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2008 Blinking red car warning light after the car is powered down

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gary I, Nov 9, 2014.

  1. Gary I

    Gary I Junior Member

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    2008 Blinking red car warning light after the car is powered down, if remote key is installed it stops
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    car alarm? prius interruptus?
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    normal light. probably telling you the key is not present
     
  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Hi Gary and welcome to Priuschat.

    This completely normal. The flashing light indicates that the immobilizer is activated. Putting the key fob in the slot deactivates the immobilizer.
     
  5. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    My wife dropped a bag of garbage out the 2nd floor window on top of my car. I guess it was easier than carrying it downstairs. Anyway the red light blinked furiously for hours, but the car started fine with SKS out of the slot. I don't know what the immobilizer immobilizes.
     
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The engine -- it's an anti-theft device. The idea is it makes your car a less desirable target as you can't simply break a window and hot wire it. Except in the movies of course! :D