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Intermittent red warning triangle

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by crazynurse68, May 20, 2010.

  1. crazynurse68

    crazynurse68 New Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2010
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    Location:
    Alamosa, CO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Just this week the red warning triangle is appearing intermittently. I live over 200 miles from a dealer or toyota certified shop- Light seems to come on only when I push the brakes moderatley hard and is on for just a second then disappears- beeps when it comes on, too. I called the Toyota dealer and their answer is to "just bring it in"-- not able to "just bring it in" as it's again, 200+ miles away. One of the service reps said it might be low brake fluid- but the actual service tech said it was a failing ECU most probably - seems to be driving fine- should I be pacnicking about now? An ECU starts at $1,400 pluc labor-- Something i don't happen to have right now but also not able to buy a new car right now- the service tech said I could drive it and it won't leave me stranded-won't hurt to drive it--- but if the ECU fails---- won't that strand me somewhere? -
     
    #1 crazynurse68, May 20, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    This doesn't sound good. Odometer reading?

    1) Are any warning lights on besides the red triangle? For example, the red BRAKE light, the amber ABS and VSC lights, or the amber circular icon?

    2) Did you check the brake fluid level? If low, buy a new container of DOT3 brake fluid and replenish as needed. This fluid will dissolve paint, so do not spill it.

    3) While you are at it, check the radiator and inverter coolant levels by looking at the translucent reservoirs behind the radiator and next to the inverter. If low, fill with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant.

    4) If you can't find any problems and the warning light still comes on when you apply the brake pedal, then you need to find time to drive the 200 miles to have your car checked out. You should not continue to drive the car as normal with a potential brake problem. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, May 20, 2010
  3. Politburo

    Politburo Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2009
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Might as well check the oil, too. I seem to recall a thread where someone was getting an intermittent master warning from that.
     
    #3 Politburo, May 20, 2010
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