Constant warning light red car with key in it.

Prius charging system is weak. Doesn't seem to maintain very well. I charge mine a couple times a month to make sure.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Constant warning light red car with key in it.

It means the immobiliser is active. Are you describing the correct thing, because that light should always be blinking after you remove the key fob from the slot. It is supposed to catch the eye of potential thieves and deter them from trying to steal your car.

FYI,

If the battery was so flat as to need a jump, a 30 min drive is nowhere adequate. Also, unlike other cars, you don't need to drive a Prius to charge up the 12 V, it just has to be READY. It will take about 16-20 hours of sitting READY to fully charge up the battery, so it is better to just put it on an external charger until it is fully charged. In any case, it may be too late for this particular battery; they don't tolerate being totally discharged for any length of time very well.

 

What dolj said. It is normal if car is off with no key in car. Mine has always done this since I bought it new in 2009. Theft detterent.

 

If you don't have your manual handy, Toyota has an explanation of all of the dash indicators at:
Dashboard Indicators | 2010 Prius
hope this helps!

 

admittedly, i don't see a 'red car with key in it'.

 

Actually, it should be a red car with a padlock and a very obvious keyhole.


EDIT: This is the later year indicator, see the early year indicator below in post #11.

 

On a gen 2? 2005?
I don't think I've ever seen that before....

 

the confusion arises because the o/p has a 2010, but is discussing a 2005.

 

My base 2004 flashed it when it was locked (don't have it anymore, upgraded )

from Toyota 2005 Prius Dashboard Indicators:

 

OK, looked in my 2004 Owner's manual--what I had pasted is the new one (Toyota is showing it for 2005 in the online dash indicators). Here is the pic out of the book, (pg. 6 of 2004 manual) --just as the OP described it!


Explanation on Pg. 21 of 2004 manual:

 

Now we're cooking. Flashes all the time when car is off. Stays solid for about 30 seconds after exiting and locking the doors.. Obviously turns off when you press the power button.

 

My 2009 will turn this “red car with key in it light “ on for about 20 seconds when you push the SKS lock button on the door. After the 20 seconds it flashes every 2 seconds.

I tried to get a pic of mine but just looks like a red glob on camera, but post#11 has the image.

 

12 volts is almost dead, how old is it?

 

Reference this AGM battery voltage SOC (State of Charge) chart.
Battery Open Circuit Voltage | PriusChat
Consider replacing the battery w/ another AGM battery (Toyota, Bosch, Delco).

Why not invest $50-$100 in a smart AGM compatible 12V battery charger?
A non-AGM compatible charger will never full recharge an AGM battery b/c the charger will stop prematurely thinking the connected battery is fully charged, when it is not.