Prius red car symbol with exclamation point

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What does the red car with exclamation point mean in a Prius?
What does a red car with an exclamation mark mean?
What is the car light with the exclamation point?
What does the master warning light on a Prius mean?

Joined:Apr 29, 2010200Location:MemphisVehicle:2005 Prius Model:N/A

I purchased my car used. Shortly after the Maintenance Required light came on but I haven't been able to take care of that yet. Today while driving home I heard a beep followed by the word "Problem" appearing in a bar across the top of the touch screen, an odd shaped icon that im guessing is supposed to resemble an engine(?) above the word "Check" and finally a big red Triangle with an exclamation mark in it. The "Problem" bar disappears after a second and there is a small red car icon in the top left of the touch screen that has a exclamation mark inside it I think.
I found 4 threads on this forum with similar problems but none of them are exactly like this one. this forums rules wont let me post links until i've made 5 posts which is bs bc the links are the the forum itself.
one is titled:
Problem: red triangle & red power light when powering on car
another:
red triangle/exclamation point and icon on screen
another:
red triangle/exclamation point and icon on screen
and the last is:
05 - Check engine light - vapor canister - warranty?
All seem similar to my situation but they all seem to have different solutions to a very vague problem. I have no idea what these icons mean and it doesnt tell me anything. Is it safe to drive for a while? is it fixing to blow up lol?

I'm hoping somebody can give me some insight to either what my specific problem is or which one of these existing threads is likely the solution to my issue. i added two photos to hopefully help.
I found a downloadable "pocket reference guide" at qrg.toyotapartsandservice dot com
the lights that are coming on in the instrument panel are the "Malfunction Indicator Light" and "Master Warning Light".
just in case that helps describe my problem
Attached Files:
Does your car demonstrate any unusual issues or symptoms when being driven?
Do you have access to a digital voltmeter? If so, measure voltage across the 12V battery when the car is IG-OFF and when it is READY.
The red car with exclamation point in the MFD means that the hybrid vehicle ECU has logged a DTC.
The amber check engine light means that the engine ECU has logged a DTC.
The red Master Warning triangle is just alerting you to look around for other warning lights, that may give you a clue as to your car's problem.
MAINT REQD is driven by an odometer timer, it has been 5K miles since the timer was last reset and you need an engine oil and oil filter change.
And it looks like your windshield defroster is on.
Joined:Apr 29, 2010200Location:MemphisVehicle:2005 Prius Model:N/A

thanks for the reply!
theres absolutely no difference in the performance of the car. Drives like it always does. but now theres a giant red triangle reflecting on my windshield hah.
the 2 warning lights that are on are really generic and dont relate to a specific problem apparently so it's hard to diagnose.
i dont have a voltmeter
whats a DTC?
glad the maintenance light isnt that big a deal. i actually had my oil changed since getting the car. do i have to get that done at a dealership for them to reset the light? thats kind of lame it doesnt reset when they're changed bc i've done that since owning it. thanks for the heads up though.
DTC = diagnostic trouble code
I suggest that you visit your local Toyota dealer soon because the hybrid vehicle icon in the MFD is a serious warning.
To reset the MAINT REQD light, set the odometer so that the display shows cumulative miles, not one of the two trip odometers. Make the car IG-OFF.
Then hold down the button that switches between odometer and the two trip odometers. While holding down the button, depress the POWER button twice (without depressing the brake pedal) so that the car is IG-ON.
Continue holding the odometer button while you watch a series of dashes appear where the odometer normally is displayed. Once the dashes disappear you can release the odometer button, then make the car IG-OFF.
Joined:Sep 3, 2010100Location:Indiana USAVehicle:2004 Prius Model:N/A

OK, I had this happen to me also...my dealer said I needed an inverter pump and 12 volt battery??? Is this all this means and all the car needs to have done? ..I have always felt safe in this car (2004, 67,000 miles and no other problems).
What I need to know is will the car be safe to drive after these repairs are made? And also if these are all that should be done?
Joined: Mar 27, 20096701410Location:new yorkVehicle:2018 Prius Prime Model:Prime Plus

Sparks:
You may need a 12 volt battery, is yours original? You may also have another problem, like tokshra who needs an inverter pump. You need to read the DTC codes to know for sure. You can test the battery yourself, search on this site for battery test for instructions. If the pump needs to be changed, which is a common failure, then you are good to go for that problem. As the cars age, more problems occur, but the car wehn repaired is perfectly safe to use, assuming there are no other issues.
Joined:Nov 21, 20053,5681,6271 Location:Trumbull, CTVehicle:2020 PriusModel:LE AWD-e

You can use "Maintenance Mode" on the MultiFunctional Display (MFD):
Weird stuff happening? MPGs dropping? Test The Battery | PriusChat
or go to Radio Shack and buy a low cost Digital Voltmeter for about $40 (a very useful tool).
JeffD
The little 12v Battery has a limited life (4-5 years or until it is accidently discharged a few times) so replacing it is normal maintenance.
The Inverter pump in 2004 and early 2005 Prii has been shown to have early failures. The replacement pump is a newer design and should last a long time.
At 60k+ miles you should consider having the dealer drain and refill your Automatic Transmission Fluid (Toyota Type WS ATF, ~$100 at my dealer in CT) to extend the life of the Power Split Device (PSD, an expensive item to replace if it fails) which serves as the transmission in a Prius.
My 2004 Prius is now at 180,000 miles (new Inverter Coolant Pump, original batteries, new ATF 3 times and very few problems) and I expect it to go much further with only normal maintenance and periodic minor problems needing attention (although some minor problems can cost several hundred dollars to repair like the Inverter pump). Just drive your fine car and don't worry too much. Things may break from time to time, but after all it is a car and nothing is perfect.
JeffD
Joined:Aug 13, 20051,210502 Location:CAVehicle:2007 Prius

How do you reset this warning light?
Joined:Nov 21, 2005 3,5681,6271Location:Trumbull, CTVehicle:2020 Prius Model:LE AWD-e

You either need an OBD2 tester that handles the CAN Protocol (look into a ScanGuage about $150) or disconnect the 12v battery for a few minutes and reconnect it (usually best done at the negative post connection to the body of the car).
Of course, if the original problem remains, the warning will return after the reset.
JeffD
Joined:Aug 13, 2005 1,210502Location:CAVehicle:2007 Prius

I already have a ScanGauge connected to my Prius, but there were no codes showing. The battery had been disconnect for a few hours while I was charging up the battery. But it seems after a few minutes with my Prius running, the warning light went away.
I did this and it worked, after having the red triangle on dash and touch screen . I had just replaced the combination meter.
"04-09 Prius procedure. Disable SMART KEY (button that says KEY under steering column), and insert key fob transponder into slot in dash. With foot on brake, push power button and hold the power button in for 30 seconds. Release power button and try to restart."
Joined:Sep 19, 2019200 Location:Baton RougeVehicle:2008 PriusModel:----USA----

2008 Prius Master warning light came on and check engine. After reading posts I replaced the 12v battery. Lights came back on. Took to auto zone they said it shows the electric cooling pump is bad. Is this correct?
Desperate in BR
Joined:May 11, 200598,80944,7980 Location:bostonVehicle:2012 Prius Plug-inModel:Plug-in Base

welcome!
depends on what the codes were
Joined:May 11, 2005 98,80944,7980Location:bostonVehicle:2012 Prius Plug-in Model:Plug-in Base

are you going to diy? if so, you should get a prius aware scanner like tech stream
Joined:Sep 19, 2019200 Location:Baton RougeVehicle:2008 PriusModel:----USA----

I’ll go again and get code
Maybe not. You need to retrieve the DTC to have a clue about what is wrong.
Joined:Mar 10, 201829230 Location:Irvine, CAVehicle:2015 PriusModel:Four

Any specific model?
Thanks
Joined:May 11, 2005 98,80944,7980Location:bostonVehicle:2012 Prius Plug-in Model:Plug-in Base

no, they're all the same. tech stream is available on amazon, and runs on your windows laptop
Joined:Mar 10, 201829230 Location:Irvine, CAVehicle:2015 PriusModel:Four

I might give it a shot, I'm replacing both HV inverter pump and battery on the 2008. This is probably the best I can do with these shipping times right now.
Thanks for your help.
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What does the red car with exclamation point mean in a Prius?

An Exclamation Point Inside a Triangle There is a malfunction within your vehicle's master warning system, which requires professional attention.

What does a red car with an exclamation mark mean?

Low Tire Pressure Modern cars come with tire pressure monitoring systems and the little exclamation point inside of a half-circle merely means one or more of your tires have low pressure. If you see this sign don't freak out. Instead, find a safe place to stop and inspect your tires.

What is the car light with the exclamation point?

A symbol that looks like an exclamation mark in a horseshoe is the tire pressure warning light. This lets you know when your tires aren't exactly filled with enough air.

What does the master warning light on a Prius mean?

The master warning light in a Toyota (usually an exclamation mark in the middle of a triangle) indicates a problem in one of the vehicle's systems. It may be on for various reasons such as low tire pressure, loose fuel cap, low fluid levels, etc.