Prius new owner - Day 3 - starting problems!! :(

I had similar problems with my 2002 Prius, all sorts and combinations of warning lights. The hybrid battery was discharging awfully quickly, the AC unit was quitting frequently on hot days but reactivating for short spells when I cycled its switches.

After REPEATED trips to Toyota, readings taken from computer logs, etc., that indicated a battery cell or two were not charging and that the AC unit's electronics board was probably damaged, I still chose NOT to replace the recall-replacement hybrid battery NOR to replace the AC unit's electronic components. Instead, by chance when seeking a third reading, I asked Toyota to please check out the air ventilation system for moisture, since I had been getting internal fog when turning on the heater. THAT was the problem causing ALL of the others -- rodents' nests in ducts, compartments filled with small pine cones and acorns, blocking air flow to electronic components, holding moisture from rain/snow, creating havoc with the electronics, but doing no damage to them!

For under $200, mostly in labor to get at the various vent ducts, I had avoided several thousand dollars in needless replacements of electronics parts.

Driving for months with the nasty triangle on most of the time (a HUGE no-no!) was a bit unnerving. But, all is well now. Mothballs are under the hood to discourage critters from nesting again, since there is apparently no way to block access into some or all of the air vents and ducts.

Check your vent ducts (not easy to do), or your assortment of problems may not go away.