"hybrid system malfunction, visit dealer"- 2016

I have a 2016 with very low miles (23k). This morning during a bitter cold snap (2 degrees F) went for trip to store, came out , and 'hybrid system malfunction- visit dealer' (or something very similar) showed up on dashboard. Car seemed to run fine. warning remains. Unfortunately my 'FIXD' code reader is with my other prius (2004) and not accessible. Guess my plan is to do as warning says and take to dealer- ($$$gulp) but any ideas on cause? could it be the 2 degree F weather? I have a vague feeling when i entered car from store, may have messed up the 'step on brake to start sequence' (or something out of order), but not sure . Any opinions most welcome- thanks!

 

Thanks for all the feedback...just went out a gain for a spin (now 8 degrees F) and poof! hybrid warning light gone and all is well. My guess is the extreme cold (?) I called Toyota service and they suggested waiting a couple days when it will warm up to see what happens before bringing it in (no need now) so my guess is they've seen cold related quirks like this before (?) So hoping this is the end of it. (right?) One unrelated comment: wish they still made 2nd gen prius. Besides being a dependable tank, it has that 'old fashioned' not -over -engineered simplicity I love.

 

I attend the same school (don't assume it's a quirk!)! Normally do have code reader on hand, it is just in my 2004 prius and not current accessible. (my thinking was 2004 more likely than 2016 to throw a code) The issue now is the warning is gone. All seems fine. The fact the warning disappeared ads to my thinking likelihood was cold temps. Flawed thinking? I'm open to that ...and welcome corrections.

 

Thanks. Yeh, the overengineering is repellent to me. IMO much (not all) of the safety gadgetry backfires in that it become an unsafe distraction. My 2004 has been through issues- most recently front wheels disengaging from steering wheel while driving. (if I can compartmentalize that, I can do such with anything!) recall steering shaft bad improper install. (torquing issue?) but engine purrs like a kitten, uses approx 1/2 cup of oil between changes (if that). Back to 2016.....pretty sure it is cold. This was first night out of garage, and sudden precipitous temp drop. [really trying to convince myself]

 

if that's the case...code that went off by design.....it sure wasn't on for long! (15 minutes) My guess is the toyota service person telling me it likely the cold causing the alert, likely not worth much I know (likely backed up on Sat. and did not want another vehicle to deal with)?

 

haha...that does tend to get people attention. I posted it elsewhere, but to summarize: only 130k on my 2004, taking a corner and the steering wheel suddenly detached from wheels and spun freely like a roulette wheel- while driving! Took it to non toyota mechanic (in hindsight a mistake) he reattached steering shaft that had become disconnected. He informed me 2 toyota recalls related and both were done on my car. Checked NHTSA web site and saw 'my case' .....improper install of recalled shaft replacement. Called toyota, they said it could be little fender bender I had. Got a detailed letter from the 'toyota certified' repair manager that toyota was flat out wrong, fender bender had zero to do with steering failure. Took letter to small claims court. (all i wanted was a cheap plastic bumper that got damaged -it was principle at this point- if it happened 5 minutes later, would have been on hwy and rolled over -good chance dead due to the obvious improper install) Toyota rep made the point in court -recall repair was done way back at 60K miles....and that "a rock could have done it". (no joke) Judge admittedly new nothing about vehicles ans sided with defendant. Was tempted to visit toyota show room and mingle with customers relating that toyota feels steering wheel detachment while driving with 130 k miles is 'normal wear and tear' (their words) My fam bought 3 cars from them! their negligence almost killed me and all I asked for was a bumper. I envisioned my framed portrait in their showroom titled "ideal fantasy customer of the millenium" .......My envisioning was off a tad. ::checking pulse::

 

so far so good....hybrid maintenance visit dealer warning' has vanished since showing for 10 minutes at the onset of driving in 5 degree weather. if it shows again, I'll check codes, etc