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Check Engine Light 3 flashes then out

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by R_Ann, Sep 14, 2009.

  1. R_Ann

    R_Ann New Member

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    For the past week or so when I start up my 2007 w/41k miles my check engine light will come on and go off 3 times then stay off. What does this mean? Car runs fine otherwise. I have not been driving as much as I normally do (70 miles per day) do to family circumstances which could be a blessing if this is a serious problem. but I am still driving around town about 20-30 miles.
    thanks
     
    #1 R_Ann, Sep 14, 2009
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Are you sure it's not the "Maint Req" light?
     
    #2 firepa63, Sep 14, 2009
  3. R_Ann

    R_Ann New Member

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    It's the check engine same thing that usually comes on and stays on at the 5k increments for the oil change but it's not 5k yet. That's what threw me at first. I expected it to stay on thinking it was oil change time then it flashed 3x went off. Has done it each time I've been in the car since. Same tank of gas? I'm not driving highway like I normally do? I just don't want to blow it up or something. (Definately NOT a good time family wise - Mom died on Saturday so it's been VERY stressful).
     
    #3 R_Ann, Sep 15, 2009
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    That's not a "check engine" light. The check engine light is for serious problems. What you are describing is the maintenance required light. It starts flashing a few hundred miles early to give you some warning. Once you reach the 5,000 mile setting it will stay on.

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Sep 15, 2009
  5. R_Ann

    R_Ann New Member

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    Yes - you are correct - maint reqd light (I'm slow this week - sorry:blush:). I've just never had it flash before the 5k mark. But now that I know it's "normal" I won't worry about it.
    Thanks a bunch! whew.
     
    #5 R_Ann, Sep 15, 2009
  6. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    No worries
     
    #6 jayman, Sep 15, 2009
  7. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    If that's the biggest problem we have then we are in damned good shape. Since I run 7500 miles between changes I reset the light when it stays on to reduce annoyance.
     
    #7 JimN, Sep 15, 2009
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