Flashing red "key" light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by perryma, Feb 23, 2008.

  1. perryma

    perryma New Member

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    Since I still don't have my manual, what does this red light with the pic of a key in the middle mean. Mine keeps flashing at me.
     
    #1 perryma, Feb 23, 2008
  2. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    It means that the immobilizer system is on. (Prevents your car from turning on without the key)
     
    #2 Bob64, Feb 23, 2008
  3. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    In other words - the thing ALWAYS flashes.
     
    #3 darelldd, Feb 23, 2008
  4. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Wrong! It does not flash in the Ready mode.
     
    #4 firepa63, Feb 23, 2008
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Our when power is completely disconnected, or after the universe suffers its heat death, or in the event of a huge EMP... :wacko:

    Tom
     
    #5 qbee42, Feb 23, 2008
  6. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    It's flashing because the fob is not inserted. It is an indicator that means that the engine won't start.

    Think of it as a sort of security system.
     
    #6 Rae Vynn, Feb 23, 2008
  7. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    Oh, and it flashing is 100% normal. Just think of it as a car alarm.
     
    #7 Bob64, Feb 23, 2008
  8. icarus

    icarus Senior Member

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    The manual says that it (the blinking key light) turns on when the door is open. Ever since we stored the car for three months and the 12vdc battery ran down, it blinks as soon as the car is powered down. I assume this is a bug an I shouldn't worry about it. Any ideas?

    Icarus
     
    #8 icarus, May 26, 2008
  9. sleonardelli

    sleonardelli Junior Member

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    When I drop the kid off at school, as soon as the car door closes, the key light comes on. I just wave my fob in front of the slot and it goes away. I think its a reminder to not leave your fob in the car.
     
    #9 sleonardelli, May 27, 2008
  10. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    when my wife first got her car in mid march, we parked it in the garage while mine has to stay outside. anyway she was worried about her car and met me when I got in at midnight to tell me the car is broken. She said the red light keeps blinking that the doors are open and she opened and closed them like 1000 times!

    I laughed and told her what it was and man was she mad!!! (and feeling a little silly) :D

    Think of it as a wifey perpetual motion machine!
     
    #10 Sheepdog, May 28, 2008
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