08 with red master triangle, brake, and vsc warning lights - driving through smoke

Welcome to Prius Chat .

Some questions:

• Did they give you the print it of the codes?
• Is there turbulence in the inverter reservoir?
• Has the inverter pump ever been replaced?
• Have you tried pulling the 12v battery to reset the system to see if the light returns?

Good luck and keep us posted .

 

It would be helpful if you can post the codes that led them to that conclusion.

As for the O₂ sensor, not sure, but my guess would be unlikely.

 

1. What DTC were logged by your car?

A few DIY items for you:

2. What is the condition of the engine air filter?
3. Remove and clean the mass air flow sensor (attached with two screws to the engine air cleaner housing) using MAF sensor cleaner spray only. Look at the temp sensing bulb which should be amber in color. Also look at the two fine wires which should be clean. Do not touch the bulb or wires with anything but cleaner spray.
4. Remove the air cleaner housing and clean the throttle body interior and throttle plate using throttle body cleaner spray applied on a clean cloth. Use the cloth to scrub the dirt off.

 

Yes.

Could well be.

Holy smokes, that's steep! Yeah, see if you can get the codes, and post them. Shouldn't a fully-retail battery replacement through a dealership be around $4000~4500 (CDN)??

 

Whoa. At that price I could fly in do the job, take a week's vacation in BC, and fly home, and still save you $1,000.

As others have said, knowing what the diagnostic codes are would help. Hopefully you can get them from the dealer.

Alternately, you could buy
- cheap Android phone/tablet
- Elm 327 obdii Bluetooth adaptor
- Torque Pro app
All total cost you less than $75.

Then you could read and clear codes yourself.
See car data live including hybrid battery info.
Armed with the day you could easily share what you find with us here online.

Plus you'd have the tools available for the future after you finish with the existing problem.