2001 Prius - Red Triangle - No error codes

The reader pictured didn't retrieve the error codes.

 

I don't know the specifics of that particular reader, but most only do generic OBD 2 codes. The OBD 2 system is about emissions. So if your "check engine light" was the only warning light on then you'd be golden.

But then there are tons of other diagnostic codes regarding problems, and if those problems don't directly affect emissions levels then the auto companies are basically allowed to keep them "secret" so that they can only be read with more...uh..."special" types of code readers.

The official, proprietary Toyota stuff is called "Techstream" and if you search the forums you will find 1001 posts about cheaply procuring knock-off Techstream software. That can get weird, but if you're slightly ambitious and slightly tech savvy you can figure that out. There are also other options out there if you look around.

Short of that, you'd need to pay a shop to read your codes. I'd absolutely avoid Toyota dealers, and look for a local and independently owned shop that specializes in Toyota, and/or Prius, and/or hybrids in general.

 

No, the photos show no check engine light. It would be up top to the right of the red triangle, would be yellow and would say "check engine" with a little engine icon.

But yes, by the lower lights that are on the display, whatever the current error codes are don't implicate a power steering or traction battery (so that is good). If the car is driving normally, then I'd be the kind to venture forth to the 20 miles to the independent shop. But I also have a roadside service that would step in to tow if that trip went wrong, so you should make your own decisions about that. I've often been surprised at how a car can make stupid little minor problems out to be a big thing. But you won't know until you get the codes read.

 

I could be wrong...but I don't think low coolant alone can trigger any codes. You would get one if the temps got too high, but if this happened on an initial start-up that wouldn't do it as nothing's had time to heat up. For your sake I hope that's it, but do note that if the coolant level is low, then you'd need to watch it closely for a while as cooling systems are closed and usually only get low because of leaks.

 

I believe it, and for your sake I hope that's it.

But I'm pretty sure the "codes" are thinking: