Power Steering and other issues

I know that the fuel gauge lights flashing indicates a problem with the communications bus ( I believe the BEAN bus).

I believe there have been a few problems reported with some newer models MFD and there have also been some issues with the combination meter (aka speedo , fuel gauge, trans mode).

Hopefully you are still under warranty; if so, I would let the dealer sort it out.

 

You have a 2009. Take it to the dealer, that's what warranty is for. There are a variety of issues that can cause multiple failures

 

if it were me, aside from biting my nails and getting ready to take it to the dealer, i'd unplug the 12v battery in the back for 10 minutes or so - sometimes electronics go whacky, and letting things dissipate MIGHT give it the burp it needs - you'll probably lose your radio stations, but would it really matter? good luck!!!!!

 

my parents RX400h acted like that when the battery connection was poor. I've disconnected the 12v on my 04 with no ill effects... but the Lexus would flip out. Maybe it's a grounding problem.. or 12v inverter line

 

Good point. A loose or corroded (Should be corrosion on a 2009 Prius yet) negative where it bolts to the unitbody near the battery, or a poor connection at the battery itself, could cause odd problems

 

I'd still take it back to the dealer. Why troubleshoot something that is obviously covered? If it's a loose connection, Toyota should receive the feedback from the dealer and improve their quality control.

 

The Highlander Hybrid repair manual suggests initialization of the engine control system is required (using the Toyota diag laptop) when 12V power is disconnected. I assume RX400h would be the same.

 

Doh! My bet is on the Vais as the cause of the problem because the flashing gas level is a communication error.