Constant Horn Honking When Low on Fuel

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by SD_Heizenberg, Sep 15, 2012.

  1. SD_Heizenberg

    SD_Heizenberg Junior Member

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    When I drove my 2012 Prius 3 today, the fuel indicator was flashing as I had about 20 miles until empty. I was on my way to get gas when suddenly, the horn was honking as if the alarm was going off. Nothing I did seemed to stop the horn, even clicking the unlock button on the key fob. Intermittently, the horn would stop, then start up again in a stuttering fashion, only to be followed by the incessant honking I mentioned earlier. I have a video of this but it must be too large to upload.

    Has anyone experienced something like this? Surely this is not an intended "safety" feature, is it? If it is, how can I turn it off?
     
    #1 SD_Heizenberg, Sep 15, 2012
  2. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    I doubt it has anything to do with low fuel. Sounds like something shorted out the panic circuit relay. Has it been rained on? Car wash? Check the fuse box under the hood is closed tightly first.
     
    #2 Jonny Zero, Sep 15, 2012
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    LoL... I've never heard of that...
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Sep 15, 2012
  4. SD_Heizenberg

    SD_Heizenberg Junior Member

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    It was pretty amusing. Similar to the scene in Little Miss Sunshine.

    johnny Zero - the car wasn't exposed to rain or a car wash. This is my first Prius. Are the fuse boxes this fragile?
     
    #4 SD_Heizenberg, Sep 15, 2012
  5. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    No - I have gotten it wet before with no problem. But if it was not closed fully, that's another story.

    Take it to the dealer and let them deal with it. Hopefully the problem can be duplicated.
     
    #5 Jonny Zero, Sep 15, 2012
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wish mine had it, then i might finally remember to fill up.:p
     
    #6 bisco, Sep 15, 2012
  7. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    Do you have an alarm installed on yours? The standard Prius has no alarm, just a lock and a panic button. An alarm is available as a port-installed option, and the dealer might not have offered you the option to get one without the alarm, in order to better clean out your wallet. While I haven't heard of this specific issue before, I have heard several people with alarms installed that have various problems with either it or other electrical system problems.
     
    #7 macman408, Sep 18, 2012
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