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Prius Extremely Hard Braking at Low Speed, Problem?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by comatoes, Nov 23, 2011.

  1. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    I don't think ScanGauge reads Toyota special code.
     
  2. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    I wanted to repost my previous comment hoping to get more attention: So there wouldn't be a non Toyota specific OBD2 readable error code if the brakes were faulty?
     
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    2009Prius - I don't think ScanGauge reads Toyota special code.

    Sure it does. I do not know for sure if it can read all of the Prius specific but from what I understand it will read the majority of them.
     
  4. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    comatoes: If those lights are on, you don't have regenerative braking anymore - you can verify that in Torque.

    seilerts: if you think the codes would show up on a ScanGauge II, they would show up in Torque as well.

    comatoes: I actually have had this same issue and I think its caused by the PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth adaptor that keeps running all the time. My recommendation is that you unhook it, turn the car off - wait and turn the car back on. If your battery is in good shape, I think you will see that the lights will go off and regenerative braking will be restored. Plug the PLX back in.

    As a side note, check that 12 volt battery:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/73400-weird-stuff-happening-mpgs-dropping-test-battery.html
     
  5. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Good idea about the battery, I will check that this weekend. The last time this happened I did have my odb2 adapter plugged in, but I'm almost positive I didn't have the obd2 plugged in when this happened 6 months ago.. just food for thought.
     
  6. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    What area of MD are you in? I have a toyota cable and can run TechStream to try and pull codes, if you're not that far. Shoot me a PM preferbly, I tend to lose track of threads on here....
     
  7. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    I have neither ScanGauge nor Torque so I cannot comment on whether or not they will read C codes. There will not be an OBD P code associated with a brake problem, unless the source was in the hybrid system (i.e. P0a80).

    Some places charge a diagnostic fee per lamp, so if all they are charging is $95 to read the ABS/VSC/((!)) lights, I can virtually guarantee that you will not find it cheaper at another dealer or garage. It is also unlikely that a parts store will be able to read the brake codes. So if wick1ert is close by, head on over, and pick up a case of beer on the way.
     
  8. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Update: I checked the battery using the self maintenance on MFD. The readout was 12.1 volts (after the car was off for ~9.5 hours).
     
  9. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    I've learned to do this, and have been doing this. I'd just like to get this taken care of and especially if my girlfriend is driving, I don't want to have driving "hacks" she has to know about. :p
     
  10. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    Well, that is certainly getting down there so you might want to consider a new one soon. I'm in the same boat there (children leaving a door open is a killer on battery life)

    Are the ABS and VSC lights still on?
     
  11. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    No, they were just on Monday night, for my 6 mile drive home and I haven't seen them since. Likewise, 6 months ago they were only on for a 5 mile drive home and I didn't see them until last Monday.
     
  12. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    The car was on the dealer's lot from April - May (Or so they said), which was most likely not being driven much.
     
  13. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    What would a normal readout be for a battery sitting for about 9 hours? Also, my trips are usually 20 minutes or less (my commute) and maybe a 2.5 hour trip on the weekend once a month.
     
  14. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    With the car OFF it ought to be more than 12.0 Volts. Less than that is a bad sign: either a dying battery or a large current drain that should not be there.
     
  15. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Update: Over the holiday weekend I charged the aux battery through the front jumper location twice for 4-5 hours each time. At the end of my trip, on the way home yesterday I saw the abs, vsc, and ((!)) lights stay on for about 5 minutes. I drove about 2 hours and 25 minutes without seeing the lights, but I stopped for gas and filled up. I pushed the power button and those 3 lights came on and stayed on for my 5 minute drive to my apartment. I turned on the power this morning and the 3 trouble lights weren't on. I will be running some errands this morning so I'll post if I see the lights.
     
  16. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    12.1V is OK, but any electrical mods or add-ons make me queasy. One mistake and it can drain the battery.
     
  17. jonsmilburn

    jonsmilburn Junior Member

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    Are your rear brakes drum brakes? I have had this problem on my 05 with drum brakes after rain or on a humid morning. It feels a little like the Prius is tucking its tail as it comes to a stop. I took it to my mechanic and the shoes had more than half their life left. He said that the ends of the shoes had gotten very sharp and were grabbing. He filed a little of both ends and I haven't had the trouble any more and it's been over a year. Best $40 repair I ever got.

     
  18. jonsmilburn

    jonsmilburn Junior Member

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    I got into replying to the brake grabbing and forgot to mention the lights. I replaced my 12 volt battery last summer and I still had to get the VSC, ABS and ((!)) warning lights reset. Most good mechanics can do that. You wouldn't have to go to a dealer.
     
  19. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Good information. I think I might get the rear brakes checked/ adjusted. I did this on my old Camry and it felt like I was braking with a new car! I might get the 12 volt replaced too. I'm guessing it's about done and my mileage has dropped to about 46 mpg average :( When I was home I charged the 12 volt and I was cruzing at about 51mpg avg :)