Check engine light?????

Have someone scan the vehicles and pull the DTC's. Write them down and report back here.

 

Some auto parts stores will scan for free, call around first if you haven't done this.

Driving the car with the engine check light on is risky, I wouldn't drive the car for any long length of time, try to avoid dangerous traffic spots, and suggest leaving the a/c off until you find the source of the problem ; morning driving would also be safer, in case the problem is heat related .

 

Is your gas cap on properly?

 

Since only the CEL came on, your hybrid system should be OK. The problem is mostly with the ICE (gas engine). If the car seems to run OK besides the CEL being on, it can be something simple, like a loose gas cap, or having overfilled the gas tank. I wouldn't be paranoid about getting the codes, but you should drive as little as possible, and get the codes. Autozone and other stores will read it for you. You can Google the OBDII code, and check with us. I would guess, since you didn't mention any drivability issues, that it is not a very serious problem. If any other lights came on, or there are drivability issues, then the problem may be more serious.

 

Welcome to Priuschat! Your best bet is to to limp it to an auto store as most will hook up a scanner and pull the codes for free.
Call around first and see if they can. Then write ALL those codes down and post them verbatim back here on this forum.
And no cabin filter is not an issue. But be aware unlike alot of other modern cars that can be driven around with a check engine light on a CEL on a Prius is usually a little more serious and should not be driven alot till you can figure out whats wrong with it.
Good Luck!

 

You can even less afford to destroy the car. Take it to a dealer for diagnosis and repair.

 

I think it would also be a good idea to pull the engine intake air filter
cover and see how dirty or torn it may be.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this -- it's really simple -- when you
go to the auto parts store to pull the codes, there's a good chance that if
you ask nicely, they would do it or you...

And if they don't appear to be bothered much at this point, you might
ask them, "How does the MAF sensor look?" It's right under the filter. If
it's all gunked up, it could need good acleaning. But DON'T DO IT YET...

Get the codes and post them first thing.

 

Hello. The check engine light comes on for my car when the car has gone about 5K without an oil change. The dealership restets the sensor when they change the oil, and some non-dealerships know how to find it. It flashes at around 4500 and stays steady at 5000. Take it into a dealer to have them reset the light.

At least that is what it means for my 2008. Hope this helps.

EDIT: just realized I am refering to the Maint Reqd light...SORRY!!