Red Triangle + CEL

Based on your description, I would expect it to be sometime between 6 seconds and 6 months.

In short, it's impossible to say. The single code suggests general deterioration since it's not also identifying a bad block or blocks.

The more conservative you drive and less demand/regen you require, the longer it will go.

I could also be completely and totally wrong.

Or right.

Or somewhere in the middle.

Install Uber on your phone in case it's needed and consider prayer.

What battery did you buy?

 

Keep the battery as cool as possible. Run AC on high, park in the shade and drive in morning and evening if possible.

You can also disconnect the 12v battery to clear all codes and the car will perform better until the codes come back.

 

S Keith,
This is one of the best replies to the question of how long it will last.
I especially liked the Uber and prayer suggestions. Gotta remember those.

 

How much do new battery's cost? I have a red triangle and not much money. 2005 Prius

 

Call your local Toyota dealer's service department, and plan to spend ~$3,000 or more.

However, the presence of the master warning red triangle by itself does not necessarily imply a failing traction battery. So the first step is to figure out what actually is wrong with your car. Start by making sure that all engine compartment fluids are correct, especially engine oil level and engine coolant level IN THE RADIATOR (do not rely just on looking at the level in the overflow container.)

 

how do I check the radiator coolant? the overflow is fine. Can I just add water or coolant to the radiator?

 

How close are you to Tampa? If it's not too far, I'd call Todd at Tampa Hybrids. He has several options if you can't afford a new one. He's honest and knows his stuff. I've bought four cars from him and a battery. Home - Tampa Hybrids Inc.

There are lots of people here who can also give good advice if you give us some more info. You'll definitely need a Prius capable code reader.

 

I live across the state in Brevard

 

You need to remove the large black plastic cover over the radiator, held on with six plastic fasteners that look like screws. Apply turning force to a fastener while you lift up on the panel, to release the fastener. Use Toyota Super Long Life coolant.

 

What's under the cover? is there a dipstick or something to check the level?? there is what looks like a radiator cap on what looks like a radiator? I have a 2005, not sure about the black plastic cover.. but will look.

 

Battery replacement is not a low cost repair.

If you find a price that seems to good to be true, it likely is. There are plenty of folks ready to scam someone like you who is in a vulnerable position. Selling you junk for hundreds of dollars that will not last.

If you need a long term, dependable solution and you need someone else to do the installation work, you will spend thousands.
A couple thousand for a reputable used battery (3 year full replacement warranty). Around $3,000 for a NEW battery that will likely last as long G as the original if not longer.

How many miles of the car?

How long have you owned it?

Do you plan on keeping it a long good time?

 

There is no dipstick for the coolant. What looks like a radiator cap is a radiator cap and what looks like a radiator is a radiator. When the engine is completely cold, take the radiator cap off and peer down the neck of the tube to which the radiator cap was attached, and if the coolant is not up to the level of the little hole at the (right) side, fill it with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) so that it is level with the hole on the right (as you stand at the front of the car looking back). Then replace the radiator cap. Check the level of the overflow reservoir, and ensure that is at the level of the line marked cold.

You can't miss the cover, it goes almost all the way across from left to right and covers over the radiator and front cross member (one rate grill).

This picture shows the radiator at the correct level, or could be slightly fuller, in my opinion. Also note the black cap in the background, that is the cap for the overflow reservoir.

 

Not far, normally, but a long ways when you have a red triangle on the dash.

What you see that looks like a radiator cap is the radiator cap. But, if there is coolant in the overflow reservoir, there is no need to mess with the radiator cap. You should add it to the reservoir if it's low but not empty. There's more to know, so check back if the overflow is empty or search here for threads on it.

Edit to add. There might still be a reason to open the rad cap. If the tube connecting the rad to the overflow somehow got empty, it won't siphon anymore and the radiator could be low without it being visible in the tank.

 

original owner. plan to keep it a couple more years or until I win lotto abt 120k ish.
right now, i don't have 3k so i am hoping it is something i can afford.. could my oil change have been too much(reading another thread)? should I check the oil before or after I start the car?
I also have an intermittant problem with my dash key, it will not shut off and release the key. I have to simultaneously depress the start and park(or whatever) buttons. could that be related?

 

Now it's starting to sound like a low 12V battery. Auto parts stores will test it for free. A low 12V will throw all kinds of spurious codes. If the 12V is OK, then you'll need to take a to a shop that can read Prius codes (usually not just any shop).

 

Before, and the car should be sitting on a level surface for at least 5-10 min before you check the oil level.

It sounds like your combination meter is faulty. Todd at Tampa Hybrids will be able to sort this out for a reasonable price. Search on "combination meter" in the Gen II forums if you want to find out more info about this problem.

 

i just looked.. you are right! there is a black plastic thing.. but apparently my coolant is nonexistent. see my pics. what is that container in the back.. i thought that was the overflow... if there is not enough, how could it fill the overflow?

 

No that is the inverter coolant reservoir in your 1st picture. The second picture shows and empty looking overflow reservoir. Go back and look at the picture in post #14 to see the radiator fill neck (and overflow reservoir in the background).