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Red Triangle starting to come on as summer arrives

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Kloppo, Jun 5, 2020.

  1. Kloppo

    Kloppo New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2020
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    Location:
    Virginia, USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I've not gotten the red triangle in a long time, a couple years. Car is 2009 with 230k. 12v was replaced a few years ago.

    I noticed with was happening on longer trips, let's say over an hour of driving in the past few weeks. I've also been keeping a ton of items in my trunk space and covering it with the flap. I spoke to a mechanic at my dealer and he said it may be that there is too much stuff in the trunk.

    I know there is the vent in the back passenger side. It does not seem to have a mesh screen. Can take it off and stick a vacuum in there? Would it hard anything? I'm just wondering if it's dirty and then is there any merit to having too much stuff in the trunk? I keep my golf clubs, photobag, two backpacks with change of clothes, etc.

    The red light went off yesterday and the ambient temp cooled after a thunderstorm.

    Does anyone have any solutions if I actually want to go on a longer trip with my card loaded up in the summer?

    Thanks
     
    #1 Kloppo, Jun 5, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Would you happen to have any OBD2 codes (DTCs) that you can share with us?

    If you don't have an owners manual, or are unsure of what the dash warning lights indicate, you can download the set here for free : 2009 Toyota Prius Owners Manual and Warranty - Toyota Owners
    Too much stuff in the trunk shouldn't be a problem o_O

    Is there a problem with the HV battery fan which stored an OBD2 code (DTC) ?

    Stuff in the trunk or backseat area is fine, as long as stuff isn't blocking the air intake for the HV battery fan. If you've never serviced the HV battery fan then now would be a great time, there are plenty of write ups and videos that can walk you through it.

    After 230K miles the HV battery fan could be quite dirty, do you ever carry around kids, furries or long hairs?

    Have you checked the coolant level in the actual radiator, and not in the overflow tank?

    Stay on top of the factory maintenance schedule located in the manual before traveling.
     
    #2 SFO, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    davecook89t likes this.
  3. George W

    George W Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
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    Location:
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Low oil level can cause that red triangle to flash on and off
     
    #3 George W, Jun 5, 2020
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  4. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Washington State, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Also, check for turbulence in the reservoir of your inverter cooling system. You should see movement when looking in from the top, even with the car in Accessory mode (2 presses of the Power button without having your foot on the brake).
     
    #4 davecook89t, Jun 5, 2020
    TMR-JWAP, SFO and George W like this.
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I agree, the symptoms seem to fall in line very well with an Inverter Cooling Water Pump issue.
     
    #5 TMR-JWAP, Jun 5, 2020
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