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Red exclamation point upon braking

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bailor, Jun 27, 2016.

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  1. bailor

    bailor Junior Member

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    I bought my Prius 9 weeks ago with 201k miles. It now has 214k on the odometer... that's right, 13,000 miles in just over 2 months. I love it.

    It's been problem free so far until last week when someone pulled out in front of me. I had to brake hard and when I did i got the red triangle exclamation point. No words, just the symbol.

    Since then it's been happening more frequently, and is getting more sensitive. It is coming on now with somewhat normal braking.

    Again, no words, just the symbol and a beep. Did something go wrong with my braking system?
     
    #1 bailor, Jun 27, 2016
  2. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Check your engine oil level.

    Now!

    The red triangle is used as a low oil pressure warning light. Hard braking or turning will cause the oil to slosh around in the oil pan. This can lead to the oil pump sucking air. It will not set a code.

    High mileage Prius tend to use oil. Start checking your oil with every gas fill so you can tell how fast your car burns oil.

    Brad
     
    #2 strawbrad, Jun 27, 2016
    bailor likes this.
  3. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    What Brad said, and open and firmly close all your doors including the hatchback.
     
    #3 S Keith, Jun 27, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2016
  4. bailor

    bailor Junior Member

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    Thanks! I did notice it's using oil. About a quart per 5-6k miles. Should I start saving for a motor?
     
    #4 bailor, Jun 27, 2016
  5. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    As long as you keep the oil level up your engine will keep running for a long time more.

    Let us know if low oil solves your mystery light. The oil level would have to be below the lower mark for it to cause the warning light.

    Brad
     
    #5 strawbrad, Jun 27, 2016
  6. bailor

    bailor Junior Member

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    Will do. I'm working right now but will check it later tonight. Thanks again!
     
    #6 bailor, Jun 27, 2016
  7. bailor

    bailor Junior Member

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    It was the oil level. I topped off and the problem is gone. I'm glad, but sad at the same time. Glad the problem wasn't worse, but sad my Prius consumes so much oil. Oh well. Thanks for your help.
     
    #7 bailor, Jun 28, 2016
    strawbrad likes this.
  8. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Thanks for following up. It really helps the next guy out.

    As long as you do not run your engine dry it's still good for another 100K miles.

    Brad
     
    #8 strawbrad, Jun 28, 2016
    scona, HerGeekness and Data Daedalus like this.
  9. HerGeekness

    HerGeekness New Member

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    Or in my case, gal!! Thank you for this helpful info!! I'm having the same issue and am going to check my oil level. But wouldn't the low oil dash lights come on letting me know the oil is low?
     
    #9 HerGeekness, Apr 28, 2018
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Welll ... a word to the wise ....

    There really isn't any "low oil" dash light. There is a "low oil pressure" dash light, and you never want to rely on that to know when to add oil, because the only time the pressure gets low and lights up that warning is when your oil level is so low that the oil pump is sucking air, and your engine is eating itself at that point.

    Oil level should be checked regularly using the dipstick (I check as a routine part of every fillup). Your goal should be to see the low oil pressure light exactly zero times in the life of the car.

    -Chap
     
    #10 ChapmanF, Apr 29, 2018
    scona, Mendel Leisk and Raytheeagle like this.
  11. Niral

    Niral New Member

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    I had the exact same issue today - and this thread helped me.
    Oil level was indeed low. Refilled oil, replaced oil filter and its all fine now.
    By the way - what is the general recommended frequency of car servicing that u all follow ? Every 5k miles ?
     
    #11 Niral, Jan 18, 2020
  12. cthindi

    cthindi Member

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    I replace oil with every 5-6000 Miles. I however do check oil about every 1000 miles. I also keep 2 quarts of oil in the car just in case I forget sometime and have this issue.
     
    #12 cthindi, Jan 18, 2020
  13. valsor

    valsor Junior Member

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    Good posts you all. Just got the red triangle when turning or braking on the way to work, will check shortly. Again thanks for all your posts.
     
    #13 valsor, Feb 19, 2020
  14. burgiedanny

    burgiedanny New Member

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    Great! Had the same issue and checked my oil ........ 2 and a half quarts low!! Need to stay on top of checking the oil!
     
    #14 burgiedanny, Sep 13, 2021
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