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REd Triangle of Death - but no problems or codes?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015.

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  1. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    2005 with 123,000 miles. I have owned for a few thousand miles. Car was dealer maintained at every recommended interval. Car runs perfect.
    After car sat for a week or so, I drove it and the red triangle popped up along with PROBLEM statement and take to immediately to dealer symbol. Red Triangle and other warnings repeats every once in awhile - will go a day without, and then will come on and off within a couple miles. Car continues to run fine. There are no other check engine lights. I have checked all the fluids and they are fine. The battery charges fine, and holds the charge overnight. I have a generic code reader and there are no codes. I have read other posts, and there are always problems that seem to come with the Triangle. Gas mileage is fine as well.
    Any suggestions on what to try next?
     
    #1 Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how is the 12 volt? you may need a toyota specific code reader.
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 25, 2015
  3. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    I thought about the 12 volt but didn't check it yet. Car starts fine. I will have to check records if it was replaced
     
    #3 Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a funny thing, how the car can start, yet the voltage fluctuations can create havoc with the computers. if not starting were the first symptom, 12v evaluation would be much simpler.
     
    #4 bisco, Mar 25, 2015
  5. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    You say you checked all fluids, but just to be sure, the oil level is OK? Did you look inside the inverter coolant tank for movement, indicating the inverter coolant pump is working?
     
    #5 nh7o, Mar 25, 2015
  6. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    Oil was perfect. Checked twice as I saw that is a common culprit
     
    #6 Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015
  7. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    Inverter coolant pump? Where is that located. The triangle has come on when relatively cold and hot
     
    #7 Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    under the hood, against the fire wall, is the coolant tank. it's in the manual. there should be turbulence inside the reservoir when the car is made 'ready'.
     
    #8 bisco, Mar 25, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    has the car had all the recalls completed?
     
    #9 bisco, Mar 25, 2015
  10. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    I will check the coolant tank tomorrow and yes all recalls done.
     
    #10 Paul Soldridge, Mar 25, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get a digital volt meter, 10 bucks. in the morning, before turning on the car, open the passenger door, lean over and pop the hood. inside the fuse box is a jump point for the 12 volt. it should read 12.5 volts or better.
     
    #11 bisco, Mar 25, 2015
  12. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    I will do this test - why open the passenger door and pop the hood?
     
    #12 Paul Soldridge, Mar 26, 2015
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you open the drivers door, it activates the brake accumulator and other electronics, which reduce the voltage reading. you can also leave the hood popped the night before, or go straight to the battery, but that requires a bit more work.
     
    #13 bisco, Mar 26, 2015
  14. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    Something similar happend to me yesterday. I have an 06 with 160k and the red triangle came on for the first time yesterday and the word "problem" comes on the Nav screen. It only stays on for a few seconds and then goes off. I think I have seen a pattern of it coming on while on curves on the highway at higher speeds but I'm not sure.
     
    #14 Kevin06prius, Mar 26, 2015
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your oil level.
     
    #15 bisco, Mar 26, 2015
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  16. Paul Soldridge

    Paul Soldridge Junior Member

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    Drove mine to work today - 15 miles and no triangle! I am going to try the battery test Saturday morning.
     
    #16 Paul Soldridge, Mar 26, 2015
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    another thing to check is the battery connections. at the posts, and especially the negative to body ground. a loose or corroded connection can cause computer problems.
     
    #17 bisco, Mar 26, 2015
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    That's easier said than done. Any typical male will go hunting for a $10 meter, but then the little nagging voices start, and next thing you know... Anyway, you end up with a really kick nice person meter. ;)
     
    #18 Mendel Leisk, Mar 26, 2015
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  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    may it serve you well, for many years to come.:)
     
    #19 bisco, Mar 26, 2015
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yup, well: I need it, gotta sort out the dud AA batteries every so often. :ROFLMAO:
     
    #20 Mendel Leisk, Mar 26, 2015
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