Newbee Needing Advice

[Phoenix 59]

Hi Guys, I took delivery of my 59 plated Prius Spirit on Saurday (12th May). I was looking under the passenger side of the dash this evening (Heard a crack sort of sound on the way home, Maybe a fuse but all seems to be working!!!!!) when I noticed a red light. So my question is WHAT IS this red light under the dash. It was on without the power button being pushed. Just being curious really.

Cheers, Paul

[timberwolf]

Welcome. I can't think what it could be. Toyota introduced the Gen 3 part way through 2009, which generation of Prius do you have?

[Phoenix 59]

Its a Gen 3 Registered December 2009. The light is on the plastic panel that you remove to get to the fuse box lid if thats any help. Im sure i've seen it mentioned somewhere but for the life of me I can't remember where I saw it.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

You sure it's not the passenger airbag off light? You can switch it on or off using the metal key (inside the remote fob) on the side of the glove box between the passenger door.

Did you have anything sat on the passenger seat when this light comes on?

[Phoenix 59]

Is the airbag light the one facing you as you sit on the seat, on the front of the dash???? This light is right underneath the dash, you have to be on your hands and kness to see it!!!. No the seat had nothing on it at the time.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Probably one of the many computers? There is a flashing lock symbol in red when the ignition is off.

The Prius has lots of error reporting mechanisms. Basic issues have an error message display on the screen. More serious issues will flag up an amber/orange warning light and a serious issue flags up a red warning light.

If you're not getting any error messages or warning lights, then I wouldn't worry.

[GreenJuice]

The Gen 3 has footwell lights. Could that be it?

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Or it could be the glovebox light that is continuously lit when the car is in Ready mode? No switch on the glovebox always seemed an odd thing, but guess replacing a bulb is cheaper than a switch unit?

[DavidW999]

I've just had a look on my Gen 3 Prius and I think you'll find it is the footwell light, it seems to be an orangey colour. There's another one under the dash on the drivers side.

[Phoenix 59]

I must admit David that the footwell light is possible. Being that the light is only the size of an old 1/2p i didn't think it would give off much light. I'll go and check when it gets dark :) Thank you everyone for your help.

[Phoenix 59]

You were right Dave, Footwell lights. Didn't think that tiny red dot would give out that much light but it does. Thanksfor all the advice.