Intermittent red triangle light

That warning would be quite reasonable to expect.

Instead, you have to wait until the oil level drops so low that engine oil pressure is impaired, then you'll see a warning light. By then, the engine probably has been damaged due to insufficient lubrication.

 

Very few cars I know have any sort of oil level sensor and thus any low oil level indicator.

BMW decided to get rid of the dipstick and instead replace it with a sensor which was/is apparently unreliable: http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...es-cars-have-no-dipstick-starting-2006-a.html.

 

The oil consumption has likely increased even more due to running with insufficient lubrication. So watch it carefully.

I agree, that would be a good idea in my opinion. When there is just the one "idiot light" like this it would be really useful if there was a more specific warning as you suggest on the MFD (multi function display).

I'm not very familiar with warning light, as fortunately I haven't received any yet. But I was under the impression that some "triangle of doom" errors are in fact accompanied with a more explanatory MFD icon. Like for example I thought that there was a thermometer icon and an engine icon etc that accompanied the triangle in certain situations. Can anyone elaborate on this?

 

Driving those sorts of distances it might be prudent to actually check the oil with the dipstick every week rather than rely on the car to tell you. That way you won't have a problem.

 

The red oil light will come on in the combination meter. But usually, people look at the MFD because it has the big red triangle.

It will not store any kind of code either.

An additional problem is that the oil pressure is often zero during normal operation -- stopped at a light, gliding, etc -- and triggering the light becomes a combination of conditions detected by algorithm. In addition, there is a pressure switch, rather than a pressure gauge, that determines the threshold, so there is a discontinuous boundary problem.

Unfortunately, you may find that you motor consumes a lot more oil now. Check it every time you get gas. Try going back to 5W30, if you have been using 0W20.

 

I thought that the triangle was on the combination meter. Is it on the MFD as well? (I've never had the triangle so I don't know this stuff).

Hi hugh_yup, did you also get the "engine" light as well as the triangle, like shown in this attachment?

That's the extra information.

 

When it's just flicking like that it generally means that it's sucking air (with the oil). The oil level is right down to the pump pick-up and and when you go over a bump or around a corner it can suck air and drop pressure. It's still really bad for the engine, but not as bad as no oil at all.

 

Yep, mine did this last week and I quickly figured out it was low on oil.

 

I've got a somewhat different problem. Occasionally the red warning triangle comes on when I push the start button. All the display comes up, but nothing else happens and the drive cannot be engaged. This morning I switched off and switched on thee times before everything was normal. I had a service at the Toyota dealership two weeks ago and asked for it to be checked, but they came back 'no fault found.' Car is 2007 T Spirit. I'd like to go back to the dealership with some idea what's wrong, so would appreciate any help. Thanks, sorry if this is in wrong thread

 

You need a new 12V battery. Look for posts by Britprius on replacement options in the UK.

 

Thank you seilerts, I'll certainly do as you suggest

 

Seejay check out Varta, Exide and Lucas for Prius batteries £40/£50 depending on where you buy and length of guarantee (up to four years). This is for a standard 45AMP/HR battery.

If you wish for something with greater capacity and deep discharge recovery look at mobility batteries for wheel chairs etc, available in 55AMP/HR capacity for around £60 these are AGM liquid or gell batteries with a design life of 8/10years. Names to look for Haze, Lucas, Ritar, and Platinum amongst others. These batteries have screw in terminal posts that usually are supplied free with the battery. Size wise they are a direct fit.
L 228mm, W 130mm, H 220mm. All sizes nominal. Prius battery has slim JAP posts and is positive on left with terminals closest to you.

The OEM battery from Toyoa (not VG one year gurantee) last time I checked was £90 plus.

In the US they swear by the Optima yellow top but hear it is way over priced at again last time I checked £184 this is a 38AMP/HR deep cycle battery.

Do not go to Hal---ds they do not know what they are doing and are expensive.

Check out Battery Bay UK (Cannock Staffs) I have no affiliation. Finally if you are disabled you do not pay VAT.

 

Thanks for that post was about to ask the same thing intermittent flash of the warning triangle on start-up that goes away so far not had any issues with it but think the 12v must be on its way out.

 

The Dealer screwed us by saying the 12 V battery was low. They detected a leak on the oil filter but failed to check the oil.
After spending almost 300$ on battery and their 119$ service fee. I find out the car was over 2 Quarts low which was the actual problem. Their mechanics need training on how to trouble shoot problems at that Dealership.

 

Once again Prius forum has saved my day! 2006 186k miles and still best ride ever.