Toyota Prius V parking lock system warning message with loud beeping when parking brake is engaged on Toyota Prius V

Some Toyota Prius V owners report experiencing issues with the parking lock system, such as the "P Lock Malfunction" warning message accompanied by loud beeping when the parking brake is engaged. This can indicate problems with the Parking button not engaging or communicating properly with the Power control system, potentially resulting in the vehicle not recognizing that it is in Park. Owners may also face difficulties shifting gears or engaging the gas or electric motor due to this malfunction. Common causes include a low 12V battery, faulty brake actuator, software glitches, an old battery, blown fuses, bad transmission relays, TCM glitches, or corroded TCM connectors. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid being unable to shift out of Park gear, and affected owners are advised to have their vehicles inspected by a qualified mechanic or authorized Toyota service center.