2008 Blinking red car warning light after the car is powered down

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gary I, Nov 9, 2014.

  1. Gary I

    Gary I Junior Member

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    2008 Blinking red car warning light after the car is powered down, if remote key is installed it stops
     
    #1 Gary I, Nov 9, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    car alarm? prius interruptus?
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 9, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    normal light. probably telling you the key is not present
     
    #3 JC91006, Nov 9, 2014
  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Hi Gary and welcome to Priuschat.

    This completely normal. The flashing light indicates that the immobilizer is activated. Putting the key fob in the slot deactivates the immobilizer.
     
    #4 dolj, Nov 9, 2014
  5. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    My wife dropped a bag of garbage out the 2nd floor window on top of my car. I guess it was easier than carrying it downstairs. Anyway the red light blinked furiously for hours, but the car started fine with SKS out of the slot. I don't know what the immobilizer immobilizes.
     
    #5 goldfinger, Nov 10, 2014
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The engine -- it's an anti-theft device. The idea is it makes your car a less desirable target as you can't simply break a window and hot wire it. Except in the movies of course! :D
     
    #6 dolj, Nov 10, 2014
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