Brake pedal to the floor?

[edmcm2000]

Hi, I know that the 2010 Prius has some sort of electronic power brake assist, but is it normal that when I first get in the car and step on the brake pedal, it goes "to the floor" with seemingly no hydraulic feeling at all? It just goes down to a very solid stop. Then when I start the car, it is the same until I shift into gear and move a bit, after which the pedal acts normal and brakes normally. (I did look at the brake fluid level, it's OK) I drove the car around a while and the brakes worked perfectly, but after I'm back in the garage and shut down, pedal can be pushed down to the floor again. This is my wifes car, had it 3 weeks, and I havn't really driven it much and am not familiar with it. Do I have anything to be concerned about? Thanks, Edmcm2000

[bwilson4web]

When you walk to the car and put your hand on the handle, do you hear the brake accumulator pump run? It will be a faint whine. Just stand there without opening the door and see if you hear it.

If you don't hear it, you may want to take it back and ask the shop to check the brake accumulator pump operation. It almost sounds as if your car is not running it until you get in ...

Bob Wilson

[fuzzy1]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

When you walk to the car and put your hand on the handle, do you hear the brake accumulator pump run? It will be a faint whine. Just stand there without opening the door and see if you hear it. ...

I have to open the door to start it. It runs about 10-15 seconds, and is not at all faint inside my garage.

This is one of the noises noted in the Owner's Manual. If it is absent, definitely have the shop check it.

[edmcm2000]

I just went out and tried that, but I just drove the car about 5 minutes ago. I could hear nothing at all by doing as you say. Will there be any time interval after using the car before the accumulator pump would have to do its thing? I've opened the hood and I'll let it set an hour and go listen again when I touch the door handle, key fob in hand. Does anyone have a car that the pedal will depress like mine? Edmcm2000

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

When you walk to the car and put your hand on the handle, do you hear the brake accumulator pump run? It will be a faint whine. Just stand there without opening the door and see if you hear it.

If you don't hear it, you may want to take it back and ask the shop to check the brake accumulator pump operation. It almost sounds as if your car is not running it until you get in ...

Bob Wilson

[edmcm2000]

OK, I just went out and tried it by opening the door, and heard the pump run. So, does everything seem to be right? Edmcm2000

Originally Posted by edmcm2000

I just went out and tried that, but I just drove the car about 5 minutes ago. I could hear nothing at all by doing as you say. Will there be any time interval after using the car before the accumulator pump would have to do its thing? I've opened the hood and I'll let it set an hour and go listen again when I touch the door handle, key fob in hand. Does anyone have a car that the pedal will depress like mine? Edmcm2000

[Dark_matter_doesn't]

If your brake pedal goes to the floor with the car off, you need to have it checked right away for the sake of safety. Any car with power brakes must maintain braking action with the engine off, though the driver might have to push pretty hard for braking effects. Mine doesn't do this when starting.

[Bobsprius]

I wanted to share that my 2010 also seems to have more "Pedal Travel" initially when applied at startup, but it definitely seems Normal in driving and other braking application. It may be a non issue but let's see if anyone else mentions it. I noticed it but didn't open a forum chat about it since from what I recall that's somewhat normal. But you should hear a sound soon after unlocking and opening your door. It's not LOUD but you should hear it when in a quiet enclosed garage.

[bedrock8x]

Propose to keep a camera in the car. Next time you have the brake pedal to the floor then take a picture of it before you take your foot off the pedal.
Then take the car to the dealer and show them your picture.

[jay_man2]

The Hill Start Assist tied to the brake pedal gives it a different feel, IMHO.

[edmcm2000]

My problem is that I'm over an hour from a dealer and am only able to get away from the house 4 hours a week. Maybe I'll get down to that dealer and try the same thine on one of their cars on the lot. edmcm2000

Originally Posted by bedrock8x

Propose to keep a camera in the car. Next time you have the brake pedal to the floor then take a picture of it before you take your foot off the pedal.
Then take the car to the dealer and show them your picture.