2005 with single red triangle occurrence but running normally now, no codes. New HV battery (dorman

There's sub codes, that most error code readers are unable to read... Make sure your 12 volt battery is healthy, 'because that can create all kind of crazy if it's 12v needs to be replaced. You can get a mechanic with Toyota techstream software to read subcodes, or use the Dr. Prius app on your phone via an OBD2 Bluetooth code reader. To figure out which OBD2 reader to buy you can go here: priusapp.com/obd I prefer Veepeak, which is a high quality super fast reader.

Main concern is that if you drive your car around with an error code/red triangle and ignore it you could cause way more costly damage to your car than if you deal with it right away.

 

Exactly.

There are codes stored, historical codes even if the light isn't on any more. If your reader can't read them, you need a better reader/software combo.

It could really be anything. Door ajar, O2 sensor problem, catastrophic failure of some kind, you don't know. And until you know, you shouldn't drive it. Once you know what it actually is, then you can determine if you can keep driving it.

 

A paradox: I always want to say never drive your car when there's an error code/warning light... At same time... The urge to get home without calling for a tow is real... The severe damage you can cause doing that is also very real. As much as I want to preach never ever drive a car when an error code is logged, even if your diagnostics on hand can't read it, I've had an error code or two that I tried to rationalize and just going for it an avoiding the hassle of unnecessary towing.

Or craziest of all was a call from a concerned mom who's daughter was given family's Gen 1 Prius when she went off to college and red triangle showed up... And well, let's just say it's been way more than a year and her daughter has been driving for thousands of miles ignoring it and I'm like "maybe get the error code read and cleared?" Guess that was too much to ask... Never heard from 'em again...

Perhaps someday in the future we'll be better equipped to help people in this regard? Thus far all our online interconnections and real time info is not yet enough to deal with this paradox... But perhaps soon?

 

Single triangle usually are

1 low oil
2 low coolant
3 inverter coolant pump failure

 

With and aging car and a replacement battery, I suggest you get a way to read error codes and data from the car.
Cost you less than $75 total for these 3 items
Android phone/tablet
Elm 327 Bluetooth Obdii adaptor
Torque Pro app

This will let you read and clear codes as well as see hybrid battery data live.

 

Yes, but be careful with which OBD2 adapter you buy, the cheaper ones that don't work aren't much different in price than the ones that work really well... I had to buy 3 on Ebay and return them before I got a Veepeak that worked well. As always learn more about this here: priusapp.com/obd

 

amazing, well done!

 

100% what?

 

For a small fee the app also lets you print out a certificate based on their tests(s)... Could come in handy if you're selling your car and want to entice the next buyer a bit. It's a good idea. Haven't done the tests yet, so don't know how valid they are yet.

 

I suspects the more diagnostic tools you use, the better.... Especially if you're getting ready to sell.

 

100%? That makes me laugh.
Why would a used battery be 100%?
The test is quite easy to manipulate.
So yeah, take it with a grain of salt.