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2010 Oil Change Indicator and Check Engine light.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by priuspostus, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. priuspostus

    priuspostus New Member

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    Hi everyone -
    (This is my first post in over 3 years. I've been working on automotive software for a living, and didn't want to mess with cars as a hobby too!)

    I just did the first oil change on my 2010. After an unplanned trip to the dealership to get the filter (local autoparts stores don't have them yet), I changed the oil and filter. I then reset the Oil change indication with the MPH/kmh button; it no longer appears. But the Check Engine light is still on.

    Do the rest of you get the check engine light alsowhen your oil change indication turns on? Did they both turn off when you reset?

    Or, heaven forbid, does my check engine light point to something else that just happened to occur at the exact same time as my oil change indication triggered?

    Thanks!
    PriusPostus
     
  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Sorry, but something "not normal" has happened. You shouldn't see the check-engine light.

    If you had a reader (like ScanGauge) available, it would be a simple matter of looking up what the code is telling you.

    It could be a lucky coincidence and a easy-to-fix problem like a loose gas gap. It is more likely something related to the change itself. Perhaps oil pressure is low due to a filling problem or the cartridge somehow causing blockage.

    Good luck.
    .
     
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  3. priuspostus

    priuspostus New Member

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    Thanks John - the check engine light came on at the same time as the oil change indicator, not after I changed the oil. It stayed on after the change, and after I reset the reminder. So I don't think it is on due to the oil change.

    I'll check the gas cap too.
     
  4. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Since the oil-change indicator flashes for 500 miles before changing solid, it was hard to tell what the timing was.

    I actually had a car die up on the ramps. The ignition system just happened to croak at that very moment. So, it's not unheard of for such a coincidence.
    .
     
  5. garygid

    garygid Senior Member - Blizzard Pearl

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    I just reached 4700 mi and now I get a warning message at startup that an oil change is due soon,
    and I think the 250 (or so) miles remaining is also shown.
    No warning light, flashing or otherwise.

    I will drive another 2x 37 miles today and watch for the startup
    message and any "indicator lights".
    I just added a Scangauge II yesterday, and there were no error codes then.
     
  6. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Oil change indicator is mileage driven only. No other factors are considered. 4500 miles = "Oil maintenance required soon" warning. 5000+ miles = "Oil maintenance required" warning that will not disappear until the display button is pressed on the steering wheel.
     
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  7. Old Drum

    Old Drum New Member

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    Thanks. I had my oil change at 1000 miles. I am now near 5000 miles and am getting that message.

    Can you change the mileage when the warning comes on?
     
  8. Bica2go

    Bica2go New Member

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  9. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    Sorry - I am lost... Prius 2010 tells you when the oil change is due? how? I didn't see this on the owner's manual...
    Is that only on US version of the Prius?
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    a warning light comes on, maintenance required or something like that. it's really just a reminder. it is in the u.s. manual and how to reset it. (turn it off.)
     
  11. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    Found it on page 512 of the US manual. I don't think it is available for the EU version.
    I don't understand why - it is only software...and it is a very useful function...
    Oh well....at least in EU we have the head-up display standard... :)
     
  12. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    AFAIK, it is only a mile counter and doesn't take into consideration the type of driving you are doing or engine operating conditions, so you aren't missing much. I'll trade you my oil change indicator for your HUD.:rockon:

    I wish I had a HUD in mine, my other car has one and I love it.
     
  13. vday

    vday Member

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    Same here in Israel
    HUD Standard
    No oil change warning in the manual
    No surprise as cars here generally come with European spec. unless an American car (one of the big 3) and built in the USA :)
     
  14. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Yes, it's a minor annoyance installed by Toyota for their American customers. :) It's based on mileage only (every 5K miles) and has no real significance now that oil changes are at 10K mile intervals. Fortunately it's easy to reset but apparently impossible to turn off completely.
     
  15. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    The 5k indicator does have significance. It means you are supposed to go to the dealer and get your wallet vacuumed out.
     
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  16. prius4driver

    prius4driver Junior Member

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    Loved that "wallet vacuumed out" comment! Can't figure out why it costs me $60 for an oil change at Toyota, and my husband pays $40 for the same service on his Dodge diesel pickup--12 qts. of non-synthetic oil.
     
  17. Colonel Ronson

    Colonel Ronson New Member

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    It costs $60 because your prius requires 0W-20 oil, which is synthetic. Its cheaper to do an oil change on a car that doesn't require synthetic. Look up oil changes for BMWs and Audis that require synthetic oil, and $60 is a bargain. I used to pay $65 for an oil change for non-synthetic at infiniti.