I recently purchased a used 2008 Lexus ES 350 and it runs like a dream. I’ve never driven a vehicle this smooth, however, the “red triangle of death?” Started coming on when starting up. It goes away very quickly, but it’s the first time I’ve ever even seen this on the dash of any of my cars so I had no idea what it meant.
I’ve been searching for answers but everything on line leads me to issues with the Prius battery. Does this mean the issue is most commonly battery related or is it something far worse?
Thank you!
Can you post a picture of the warning light/message?
It’s the red triangle with the “!” In it.
Is there an accompanying message?
Your owner's manual might give you a bit more information, but ultimately you need to get a diagnostic scan. See FAQ topic for details.
Just making sure, is your car a hybrid?
I’ve only seen the red triangle of death and/or car with exclamation mark come up in my Prius three times.
Once was the hybrid battery.
Another was the hybrid water pump.
And the scary one was low oil.
I recommend trying to use a scanner to see if you get any codes.
This will help you identify what the warning is about - you should also get an owner's manual (a free download for all Toyota products).
https://dashboardsymbols.com/2019/07/lexus-warning-lights-and-symbols/
Tire pressure monitoring system maybe?
