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How to turn off intermittent beeping when Red Triangle lights up

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by HeidiE, Jul 31, 2014.

  1. HeidiE

    HeidiE New Member

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    I have a 2007 Prius 5 with 205,000 miles. Just recently, while Im driving the Red Triangle blinks on intermittently along with an annoying beeping. I took to dealer and they diagnosed error code C1300 which indicated that I needed a new "Brake actuator assembly with skid control ECU". The price tag was $2,600 which I declined because they said it's nothing critical (despite that it sounds rather important), and car will run fine without replacing this part. However, they said "nothing we can do about the intermittent red triangle and beeping"

    Is this true? It's a very annoying noise. I know that it is possible to turn off the reverse beeping. Isn't there a fuse associated with "beeping" that could simply be disconnected?

    Opinions and advice appreciated.

    Thank you

    Heidi
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. The annoying beeping is there for a reason. Your braking system is impaired, this is a critical issue and you must not ignore the problem.
    2. DTC C1300 means that the skid control ECU needs to be replaced. It is not very easy to replace that because it is near the steering column behind the instrument panel. The steering column has to be removed for access.
    3. The car will "run fine" but there is no guarantee it will "stop fine" if you don't fix the braking system problem.
    4. Contact Luscious Garage in SF and see if a used skid control ECU can be installed in your car. Good luck.
     
  3. HeidiE

    HeidiE New Member

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    Thanks for your response. I will take it to another dealer. I'm surprised the Toyota mechanic who diagnosed this told me that it's not critical and I didn't need to worry about it. That makes no sense.

    Given the age of the car, I'm thinking that a $2,600 investment in repairs also makes no sense. Time to get rid of it? What do you think?

    H.
     
  4. HeidiE

    HeidiE New Member

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    Ps never mind. I just saw your point 4 which didn't show in email but shows on the thread. I'll call the garage you recommend tomorrow and check it out. Thanks.
     
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    My guess is that you might be able to get a used skid control ECU for ~$200 or less, while the labor charge might be $500 or so. Please let us know the outcome.
     
  6. HeidiE

    HeidiE New Member

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    Hi Patrick,

    Unexpected and quite lovely outcome thanks to your advice. I contacted Luscious Garage, they had the used part and were set to install it for a grand total of $510 ($60 to confirm the diagnosis, $300 for the part, $150 for the labor!). Certainly a whole different ball park than the dealer's $2600 price tag (albeit for a new part but Toyota was set to charge $1700 for the part and $900 for the labor ). Just as I was about to hang up the gal who made my appointment (presumably not even a mechanic) asked me to describe the problem. I did. She responded that in her experience the red triangle only flashed intermittently like that when the oil was low. She suggested I check the oil, change it if needed and cancel the appointment with them if it resolved. I checked, the oil was low, I changed it-- no more intermittent red triangle! Hooray for Luscious! So for now, I'm home free. If it returns then I'll take it up to San Fran for a more reliable diagnosis.

    I'm astounded that the woman who answered the phone at LG appeared far more savvy than the Toyota dealer mechanic. A fluke? Let's hope so for Toyota's sake.

    Actually this was my boyfriend's car. Now I have a question about my own Prius that I'll post separately.

    You're the best. Thanks again for your help!

    Heidi
     
    robertmaria likes this.
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That woman may have been the owner Carolyn, and if so then she certainly possesses a high level of both theoretical and practical expertise with regards to Toyota hybrids.
     
    robertmaria likes this.
  8. robertmaria

    robertmaria Member

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    wow HeidiE ,,, great story
     
  9. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    That "gal" at Luscious also has a degree in Physics, and so is one of the most overqualified Prius mechanics out there.