Hi, to anyone still here. Anyone else have weird times starting their Prius?
Every 3-4 months, I start my 2007 Prius by pushing the button and holding my foot on the brake as normal. Normal start procedure.
Instead, the AC fan comes on FULL BLAST w/o cooling, every light on the dashboard will light including a large red triangle in the left lower corner of the dash, all of which stay light and does not flash.
While this is happening, I can shift but not engage the drive, I cannot shut off the vehicle, holding down the start button will not shut down the vehicle. In effect, the car just sits in that state. I cannot see the green light shining on the brake button, so I dare not get out of the vehicle in case it decides to surge.
I have even tried inserting the key remote in its dash receptacle but that gains me nothing. Car still running crazy.
After about 3 minutes, I can push the start button, hold it a few seconds, and the car is "off"
Then I "reboot" the car by pushing the start button and holding my foot on the brake as normal...and I drive away.
What is going on? Is the car venting itself? Batteries look fine. No further warning signs. Acts perfectly normal until a few months later and it happens again. Beats me. Dealer can't find anything so I've learned to just accept being stranded every couple of months.
I ONCE had a problem with my car acting up when I initially purchased it. It was hot in Texas (like way over 110 outside) that 2007 and the dash acted the same: all light up with the steady red triangle and the AC fan only blowing full blast. Had to wait 10 minutes while hot outside air circulated. Finally was able to "turn off" the car and restart and drive away. Nothing like that happened again for years and years.
Is this a bug or a feature? LOL