Red Triangle of DOOM - '06 w/69k miles - Halp meh!

The master warning red triangle by itself doesn't tell you much. Its purpose is to advise you to look around to see what other warning lights or MFD icons are on. If you recall what those were, please identify them as well as the DTC when you obtain those.

 

I advise most people to buy an affordable OBDII reader and keep it in the glovebox along with a printout of the DTC's for their model. I've had several people thank me after that purchase saved them an expensive and embarrassing trip to the dealership once they read the codes and discover something silly, such as a P0456 (Fuel cap loose).

Don't be at the Dealer's mercy for this, Arm yourself!

 

The problem with any low cost OBD reader is that it only reads a small set of standard DTCs, not the Toyota proprietary, Prius specific codes. So for example if there is something wrong with the hybrid system then the cheap reader would not be able to help the diagnosis.

 

True that! I recommend an "affordable" one that will still be effective on the Prius-Specific DTC's. I'm sure there is plenty of information here on this subject that can be located with a search.

The ScanGauge II is pretty capable, and it has the benefit of adding several other useful features. I'd recommend it as "standard" equipment!

 

uhh, the scangauge doesn't read prius-specific dtcs.

 

Wasn't this fixed in the newest software? (3.17)

If not, what affordable scanner do you know of that definitely can read all DTC's? I know TechStream will do it, but that's way overkill. (and not affordable in any event)

 

Some aftermarket ones made by Actron/Equus on the consumer end, and almost all SPX ones sold by Snap-On/Mac/Matco are capable of reading OEM-specific codes. P1xxx-P4xxx codes are OEM specific. P0xxx are not.