2nd Gen(220k Miles) suddenly has red triangle

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TheMjlkMan, Jan 16, 2025 at 11:40 AM.

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  1. TheMjlkMan

    TheMjlkMan New Member

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    2006 Prius
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    II
    Currently with the negative degrees I had to jumpstart my car every other week.

    Last night I had left my light on like a moron and awoke to a dead 12v battery. i jumpstarted it like usual however I also needed to get gas; I had only 4 bars.

    At the gas station, I ended up bumping into the lot bumpers at 2mph, before turning my car off. when I turned it back on I had the red Triangle of death and a check engine light.

    I didn't properly secure my gas cap, so I presume that's why I currently have the check engine light. However, I'm not sure if the triangle was caused by the bump or my jumpstarting and filling from low gas.

    going to AutoZone and hopefully, they might have a reader. Just wanted thoughts since I heard this is a common problem that may be solved by disconnecting my battery, but I'm completely new to cars and don't wanna risk anything since I need to reliably get to work.

    Car besides that seems to work just fine.


    TLDR: Jumpstarted, and filled from low gas, bumped the car at slow speeds; now I have red triangle.


    Note: I purchased the car last month from an old guy who couldn't drive it anymore, had it inspected and it passed.
     
    #1 TheMjlkMan, Jan 16, 2025 at 11:40 AM
  2. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    Any impact can cause harm.
    Especially if the safety system is triggered, which blocks the starting systems, fuel supply and high voltage, so that there is no fire and explosion.
    In addition to damage to the engine, the engine cooling system, the wire connectors could be damaged by the impact.
    Checking all the connectors by touch is time-consuming and ineffective.
    You really need to scan everything for errors with a special program or scanner. This will be the best solution.
     
    #2 MAX2, Jan 17, 2025 at 5:43 AM
  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Hello and welcome to PriusChat!

    I have no idea if your warning lights are directly the result of "impact damage" or merely coincidental. Without knowing what diagnostic codes are in which system ecu, it's all pure speculation.

    Autozone will have some type of scantool, but it will not be capable of talking to most of the 15 to 16 systems on a Gen2 Prius.

    For that you need a shop with a better scantool, or get your own. Here's a thread that reviews several apps and devices for smartphone. A summary is at post 37.

    FYI, usually the red "master warning light" will be turned on if there is a fault somewhere with the hybrid drive system. Since that can (will) affect MPGs, the engine computer (ECM) is programmed to activate the "check engine light".

    I think the logic is that "even if the engine runs perfectly, lower MPG = more engine operation = more tailpipe emissions". So the CEL is on even if there are no ECM codes.

    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3246758

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 mr_guy_mann, Jan 17, 2025 at 7:20 AM
    Brian1954 likes this.
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