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RED TRIANGLE OF DEATH!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Sam5309, Aug 18, 2015.

  1. Sam5309

    Sam5309 Junior Member

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    I bought my 2007 Prius 2 years ago and have had zero problems until about a month ago. I began getting the "red triangle of death" intermittently. I have changed the oil, replaced the battery in my keyfob and replaced the 12v battery this past Saturday. The car is running fine and the gas mileage is normal at 47-54 mpg. Could the extreme AZ heat this year be playing a nasty role in all of this? HELP!!!

    That is my worst fear! He has 150,000 in him and still runs great. Still have 2 years to pay on him. Is there a way to check if the Hybrid battery is weak like I learned on YouTube for the 12v? I found that to be very weak. Toyota wants $125 just to run a diagnostic.

    ICK! Is he safe to drive?
     
    #1 Sam5309, Aug 18, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    arghhh!!!:eek: welcome to priuschat. the hybrid battery could have a questionable cell, or the battery cooling fan might need cleaning, both can be exacerbated by heat. how many miles on her?

    the only way is to get a mini vci from amazon, hook it up to a laptop and map the battery cells while driving.

    hmm, good question...
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 18, 2015
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would spend the $125 and find out what's wrong. It's not necessarily the HV battery but if it is you could get a remanufactured one for as little as a $1100. There are several vendors doing this, here's one:

    Prius 2004-2009 | GreenTec Auto
     
    #3 rjparker, Aug 18, 2015
  4. Sam5309

    Sam5309 Junior Member

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    Thanks RJ and I am going to take it to Toyota but my question now is, is it safe to drive? I am a single mom with a mortgage and lack the funds to do this for about 2 weeks. Damn I hate being a grown up. Lol. If it is not safe to drive, will have to come up with a plan B.
     
    #4 Sam5309, Aug 18, 2015
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    What warning lights are on, besides the red master warning triangle? Are there any warning messages or warning icons on the MFD?

    Have you checked all engine compartment fluids including the radiator coolant level? You need to remove the large black plastic cover over the radiator for access to the radiator cap. Do not rely on looking at the overflow container fluid level.

    If the car is performing normally, the fluid levels are good, and the only warning light is the red triangle, then you should be OK driving the car until you can get it checked out.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Aug 18, 2015
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Probably not a safety issue unless the car quits in the middle of a freeway. A towing expense could easily cost more than the diagnostic. There is a possibility that a cooling fan or water pump is failing which could eventually cause more expensive problems to pile on to what could otherwise be a manageable issue.

    You might want to ask friends for a trusted mechanic recommendation and then call to find out if they will give you a free diagnostic scan. Some auto supply stores will scan free for you but they are bad at interpreting what the trouble codes mean, especially on a hybrid.
     
    #6 rjparker, Aug 18, 2015
  7. Sam5309

    Sam5309 Junior Member

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    Thanks Patrick. Only the "red triangle of death" is lit. All fluids are good. Will double check radiator in the morning but when I checked the last time, it was fine. When this all started, fluids were the first things I checked.
     
    #7 Sam5309, Aug 18, 2015
  8. Sam5309

    Sam5309 Junior Member

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    RJ, diagnostic has been run at just a regular mechanic shop with no codes at all. Not real confident in that shop either since he told the red triangle meant a low tire.
     
    #8 Sam5309, Aug 18, 2015
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Any results?
     
    #9 rjparker, Aug 25, 2015
  10. Dino33ca

    Dino33ca Member

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    Have you checked the oil level?
     
    #10 Dino33ca, Aug 25, 2015
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    have you gotten the triangle AFTER the oil change?
     
    #11 JC91006, Aug 25, 2015
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