Several issues after changing cabin air filter, Please Help!

I would say don't use the other modes at all. It's just too easy to lose track of time and drain one or both batteries; very bad juju. If you're doing anything with the car turn it fully ON ("Ready") and if you're not actually moving leave it in Park and the parking brake set. Then the car will tend its own batteries as it was designed to do.

If you don't have the Owner's Manual for your model year buy a copy and read it. It's not the best-written document but it's full of crucial stuff every operator needs to know. And finally, note very carefully which side of the engine air filter is up. It's easy to install it upside-down, and it won't work very well that way.

 

The "Park" button shifts to Park, just like "P" in a conventional car. The parking brake is a foot pedal on the far left of the floor: it ratchets and stays down when set (when you push it toward the floor with your foot), and then releases when you push it (step on it) again.

The "READY" light is the very first thing to the right of the speedometer. If it is *not* lit with a lighted box around it and yet you can still drive the car something is very wrong. And Yes, those button sequences will have different results (I hesitate to say what exactly without seeing exactly how they are being performed).

 

I will second what Richard said. If you don't see "Ready" on your dash when you are driving the car, then there is something seriously wrong.

Normally, what you should do when the Prius is completely turned off, to place the car in "Ready" mode, you would do the following.

1. Insert Key Fob, if your car has the Smart Key System, then you can simply carry the key in your pocket.
2. With your foot, step down firmly on the brake and hold it down.
3. Press the "Power" button once on the dash.

The Prius should go into ready mode a few seconds after you have done step 3.

Proper procedure to shut down your Prius is the following.

1. After coming to a complete stop, push the P button which will place the transaxle in Park.
2. Press the "Power" button once on the dash.
3. The Prius should power down at that point.
4. Remove the key fob if you don't have SKS (smart key).

I too advise not to use any of the other modes, as you can drain the 12 volt battery quickly.

I am posting a pic for you of what to look for on your car when you are in "Ready mode". The pic is of a Gen 2 '09 model. Your car should be similar.



Other than that, I too suggest you read the owner's manual.

Hope this helps.

Ron (dorunron)

 

Hey John,
Great info here. I just wanted to clear a couple things up that I'm sure you know but since phisixfly is new, he should know.

Pushing the start button once without your foot on the brake puts you in "ACC" or accessory mode (just like moving your key to the first click (or back on an older car) of a regular car.

Pushing the start button twice w/out your foot on the brake puts you in "IG-ON" mode (this is the same as turning your regular car key to on but not all the way to start).

Pushing the start button three times w/out your foot on the brake puts you in "OFF" (the same as turning your key off on a regular car).

Pushing the start button w/ your foot on the brake is the same as turning your key to the "START" position on a regular car but, its called "Ready" mode on a Prius. This is the only time the car "should" start.

Phisix is saying his car starts when he does this. Phisix, can you make sure you're not pressing the brake the second time you press the "Start" button?

 

I don't believe your Prius is messed up. I think it just goes back to knowing the Prius and how its supposed to work.

I do agree that your 12V battery is causing your problems. Recommend replacement ASAP then, report back any problems.

 

If you can drive the car, then you should be able to find that the READY indicator is lit.

If all the warning lights appear, then you should not be able to drive the car (at least, not very far.)

 

If you can drive the car without putting your foot on the brake to get the car in ready it is possible either the brake switch contacts have stuck or the brake switch is wrongly adjusted. Check the brake lights (on the rear of the car) to see if they are on without you touching the brakes.

Usnavystgc thanks for your clarification on button modes.

 

Has Toyota added an accessory mode indicator in the Gen III models?

 

If you can put it in gear and drive without putting your foot on the brake when pressing the start button, there is definitely something wrong. I'm guessing there is something wrong with your brake light switch (out of adjustment or defective (always on)). Can you turn your car on and get out to check to see if the brake lights are always on?