Short Red Warning Light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Nathaniel Norman, Feb 16, 2021.

  1. Nathaniel Norman

    Nathaniel Norman New Member

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    2007 prius. recently I've come across an issue with my prius. Sometimes, when I brake the large red exclamation point flashes on for a second, followed with a beep, then the screen displays problem. All of this goes away after a second or so. Not sure if there's a problem with my brakes? I checked my engine oil and that appears to be low as well. I changed it recently, I think in december about 5000 miles ago. Could the indicator be towards the engine oil? There is no engine oil light on my dash, just a low tire pressure indicator thats been there for a long time.

    Any help is appreciated. I'm currently in college with little money to spare, so I'm hoping someone here can help me figure this out without the help of a mechanic :) Thanks
     
    #1 Nathaniel Norman, Feb 16, 2021
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    When you say oil that appears to be low......did you actually have oil on the dipstick?
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 16, 2021
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Yes. Could be due to low oil.
    Could also be due to low brake fluid......which can be normal as brake pads wear.

    The low oil needs to be "fixed" regardless of whether it is causing the light or not.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Feb 17, 2021
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Only check the oil regularly if on engines you don't mind replacing.

    I'd also be surprised if you had any oil on the dipstick.
     
    #4 jerrymildred, Feb 17, 2021
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    If the oil was/is low, have you filled it up again to the full mark on the dipstick? 5000 miles ago IS NOT "recently", for some on this forum that is nearly time to change the oil again.

    Older Prii are known to consume oil.
    A Prius can use 1 qt of oil in 5000 miles, or a Prius can use 1 qt in 1000 miles. Please check and maintain your car- if the oil gets too low the engine WILL fail. It might not be the cause of your warning light, but it should be taken care of.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 mr_guy_mann, Feb 17, 2021
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