2009 Prius - dash lights but no codes?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by jimrothstein, Nov 18, 2025 at 1:22 AM.

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  1. jimrothstein

    jimrothstein New Member

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    I have had 2009 Prius Hybrid for about 1 year. Total miles 120K.

    Last 3 days, I've had these these lights (see image)
    Car seems to drive fine.

    - Big red triangle
    - VCS
    - Brake (yellow)
    - "CHECK"

    At AutoZone the scanner found no codes; no problems ?!

    Appointment at repair shop tomorrow. Shop wants to do tests, which can add up quickly.

    My concern is not getting overcharged, especially for "tests"
    And if it is big battery, what kind of questions should I be asking? Check modules?

    Thanks for any thoughts.
     

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    #1 jimrothstein, Nov 18, 2025 at 1:22 AM
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The only thing those lights tell you is that there are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that need to be read. Until you do that you're flying blind.

    The most important thing you can do is ask that your shop read the codes, document them, and give you a copy of them.

    Armed with those codes, more advice can be given.
     
    #2 dolj, Nov 18, 2025 at 5:16 AM
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    make sure you go to a shop with prius aware scanner, otherwise, they might be flying blind.
    shouldn't cost much for a scan, don't let them do anything costly until you look up the code meanings
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 18, 2025 at 1:54 PM
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  4. jimrothstein

    jimrothstein New Member

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    Update from OP:

    Car in shop; tech showed me voltage on modules(?) 1-5 constantly switching; other banks the voltage was stable.
    Shop will now examine battery and will advise.
    (AutoZone device showed NO codes).

    Possible just some corrosion and he can remove. Otherwise, looking at battery replacement. (age is 16 years).

    Now, I am learning battery 101. Tech will advise, but I need to understand various options he may suggest: new Toyota battery, new 3rd party ?, or find rebuilt battery, etc.
     
    #4 jimrothstein, Nov 19, 2025 at 2:49 PM
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    auto zone does not have the correct scanner. is this a dealer or private shop? if private, hybrid specialist?
    if it is the battery, yes, new oem is the best option, especially with only 120k on her.
    if you don't want to spend the money, there are a myriad of aftermarket options, but they all have limited success, and reliability cannot be predicted.
     
    #5 bisco, Nov 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
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  6. jimrothstein

    jimrothstein New Member

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    @bisco
    Private mechanic… he opened old battery, lots of green (corrosion), looks like new Toyota battery with warranty is good, long-term option.

    (1) was water leak, now fixed
    (2) seems prior owner had done some work in battery, Did not coat or seal it completely. Was not on carfax when I purchased, 1 year ago. “Dirty trick” said mechanic.
     
    #6 jimrothstein, Nov 20, 2025 at 1:44 AM
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