Toyota Prius: If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds

If any warning light illuminates or flashes in your Toyota Prius 2024, calmly follow these steps. If a light comes on briefly and then goes off, it may not indicate a system malfunction. However, if the light persists or flashes repeatedly, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected promptly by an authorized Toyota dealer to diagnose any potential issues.

Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates that:

• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning

→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

 Indicates a malfunction in:

• The parking brake system;
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Charging system warning light * (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's charging system

→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

High coolant temperature warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light/ Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine is overheating

→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.

Handling method

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low

→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

Hybrid system overheat warning light* (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates that the hybrid system has overheated

→ Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Handling method

*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

Malfunction indicator lamp

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The emission control system (if equipped)

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

SRS warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

This warning light indicates problems with the following:

• Airbag sensor assembly
• Front impact sensors
• Side impact sensors (front door)
• Front passenger occupant classification sensors
• Front passenger's seat belt buckle switch
• SRS warning light
• "PASSENGER AIR BAG ON" indicator light
• "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light
• SRS airbags
• SRS system related wiring harnesses and power sources

ABS warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately

PCS warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

 Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.

LTA indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

LDA indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert)

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

PDA indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Assist).

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

Cruise control indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system.

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

Dynamic radar cruise control indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the dynamic radar cruise control system.

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

Driving assist information indicator

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates one of the following systems is malfunctioning.

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• LDA (Lane Departure Alert)

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display

Indicates one of the following systems is malfunctioning or disabled.

• PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if equipped)
• RCD (Rear Camera Detection) (if equipped)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
• RCTA (Rear cross traffic alert) (if equipped)
•  Safe Exit Assist (if equipped)

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the Intuitive parking assist function

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately

When a buzzer does not sound: Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display

Slip indicator light

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The VSC system;
• The TRAC system; or
• The hill-start assist control system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Inappropriate pedal operation warning light * (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

When a buzzer sounds:

• Brake Override System is malfunctioning
• Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning
• Drive-Start Control is operating

→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display

When a buzzer does not sound: Brake Override System is operating.

→ Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.

*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

Brake hold operated indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system

→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or released

→ Operate the parking brake switch once again

This light comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is operating normally.

Tire pressure warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light / Details / Actions

When the light comes on after blinking for approximately 1 minute (a buzzer does not sounds):

Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system

→ Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.

When the light comes on (a buzzer sounds):

• Low tire inflation pressure from natural causes

→ After the temperature of the tires has lowered sufficiently, check the inflation pressure of each tire and adjust them to the specified level.

• Low tire inflation pressure from flat tire

→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and perform the necessary actions.

Low fuel level warning light

Warning light / Details / Actions

AWD models

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 6.0 L (1.7 gal., 1.4 Imp. gal.) or less

2WD models

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 6.4 L (1.6 gal., 1.3 Imp. gal.) or less

→ Refuel the vehicle.

Driver's and front passenger's seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer*)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts

→ Fasten the seat belt.

If the front passenger's seat is occupied, the front passenger's seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

*: Driver's seat belt warning buzzer: The driver's seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt is not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to ON, the buzzer sounds. If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

Front passenger's seat belt warning buzzer: The front passenger's seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

Rear passengers' seat belt reminder light *1 (warning buzzer*2)

Warning light / Details / Actions

Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts

→ Fasten the seat belt.

*1:Regardless of whether or not a rear passenger is present, this light will also illuminate for a certain period of time after the rear door is opened and closed.

*2:Rear passengers' seat belt warning buzzer: The rear passengers' seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time, after the seat belt is fastened and unfastened and the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard because of noisy place or an audio sound.

Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer

• If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.
• If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger, and the warning light may not operate properly.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

• Is the fuel tank empty? If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
• Is the fuel tank cap loose? If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several driving trips.

If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage temporarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer may sound.

At this time, the functions of the air conditioning, etc. may be partially limited in order to reduce the power consumption of the 12-volt battery.

When the tire pressure warning light comes on

Inspect the tires to check if a tire is punctured.

If a tire is punctured

If none of the tires are punctured: Turn the power switch off then turn it to ON.

Check if the tire pressure warning light comes on or blinks.

• If the tire pressure warning light blinks for approximately 1 minute then stays on

There may be a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

• If the tire pressure warning light comes on

After the temperature of the tires has lowered sufficiently, check the inflation pressure of each tire and adjust them to the specified level.

If the warning light does not turn off even after several minutes have elapsed, check that the inflation pressure of each tire is at the specified level and perform the tire inflation pressure setting procedure.

If the warning light does not turn off even after several minutes have elapsed since performing the tire inflation pressure setting procedure, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature.

In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).

When a tire is replaced with a compact spare tire (vehicles with compact spare tire)

The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the standard tire and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few minutes.

Conditions that the tire pressure warning system may not function properly

WARNING

If a warning light comes on or a warning buzzer sounds when a warning message is shown on the multi-information display*

Check and follow the message shown on the multi-information display.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

*: Warning lights illuminate in red or yellow and the warning buzzer beeps once or sounds continuously.

When the electric power steering system warning light comes on

When the light comes on yellow, the assist to the power steering is restricted. When the light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is lost and handling operations of the steering wheel become extremely heavy.

If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold firmly and operate using more force than usual.

If the tire pressure warning light comes on

Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.

  Adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.

WARNING

• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur

The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).

WARNING

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.

The TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.

This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to continue to function properly.

NOTICE

To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly

Do not install tires with different specifications or manufacturers as the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.