Strange happenings: Dead, blinking panel, and triangle

Hello my Prius People,

I need some input as my 2008 Prius (106K miles) may have to go into the shop (TampaHybrids, cheaper than Clearwater or Autonation Toyota locally).

For the last few weeks, I have been watching the Consumption screen as the MPG has gone way down. I have checked it with and without the AC on, still low MPG. The car starts a trip with 4 to 5 dark blue lines, but when I get to the first stop sign or light, it shows 2 purple lines but it does recover with a bit of driving (was wondering about the hybrid system).

This past Sunday, I turned on the car, and used a plug in air pump to help my son with his van. I turned off the car, by hitting the start button and went inside. About an hour later, the smart key wouldn't open the car (did I put it an aux mode and drain it was a thought - as I have killed the 12v previously). I hit the fob several times and beep was not loud and the car would not unlock. I used the hidden key to open the car. Tried to start it and nothing. Held down the start with foot on the brakes and ALL lights came up, including triange. Held the Start down again and the squares showing Drive and Reverse Blinked strangely and blanked out, leaving the boxes. Held down the start again to make sure it would go off and it did. I went and got my spare fob. It opened, and it started. I ran it around the block but after backing out of the driveway, and putting it in Drive - I got the Triangle but it went away as I drove forward. I turned off the lights (as I tend to leave them on) and drive it around the block daily, as I don't have errands and have some concerns. It now starts up, and the fob works the doors, but as I put it in Drive, I do get the Triangle but it goes aways. Consumption lines are still doing the same (start with 3 - 5 dark blue lines - goes to 2 purple and then recovers).

Am I dealing with a weakening Hybrid system? All I have learned from this group and articles seem to be pointing that direction.

I do have an Extended warranty for one more year - so I'm covered, just concerned.

As TampaHybrids seems to be open on Mon/Thurs/Fri only currently, I have to work with Family and Friends in this adventure.

 

Strange I started writing this from the gen too maintenance board. I will try to change.

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I didnt think it was in auxillary mode as I have already killed a 12v since I got the car in 2016. I did leave it alone for a bit. It is starting daily now.

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oh I see. I've used a tire pump (in cigarette lighter) before, and never had it lose all power. But If I left it in Aux mode by accident, I could see where it would drain. Just Strange.

Thank you ALL for the input. I enjoy this car alot. It needs an AC, which is covered and will get done in the next month...but I had never see it blink, blank P/R/D/B boxes...so weird.

 

With 1 yr left on my extended warranty I would rather it fail now and not this time nxt yr. Yes I do need a charger too. Thank you.

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Well what do you know, I was lied to by a salesman. $1400 for an extended warranty and you all are right - no coverage for the battery pack. But $1600 AC is covered.
As I have a bit more to pay on the car I will be looking at pack replacement. Running over to TampaHybrids next week, thanks to work schedule. I'll keep all in the loop. Anyone help with a low interest loan (har har). Kidding. MPG isn't getting above 34 where I was 42. So it begins....Thank you again for this forum ( and to the Admin the moved my post to the right place)

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