Hi Everyone, I have a Prius Plugin 2012 with 130k miles which i've been driving mostly on HV/EV mode from last 3 months without charging the car (I try to maintain the electric range around 4miles range by not driving in EV). I don't have access to a charger where I live. Suddenly today, a symbol started flashing intermittently in white color on the car's dashboard which I couldn't find in the manual. It showed up on the dashboard which is next to the speedometer (where time is shown). It looks like a Car with an arrow coming inside it and word TEMP written on it (see attached picture of what I can recall) Any idea what this could be? Many thanks!
check the coolant level, gen 3 is notorious for blowing head gaskets around your mileage. i'm not familiar with that symbol, but other areas that are cooled include the traction battery through the rear seat vent (make sure it isn't blocked) and the inverter fluid and pump. if the battery intake vent isn't blocked, it would be worth opening the cooling fan up to see if it needs cleaning.
Temperature warnings should not be ignored but there are different sources such as engine, hybrid system and battery. Most of us don't have an early plugin but the engine cooling warning looks like this: A Plugin Hybrid System (usually inverter) Warning A Prius v wagon has this "car" for hybrid system warning Attached is a section of the 2012 Plugin manual explaining warnings
Thank you @bisco and @rjparker for quick responses. I've immediately reduced the vehicle's usage to bare minimum and am looking for a Prius technician in the bay area. I will also check coolant levels and the rear-seat vents. Will report back on what I discover.
I took the car to mechanic who specializes on high voltage battery and engine - they offer a free ODB port scan. The scan came out green. Next, I'm going to a local mechanic to perform 130k miles servicing. I asked Gemini AI for what to replace/service for 130k miles and here's what it recommended (see attached). What do you think @bisco and @rjparker - is all in the list needed? Thanks!
don't use AI, mistakes happen. if you don't have the maintenance schedule, go to toyota.com/owners and get one there. how many miles/years have you owned it? do you know any maintenance history?
what does a green scan mean, no trouble codes? if you can't find the cause of the problem, try earthling automotive. can you post a pic of the temp warning you drew?
No drive belts on your car. Fluids and plugs are all a good idea unless already done. Insist on genuine Toyota coolant and plugs. I would focus on the temperature issue. If your mechanic can check the two coolant pumps (engine and inverter) with his scan tool he should do it. It requires a Toyota hydrid capable tool. If there is any pushback, I would spend my first $150 at a dealer to track down the issue. If you need a water pump get a genuine Toyota installed by your shop. Then have your fluids and plugs changed.
I've owned the car since 2018 as the 2nd owner and got it serviced once in 2022 at 110k miles. Right now, its 130k miles. Approximate warning sign image that came up in white color is attached. Also attached is the scan report I got. I don't know why RLDM and RRDM came as red, they both work well.
are you not able to take a picture of it, or has it not come back? i suspect that scanner isn't adequate for prius
