work? (this is another source of warnings) The red flashing light might mean that the fob was incorrectly programmed or this might mean that the immobilization system was somehow bypassed. Are you buying the car from a reputable source? Was the car in an accident? If you don't have confidence in the seller I suggest extra care, verifying that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on all body panels, on the plate below the windshield, engraved on the body in the engine compartment etc. I think that a mechanic who is not Prius-trained will have trouble providing an adequate assessment of the vehicle's electronics, lacking the proper code reader to retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes. A generic OBD-II reader is not adequate. __________________ 2006 Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i 2004 Prius 2001 Prius (sold Feb. 2008, 75K miles) 2000 Ford Mustang GT conv.