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Red triangle of death

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Tanner2017, Apr 16, 2020.

  1. Tanner2017

    Tanner2017 Junior Member

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    This with the red triangle :( what does this mean :( IMG_20200416_152259.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 Tanner2017, Apr 16, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it means you need to read the trouble codes with tech stream software, then decide if and how to fix it.

    how many miles on her?
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 17, 2020
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  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Well actually, that is one that does mean a specific thing, which is your headlight leveling sensor is broken. It is in the back attached to the LR suspension. It is normally the "dogbone" connecting arm that breaks.
     
    #3 dolj, Apr 17, 2020
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  4. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Yup. Rather than spending $500 to fix something I don't use, I disconnected it.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 kenoarto, Apr 17, 2020
  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    So you never use your headlights and/or drive at night?
     
    #5 dolj, Apr 18, 2020
  6. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    LOL! I disconnected the auto level. Headlights still work fine.
     
    #6 kenoarto, Apr 19, 2020
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Hmm, except for the leveling part. So what position have the lights defaulted to without the sensor?
     
    #7 dolj, Apr 19, 2020
  8. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Most cars are fixed level. Probably froze in place after a good rain or snow in my level garage. I never overloaded the car so much that it was ever used anywho.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 kenoarto, Apr 20, 2020
  9. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    Gee THANKS for either:
    1) Blinding all oncomming traffic
    2) Having the headlights illuminate YOUR bumper

    Another example....
     
    #9 05PreeUs, Apr 20, 2020
  10. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Again, most cars do NOT have auto leveling headlights. Gonna try to shame them, too? Also, why do you think my headlights are pointing down at my bumper (and why do you think that would blind oncomming traffic) when I stated they are level?
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 kenoarto, Apr 21, 2020
  11. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I meant to add for the benefit of others, it does need to cost $500 to replace the connecting link. Another member was able to repair his leveling system by fashioning a replacement out some fencing wire (of suitable gauge). I think it was free plus an hour's labor as he had the materials at hand.
     
    #11 dolj, Apr 21, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2020
  12. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The regulation was introduced with the advent of headlights based on more intense sources like HID or LED.

    I don't have a strong position on the story in this particular thread, but let's not pretend we don't know stuff we know.
     
    #12 ChapmanF, Apr 21, 2020
  13. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    I did not realize you had them checked after this occurred ;)

    BTW, ALL vehicles with HID or similar headlamp technology are required by law to have auto-leveling systems, you just defeated yours.
     
    #13 05PreeUs, Apr 21, 2020
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