Hello, 2007 Gen II Prius, at 135K. Over the last couple days, the console beeps (same beep as the low fuel one) and the word 'Problem' flashes at the top of the screen. It goes away, then nothing happens. The vehicle is otherwise running fine, no symptoms. The 'Maintenance Required' sign is on on my dashboard, but that's been on for a while now (a month) for a routine oil change (so I think that's the only reason it's on). Any idea what this 'Problem' warning sign could mean? Do I have to take it in to get it diagnosed?
This happened to me earlier this month. Get your oil changed, it will go away. I accidentally reset my oil light so I didn't know I needed an oil change. When I took it in, they couldn't get a reading from my oil. Presumably because it was so low. I only realized this because one time it said problem and had a red oil can next to it that stayed on the screen for a few minutes.
You are at the mileage when oil use can increase. Just as with every other car ever made, it is your responsibility to check the oil. Every week. When you see the "Problem" it is due to the oil pump intake going dry due to turning or braking, and the pressure suddenly goes too low. That means you are running on minimal to no oil flow at times, and that increases the wear on the engine, which in turn exacerbates the oil consumption. Top off the oil asap.
After hours of meditation and reflective thought...I'm pretty sure you have a problem...and maintenance is required.
Knowing that comes as a relief. IMO (ha) too many acronyms and abbreviations in today's communication. Just found out last week that evidently DH is used as "Dear Husband". I thought it meant Designated Hitter.
Okay people. I have to get this off my chest... Just because you have a hybrid vehicle, it does not mean that you disregard all the things you learned in the past about caring for and maintaining a vehicle. It amazes me how many people post on here without checking basic things. Oil level, battery voltage, coolant level, etc. Wth! "My battery won't hold a charge anymore, what do I do? My check engine light is on, what could be wrong? I got in my car today and the interior lights don't turn on and the car won't start. Any idea why?" I mean, really?!? Is it just me? Shouldn't people at least try and do something before they post? I mean, I'm not talking about troubleshooting ecu's and traction battery cells... Maybe I'm just having a bad day... Oh yeah, let me apologize to all of those who will be offended by this, in advance.
There is NOT a CHECK OIL or OIL LEVEL LOW warning light in your car!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY When the oil level drops down below the point where it can be measured on the dip stick-CRUTIALLY LOW almost EMPTY... YOU CAR WILL ONLY GIVE YOU A FIVE SECOND WARNING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THAT FIVE SECOND FLASH WARNING CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS: 1)BEEP SOUND 2)RED ! lights up 3)"PROBLEM" If this happens during loud music you miss the beep, If this happens when your eyes are glued to the road you miss the visual warnings. THE VERY SECOND YOU HEAR ANY BEEP LOOK FOR VISUAL WARNING MESSAGES BECAUSE THEY WILL ONLY BE VISIBLE FOR A FEW MORE SECONDS AND WILL NOT SHOW UP AGAIN UNTIL VEHICLE RESTARTS. YOU HAVE NO OIL!!!!!!!!!
Well, the OP hasn't posted since Tuesday. I just assumed he locked the engine from having no oil in the crankcase, and is too busy scouring the internet for a used one to come back and update......
I've often had that thought too but then I remember that a LOT of those people are probably first time car buyers and wouldn't be doing any better regardless of the model or type. And I think we probably are seeing a generation of young adults that were raised by a generation that didn't know much about cars either. Feel better having let off a little steam ?? I hope so. Cut the folks a bit more slack and YOU will feel better in the long run.