I own a 2008 Prius. Yesterday, for the first time, the car would not go into On mode. Here are the steps I followed: 1. Confirm the car is in park. 2. Press the brake pedal. 3. Press the Power switch. The amber light on the Power switch came on for a minute and then turned off. The instrumental panel remained dark. The green light on the Park button came on. The audio and touch screen worked, as well as the power windows and power door locks. And, I was able to drive the car in reverse and to drive forward. I only drove a few feet back and forth on our driveway. I tried several times to get the car to go into On mode, using the smart key system. I also tried several times to get the car to go into On mode by inserting the Key into the key slot (below and to the right of the steering wheel). Any suggestions?
By "ON Mode", do you mean "Ready Mode" or "IG-On Mode"? Press Button 1st time w/o depressing Brake Pedal - ACC Mode Press Button 2nd time w/o depressing Brake Pedal - IG-On Mode Press Button 3rd time w/o depressing Brake Pedal - OFF Press Button while depressing brake pedal - Ready Mode
The fact that you are able to drive the car means that it is READY. Perhaps the only problem is that the combination meter (aka instrument panel) is dark? If so, is it possible that you have the headlights on, and the rotary dimmer control set so that you cannot see the panel? If that is not the problem, then it could be that the combination meter needs to be replaced. You may want to seek dealer service dept assistance in that case.
Patrick's advice is spot on. For examples of the dead combination meter, see Luscious Garage | Blog | LG TV - Prius Dead Dashboard.
The headlights are off and rotary dimmer is turned all the way up. I'll ask the dealer whether the instrumental panel needs to be replaced.
