TEMP symbol on car's dashboard?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Mayank Jain, Jul 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM.

Tags:
  1. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Hi Everyone,

    I have a Prius Plugin 2012 with 130k miles which i've been driving mostly on HV/EV mode from last 3 months without charging the car (I try to maintain the electric range around 4miles range by not driving in EV). I don't have access to a charger where I live.

    Suddenly today, a symbol started flashing intermittently in white color on the car's dashboard which I couldn't find in the manual. It showed up on the dashboard which is next to the speedometer (where time is shown).

    It looks like a Car with an arrow coming inside it and word TEMP written on it (see attached picture of what I can recall)

    Any idea what this could be?
    Many thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Mayank Jain, Jul 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,452
    51,176
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    check the coolant level, gen 3 is notorious for blowing head gaskets around your mileage.

    i'm not familiar with that symbol, but other areas that are cooled include the traction battery through the rear seat vent (make sure it isn't blocked) and the inverter fluid and pump.
    if the battery intake vent isn't blocked, it would be worth opening the cooling fan up to see if it needs cleaning.
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 16, 2025 at 1:20 PM
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    9,634
    5,927
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Temperature warnings should not be ignored but there are different sources such as engine, hybrid system and battery.

    Most of us don't have an early plugin but the engine cooling warning looks like this:
    IMG_8924.jpeg

    A Plugin Hybrid System (usually inverter) Warning
    IMG_8925.jpeg

    A Prius v wagon has this "car" for hybrid system warning
    IMG_8926.jpeg

    Attached is a section of the 2012 Plugin manual explaining warnings
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 rjparker, Jul 16, 2025 at 2:29 PM
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Thank you @bisco and @rjparker for quick responses. I've immediately reduced the vehicle's usage to bare minimum and am looking for a Prius technician in the bay area. I will also check coolant levels and the rear-seat vents. Will report back on what I discover.
     
    #4 Mayank Jain, Jul 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
  5. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I took the car to mechanic who specializes on high voltage battery and engine - they offer a free ODB port scan.
    The scan came out green.

    Next, I'm going to a local mechanic to perform 130k miles servicing.

    I asked Gemini AI for what to replace/service for 130k miles and here's what it recommended (see attached).
    What do you think @bisco and @rjparker - is all in the list needed?

    Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 Mayank Jain, Jul 16, 2025 at 6:55 PM
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,452
    51,176
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    don't use AI, mistakes happen. if you don't have the maintenance schedule, go to toyota.com/owners and get one there.
    how many miles/years have you owned it? do you know any maintenance history?
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 16, 2025 at 8:47 PM
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,452
    51,176
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    what does a green scan mean, no trouble codes? if you can't find the cause of the problem, try earthling automotive.
    can you post a pic of the temp warning you drew?
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 16, 2025 at 8:49 PM
  8. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    9,634
    5,927
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    No drive belts on your car. Fluids and plugs are all a good idea unless already done. Insist on genuine Toyota coolant and plugs.

    I would focus on the temperature issue. If your mechanic can check the two coolant pumps (engine and inverter) with his scan tool he should do it. It requires a Toyota hydrid capable tool.

    If there is any pushback, I would spend my first $150 at a dealer to track down the issue. If you need a water pump get a genuine Toyota installed by your shop. Then have your fluids and plugs changed.
     
    #8 rjparker, Jul 16, 2025 at 9:06 PM
  9. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I've owned the car since 2018 as the 2nd owner and got it serviced once in 2022 at 110k miles.
    Right now, its 130k miles.

    Approximate warning sign image that came up in white color is attached.

    Also attached is the scan report I got. I don't know why RLDM and RRDM came as red, they both work well.

    Screenshot 2025-07-16 at 6.51.53 PM.png Screenshot 2025-07-16 at 10.12.46 AM.png
     
    #9 Mayank Jain, Jul 16, 2025 at 9:51 PM
    bisco likes this.
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,452
    51,176
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    are you not able to take a picture of it, or has it not come back?

    i suspect that scanner isn't adequate for prius
     
    #10 bisco, Jul 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM
  11. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    No it flashed a few times and hasn't come back again.
     
    #11 Mayank Jain, Jul 17, 2025 at 2:34 PM
  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    9,634
    5,927
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    It almost has be a message on the multi function display that was misread or was added with some ecu update after the manual was released or it was a car symbol meaning something else like

    IMG_8949.jpeg IMG_8950.jpeg
     
    #12 rjparker, Jul 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,452
    51,176
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    could just be a glitch. i would make sure everything is working properly in the cooling department, catch up on regular maintenance and not worry about it.
    btw, you're around the 'clean the egr circuit or blow the head gasket' mileage.
     
    #13 bisco, Jul 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
  14. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Thanks for the heads up. I'll check more about it.
     
    #14 Mayank Jain, Jul 18, 2025 at 12:22 AM
  15. Mayank Jain

    Mayank Jain Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2018
    113
    72
    1
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I solved the mystery.

    It was a button on the steering wheel which I was pressing accidentally & unknowingly. The reason this symbol wasn't found in any warning signs manual because it's not a warning sign

    However this made me change all the important fluids. My hybrid transaxle fluid was practically black in color.

    Car is back to normal. Thank you everyone for the quick help!
     

    Attached Files:

    #15 Mayank Jain, Jul 20, 2025 at 10:31 PM
    xliderider likes this.
  16. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    9,634
    5,927
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The good ol ac temperature control

    IMG_8967.jpeg
     
    #16 rjparker, Jul 20, 2025 at 11:20 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)