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Red Triangle Flashed Screen Said Problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ITGuy1024, Feb 24, 2014.

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  1. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Good evening all,

    Pulling into the gym tonight the old red triangle flashed for a second and the car sort of hesitated. But after that it drove ok the remaining 100 feet to the parking space. When I left the it started ok and after about a few minutes and a mile down the road the screen displayed "Problem" at the top and I noticed the lights and dash lights were getting a bit dim but came back right away when I started moving.

    Figure I'm going to take it to the dealer tomorrow and see what they say but wanted some ideas of what I'm in for. It's a 2006 with 102k miles on it. It's been a few years and probably about 60k miles since the 12v was replaced.

    Cheers
     
    #1 ITGuy1024, Feb 24, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Have you checked the oil level in the car?

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 24, 2014
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  3. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    I did this morning and it looked ok but it was dark out, no garage. Where should the oil come up to on the dip stick?
    It drove fine to work this morning, I'll go out and check the level again when there's more light.
     
    #3 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  4. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Checked again and it seems pretty low. Going to stop over lunch and pick some up.

    If anyone has more thoughts feel free to chime in.
     
    #4 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  5. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Check the oil when the car is on level ground and has been sitting (engine off) for about 10 minutes or more. Remove the dipstick and wipe it first, then insert it for a few seconds before removing it to take the reading. Anywhere between the two marked dimples near the bottom of the stick is acceptable, but ideally it should be close to (but not over) the top dimple.
     
    #5 uart, Feb 25, 2014
  6. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    BTW. Make sure you keep an eye on the energy monitor graphic (on the MFD) during all of this to make sure the HV battery is maintaining a healthy state of charge.

    Other things to check are:
    1. The 12V battery health/voltage.
    2. That there's circulation in the HV coolant loop. (look in reservoir when car is on).
     
    #6 uart, Feb 25, 2014
  7. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    The most likely cause of your problem is a low oil level.
     
    #7 usnavystgc, Feb 25, 2014
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The oil needed from the bottom low Mark on the dipstick to the top full Mark is 1.6 quarts. Don't over fill when you top off

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #8 JC91006, Feb 25, 2014
  9. Rich12

    Rich12 Member

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    Your problem is not oil level; you'll be buying a new 12v in the near future, my friend!
     
    #9 Rich12, Feb 25, 2014
  10. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    I'll check the voltage on my way out for lunch.

    Thanks guys!
     
    #10 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  11. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    If a door switch senses that it is "ajar", you will get an alert, but it mentions that you should be in PARK.

    JeffD
     
    #11 jdenenberg, Feb 25, 2014
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm not going to pretend to know what your problem is here.
    No harm in checking the oil. However...

    I have sincere doubts that is your problem.

    But let us know what the dealer says...
     
    #12 The Electric Me, Feb 25, 2014
  13. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Following these instructions, my voltage levels are in bold.
    DO-IT-YOURSELF TEST PROCEDURE (thanks to jdenenberg):
    - Without brake pedal, press the Power button once and release to enter ACC mode
    - Press and hold the MFD Info button, then turn the headlights on and off three times to enter Maintenance mode; release Info button
    - Press “Menu” (on screen)
    - Press “Display Check”
    - Press “Vehicle Signal Check” - the battery voltage is shown and should be about 12.4 to 12.8 Volts (normal for an unloaded battery). Mine was 12.1v
    - Again without brake pedal, press Power button and release to put a current load on the battery - the voltage should stay above 12.0V (if less than 12.0V the battery is not well, or there is a fault or unusual load somewhere). Mine was 11.4v
    - Press brake pedal and press Power button once to enter "Ready" mode - the battery is now charging at about 14V (if less than 13.6V or more than 14.4 there may be a problem with the charging circuit). Mine was 14.1v
    - Turn car OFF to leave Maintenance mode

    So maybe this is my issue. But I will still top off the oil =)
     
    #13 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It could be multiple problems the OP is experiencing. The dimming of the lights are unusual for low oil, this would normally happen on a regular car with an ice engine when it's about to die and the car is going to shut down. But a Prius shouldn't just die as it has an electric motor as well.

    The 12v battery can be a problem but as the car is running, it should be the hybrid traction battery that's powering the car, not the 12v.
     
    #14 JC91006, Feb 25, 2014
  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The battery levels you are showing shouldn't have the effect on the car you are experiencing. It's not your 12v that's causing the problem. But 11.4 volts is definitely too low with a load on it.
     
    #15 JC91006, Feb 25, 2014
  16. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Well also like I said, my lights were getting a bit dim sitting at the stop light. Maybe alternator?
     
    #16 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There is no alternator in this car. How low was the oil level? Below the low mark on the dipstick?
     
    #17 JC91006, Feb 25, 2014
  18. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Yes it appeared to be below that. Which is surprising because I just changed the oil about 3000 miles ago. No signs of leaks.
     
    #18 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
  19. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Well, is it asking too much for you to 1) add some engine oil and 2) replace the 12V battery? I believe if you address both of those issues then your car will be fine.
     
    #19 Patrick Wong, Feb 25, 2014
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  20. ITGuy1024

    ITGuy1024 Junior Member

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    Not at all.. I'll be taking care of them as soon as I can..
     
    #20 ITGuy1024, Feb 25, 2014
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