2005 Prius Virgin

Have you checked the oil level? If not, do NOT drive the car until you do. If you do not see oil between the L and F dimples on the dipstick add at least 1.5 qts of 5W-30 oil and then recheck. For your information, the amount of oil to take the level from the L mark to the F mark is just shy of 1.6 qts.

 

Sounds like you've inherited a Prius it's been a lot of time sitting giving its 2005 and 51,000 mi your battery is 20 years old that's in that car so that will become a thing very quickly and of course you need to have oil and any internal combustion engine that's the life blood of the system and if you don't have a Christmas tree lit up dash you're in pretty good shape generally speaking I would make sure I get my oil checked and see what you've got there charging batteries I wouldn't worry about that you want to make sure the 12 volt and the right rear of your trunk under the plastic cover is actually showing about 12 volts like in any other car or lawn mower or tractor the 12 volt system

 

welcome ruby!

do you know how to check the oil level?

 

CHECK YOUR OIL. Religiously.

Noise is probably the brake pump. Leaking ones run more often and will eventually fail/code leaving you with no power brakes.

What is the state of the HV battery? Original?

Old cars especially hybrids need a repair fund.

GOOD LUCK!

 

That Corolla was always good to you but you dumped him for a fancy suit of clothes dressed up as a Prius. Without question the most complex car ever made. I would start dating a 2016 before you go all the way.

As others have said you could be nearly out of oil. A very simple $25 bottle of oil could save the engine. Once that engine starts burning oil behind your back, you have to watch him like a hawk. The brake booster is likely to be the noise and is expensive as well.

But you really don't know by looking at the lights. Having Toyota look it over for problems is the way to go at this point. Just don't freak out at their repair prices. There are ways to fix these complicated problems for less. Check back with your list of defined problems.

 

As others have mentioned- please check and top up the engine oil level as needed. That warning could be that the engine has low/no oil pressure because it doesn't have enough oil.

The squeaking noise- do you only hear when you first turn the car to "ready" and after you turn it off? This could be a noisy coolant pump for the "heat storage tank" - a minor emissions device which can be ignored for quite some time.

Or do you hear it from time to time (especially if you press the brake pedal several times)? That could be a noisy brake "booster" pump that is critical to safe brake operation- and can't be ignored very long.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

When you say, "loose oil cap", do you mean the drain plug? Or do you really mean the cap where you put the oil in? Because if it is the latter, I don't think that explains the oil level being low. It will pay to keep an eye on it.

 

Most likely it is an oil burner given you just changed the oil two months ago. You need to check in a week. A day is not long enough. Even if it looks good in a week check weekly from now on.

I would buy the big 5 qt oil bottles (~$25) at Walmart and fill it to the line once a week. If you really like the car, save up for a replacement engine in a year or two. Shop around for a decent price installed for $3k-$5k.

The brake noise is consistent with the brake booster. It is an elaborate, hybrid specific brake by wire system that incorporates the master cylinder, abs system, power brakes and regen coordination. You can drive it until it gives major warnings that don't go away. It seems your lights so far were a lack of oil pressure caused by dangerously low oil.

Given the gas prices, you might be able to flip the Prius for a good price (or at least what you paid for it) and get a Corolla. If you buy another Prius in the future it needs to be a 2016 or newer model. Exclude the 2012-17 Prius v wagons (mini suv) as well.

 

If you are concerned about your Prius being a money pit, take it over to TampaHybrids.com. They can buy the Prius or at least give a diagnosis of existing or future problems.

Priuschat member @jerrymildred works for Tampahybrids and can give you some thoughts.

 

If you mean there's a need for someone to question that claim, I'll step up.

 

if it is not the buzzing sound you hear when opening the driver door, it is the brake actuator, but it may be fine and last a long, long time.
sometimes even a brake fluid change will help