Flashing Orange Light w key on Dash 2004 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by yawkeyfan, Nov 30, 2013.

  1. yawkeyfan

    yawkeyfan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2013
    12
    0
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My 12V battery died, the car wouldn't start, required jumps and I had to change the battery. Believe it or not, the battery was original to the car!

    So, after changing the battery, the car started right up and everything is working fine.........EXCEPT.

    When I shut off the car and remove the key (I do not have the smart key system) I see a flashing orange light with a horizontal key that flashing constantly after removing key. When I start the car, this goes off.

    Three questions:

    1. Will this flashing light kill my new battery?
    2. Why has this appeared all of the sudden? I've had the car since 2008 and never seen this light?
    3. How can I, or should I disable this?

    Thanks so much!
     
    #1 yawkeyfan, Nov 30, 2013
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Moved to the proper gen II forum from the Prius v forums.
     
    #2 Paradox, Nov 30, 2013
  3. koolingit

    koolingit Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2009
    158
    51
    0
    Location:
    Mocksville NC, USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    That light has been flashing (while the car is off) since day one; you just never noticed it. All is well!
     
    #3 koolingit, Nov 30, 2013
    yawkeyfan likes this.
  4. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    1,686
    340
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    That light is showing that the hybrid immobilizer is functioning. As said, it is always there in a properly functioning car turned off.
     
    #4 nh7o, Dec 1, 2013
    yawkeyfan likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)