Red Triangle Flashed Screen Said Problem

The only ways I can think of for the lights to dim in ready are:

• Transient inverter problem - It provides up to 100 amps of ~14v to the 12v bus while in READY - difficult to diagnose so see if it reoccurs. An overheating Inverter (bad pump) can cause a shutdown so check for turbulence in the reservoir.
• Momentary shorted cell in the 12v battery drawing a high charging current - Replace the 12v battery.
• Momentary partial short along the 12v bus - there is a 100 amp fuse that you don't want to blow - perhaps rodents nesting and chewing on wires - check for nesting materials in the two air filters (Engine & Cabin)

JeffD

 

You know, it def takes some courage to come on here, post your problem then have to admit that the oil was extremely low (I know it would be hard for me to admit). We, I appreciate your honesty.

Now you need to monitor your oil level at least once every 2 weeks but I'd recommend every week to begin with. Once you figure out your consumption, you can keep the oil at a safe level.

 

1. I'm wondering how low the oil level was?
2. Further, with regards to the momentary drop in voltage on the 12V bus evidenced by flickering lights: even though the 12V battery was reported to be OK, I think it is possible that the battery is marginal. If the battery was in good condition it should have helped to maintain voltage on the 12V bus over that brief period of time when the inverter voltage output faltered.

 

Well, I think we can safely assume it was below the dipstick.

I'm imagining the "Problem" indicator is triggered by low oil pressure. My experience says the oil has to get awfully low for that to happen (like less than a quart).

 

It's not unusual for the Gen2 cars to burn some oil at high mileage. You will just have to monitor your car from this point to see how much oil it's burning and at what frequency. Top off accordingly.

As of now, it's burning at least 2qts every 3000 miles, possibly more. What type of oil are you using? I hope you haven't switched to 0w-20 grade

 

When did you start using synthetic oil? I had a similar issue where my oil started burning. But that was because I went to 0w-20 synthetic oil at 120k. Amazingly the car that has never seen synthetic and always had dealer 5w-30 oil doesn't burn much of anything at 150k.

 

It is very unusual for a Prius 1.5L engine to burn that much oil at 102k. My 01 is at 129k and it doesn't burn a lick, My 06 was at 117k didn't burn a lick and my 05 is at 149k and it burns about a quart every 5k (estimate). Now I know I'm just one person but, that's 3 data points.

ITGuy, can you do us a favor and report back here your oil usage when you figure it out?

 

My experience, which is limited, I've seen many people that have switched to synthetic late in the car's life. After the switch to synthetic is when the car starts to burn oil. Not sure why but that seems to be what I've noticed.

M1 is all syntheic.

 

My 2004 is at 255k miles, has always used full syn oil (5W-30), and now uses about 1 qt per 5k miles. Oil usage was zero till about 150k miles.

JeffD