Toyota Hiace dash light

**Toast** · 8th February 2007, 10:59

Hi.

A couple of days ago a little orange light came on, on my dash. I haven't got the handbook, so don't know what it means.

Artist's impression attached.

Speculation around the office says:

- radiator: but the temp gauge is showing fine

- catalytic converter - wouldn't know.

- it's telling me to stop wasting money on my race bike and buy a house - if so it can go to the same place as my gf.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers.

**LilSel** · 8th February 2007, 11:07

is it a diesel??... is it on all the time?

does it have a preheater thingie.. goes off once spark heated... then starts...
(Nissan Safari has that...)

OR... maybe its 'rear heater is on' lol??....

**Toast** · 8th February 2007, 11:10

It's a petrol.

It started a couple of days ago.

At first it only came on under heavy braking or big cornering loads. Then it started coming on with even really minor deceleration. Now it's on all of the time. Leads me to believe that it's something to do with a fluid...?

Don't think it has a rear heater aye.

**Ixion** · 8th February 2007, 11:12

Check your brake fluid.

**Toast** · 8th February 2007, 11:14

Originally Posted by Ixion

Check your brake fluid.

Hmm, sweet, cheers. Will do that.

Just curious: is that recommendation based on a guess? Or experience with Toyotas or other Jap cars?

**Ixion** · 8th February 2007, 11:17

Experience, though not Toyotas. There is a sensor in the brake fluid resevoir on most jap cars. If the fluid drops a bit, then the extra drop as brakes are applied (especially as pads wear) can drop the fluid below the minimum level. A bit lower and just the 'slosh" on deceleration cornering etc will light it up. Abit more and it's permanently on.

**Motu** · 8th February 2007, 11:31

Coolant level sensor - how about you check your levels say once a year.Toyotas are reliable eh? Just drive until it stops....oh,that light....does it mean something.It's called an idiot light....apparently for good reason.

**onearmedbandit** · 8th February 2007, 11:43

Yup, as Motu says, coolant level. Don't worry, it's not important...

**bistard** · 8th February 2007, 11:48

You guys are harsh,but fair of course
Now can you describe to them where & how to check the coolant
level
haha

**Toast** · 8th February 2007, 11:53

Cheers for the help guys. Only had the van a few months. Just came on a couple of days ago like I said.

**pete376403** · 8th February 2007, 12:04

find the expansion tank - should be white pastic but will probably be rust coloured, with small hose connecting to the radiator cap mounting.
There may be a level indicator moulded into the side of the tank. Fill it with water to the level mark, otherwise about half full. This is NOT the radiator youre filling, but the expansion tank

**Motu** · 8th February 2007, 12:24

Which means you have to check the radiator too - ''Oh,the plastic bottle was full''....Yeah but the radiator was empty....new cyl heads are $1600,parts and labour another $1200,have a happy day.

No one checks any levels on a van - too hard.All the crap on the consul ends up on the floor in the back,lost with piles of other shit.Everything on the seat has to go on the floor.I'll let someone else do that,it's their turn,I checked it last month.

**davereid** · 8th February 2007, 12:53

Maybe you should send it to a service station and get...

Coolant replaced - it doesnt last for ever, and thats a low coolant lamp
Oil and Filter Changed
Air Cleaner replaced
Brake fluid topped up

If the last owner allowed the coolant to be neglected, its likely the other items need some TLC too.