Gen 2 (2008) Prius keeps showing red car with exclamation mark, no codes showing up.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JoeDog99, Jun 22, 2025 at 6:58 AM.

  1. JoeDog99

    JoeDog99 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2022
    28
    1
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I had my break pads changed and they are working fine.

    However now the multi media display keeps showing a red car with an exclamation mark on it.


    The hybrid battery was just replaced a few months agao and charges without issue.


    And the 12v is also testing as good.


    The car is turning on and driving fine without issue and not making any weird noises or struggling to drive.


    2 seperate mechanics have tried reading the codes but nothing shows up (yes, they have the right tool and have read codes for me before)


    I also just replaced the air filter.


    So any ideas on what the issue might be?
     
    #1 JoeDog99, Jun 22, 2025 at 6:58 AM
  2. JoeDog99

    JoeDog99 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2022
    28
    1
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Also...yes, i have tried restarting it by disconnecting the 12v but the light goes away for a day or two but then returns.
     
    #2 JoeDog99, Jun 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    26,259
    17,197
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Please post the make and model of the right tool that they have.

    How much engine oil shows on the dipstick?
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Jun 22, 2025 at 7:10 AM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. JoeDog99

    JoeDog99 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2022
    28
    1
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I am not sure the make and model of the tool they have but in the past they have read codes and fixed issues including scanning hybrid battery to see if all the cells were good when i purchaced it
     
    #4 JoeDog99, Jun 22, 2025 at 9:20 AM
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    3,948
    1,901
    0
    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The only information I have from the owner's manual is that icon indicates a fault with something in the hybrid drive system. Usually I would expect such a problem to trigger the "master caution" (red triangle) as well.

    If someone has done a "system scan" for codes, I would want to have a copy of the results. Specifically a list of all 15-16 systems on a Gen 2, with each one saying that it did not have codes present.

    You can also consider getting your own scantool and checking things when the fault occurs.

    Here's a thread that reviews several options for smartphone. The synopsis is post 37. The Autel AP200 is a decent choice of capability vs price.
    prius%20mil.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 mr_guy_mann, Jun 22, 2025 at 11:34 AM
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    12,045
    2,129
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Go out and put your hand on the inverter pump while the car's ready on. If it's not vibrating that's it.
     
    #6 Tombukt2, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:04 PM
    ColoradoCrow likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)