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"Check engine" light on/Dashbord doesn't light up

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Katia P, Jan 4, 2015.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This is a case where you got too much helpful information........There is a thing as too much good info.
     
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  2. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Haha :)
     
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Too comical. Can't believe this went to FOUR pages; slowest moving train wreck.

    Consider perusing through the owners manual to get better acquainted with your Prius. Esp what the various dash lights mean.

    Consider acquiring a new charger or a trickle charger, if you don't already have one. Schumacher SSC-1500A/CA is available for $42.65 at Amazon and Wrongmart. This charger is fully automatic after the user makes the initial selection as to battery type (Standard, Gel, AGM), then Amperage rate (3 or 15). AGM and 3Amp will be for the Prius. Std and 3A or 15A will likely be for your husband's truck.

    It is in your best interest to learn to check the oil level yourself on a regular basis (ever gas fill-up, every other gas fill-up, once a week at home on a level driveway/garage, etc). Doing so allows you to first hand see how much oil your car is consuming, if any; may begin to see consumption as you approach 100k miles. There have been numerous posts of people posting for the first time that their Prius is "all of a sudden," consuming a lot of oil or the "low oil light," is on, when the reality has most likely been , the car has been telling you this, but the owner never knew b/c the oil level has never been checked until now. Too late.

    Also, since it seems like you let someone else do the maintenance, you should really check the oil level after they have performed an oil change. Lots of postings of problems from an overfilled crankcase.

    With oil level checks, periodically check the air pressure. There are lots of postings here on air pressure.
     
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  4. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Thank you :) I'm sure this whole thing is comical to a pro :) I seriously am so far from that...But you are right, I definitely need to learn to check the oil and other liquids myself. And an automatic charger is a great idea! I do feel after this discussion and research that the problem here is not oil or even the engine, but the combination meter panel. It's pretty clear, considering my oil was full and the car actually drives with no problem! I'm so thankful to everyone who took time out to write and help me! ;)
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    any news?
     
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  6. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Yes, thanks for asking! So, again today the dashboard didn't work and again I couldn't turn the car off...Then, after a workout, the dashboard started to work again! I went to the dealership, brought my extended warranty paper with me. Thanks to all you guys here, I was educated on the matter and I confidently told them that the issue is a dashboard...At first, I was told that since it was working, they won't be able to replace it, and I would have to wait until it stopped working again. Then, they did the check on my car and "no shut off" code came up, which I was told was related to the MFD. Soooo, they agreed to replace it and gave me nice rental. I'm so relieved! I'm liking my rental a little too much right now. I feel like a Prius-cheater :)Thank you again for all your help! At the very least you all helped me save $108 for the diagnosis, tow truck fee and who knows what other charges! And, most importantly, I'm not stressing out over it :) I was so happy to be educated on the matter. It was one of the few times that I came into a car repair place knowing what was wrong and what needed to be done :)
     
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  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    You should strive to be in that position at all times. As long as you own a Prius you can come to this forum and ask away, before having repair services performed.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!(y)
     
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  9. Katia P

    Katia P Junior Member

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    Thank you! Yes, I will!