2005 Prius Warning Light Question

That is the incorrect interpretation. You have code(s), ScanGauge is not reading it/them.

• How many miles on the ODO?
• Have you checked the radiator fluid level – the radiator, not the overflow container?
• Have you checked the oil level?
• Have you checked the inverter coolant reservoir level and checked that there is fluid movement when the car is in IG-ON or READY?

 

I second the suggestion of checking all your fluid levels. I suspect your oil level is low

 

I suspect one or more of them are low.

 

how many miles on her?

 

if the fluids are okay, check the trouble codes.

 

These cars burn oil when they are old. More so when the owners run them until the warning lights come on. You should check the fluids before driving the car again.

I see a newer engine in your near future

 

How many of those have you put on it?

Is the service history up to date?

 

Interesting, I was pretty certain it'll be low on fluids.

There are codes stored, you'll need to get them read. you'll need access to a reader that can read prius codes

 

Both the inverter coolant reservoir and radiator take Toyota SLLC (Super Long Life Coolant). This is pre-mixed, ready to use

Now that you've confirmed the radiator is full to the top of the neck, ensure the overflow canister is between the Full and empty marks too.

Oil is ok if it showed between the bottom mark (low level) and the top mark (full level), my preference is for it to be nearer the F mark than the L mark.

You didn't say whether there was good fluid movement in the inverter coolant reservoir. If the radiator and inverter coolant haven't been changed in the last 50,000 miles, then they should both be completely changed.

 

Regardless of previous posts.....my vote can be placed under the oil pressure column. Easily checked just by topping off the oil level and then doing the daily commute....

 

Sounds of liquid passing?

Your car was run so low on oil the oil pump is sucking air that will launch the triangle of death. Zero oil pressure. Unfortunately one of those events sometimes causes the car to really start eating oil as it will cause engine damage. The engine is already eating oil that's why its so low. You have to check the oil very carefully for a while to get a handle on how bad it has become now.

But, how come with such a very noticeable and scary alarm light you cant even open the hood and check the easiest thing in the world?
You go through the trouble of taking a picture of the alarm and then posting it and a story and wait for replies. That's alot of effort.
Better spent opening the hood. See this very often here. Its very perplexing. Many a perfectly fine Prius engine has been blown from lack of opening the hood. For many people its a financial disaster when they blow a motor.

 

To get a proper reading on your oil dipstick, it's best to do it before you start the car in the morning. You'll get a real good and clear reading that way