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co 1378 abs problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Thadd Dale, Sep 5, 2013.

  1. Thadd Dale

    Thadd Dale New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    well after much digging by the dealer they couldn't find the problem with my 2004. red triangle, etc. lots of codes wont move, abs traction control , etc. etc. comes and goes. the dealer said they have seen this before and the only repair is replacing the abs computer and dash wiring harness. they said this will take care of it. over $6000 estimate!

    I decided to dig into it and found a small 4 pin connector behind the pass. kick panel. 4 30 gauge or smaller wires that have to do with the data bus signal in the abs system. I found no continuity through one of them. I unplugged it and blew it out. reconnected it and powered up the system. everything worked again.
    Everything was great for about 6 months. then I hit a pot hole hard and it did it again. I stopped powered down unplugged and reconnected the plug. powered up and it was fine again. So if it does this again I will solder and shrink wrap them. If you run into this with yours check this first. I have since seen one other one with the same problem.
    If anyone need a pic of this let me know and I can get one for you.
     
    #1 Thadd Dale, Sep 5, 2013
    Patrick Wong and nh7o like this.
  2. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Great diagnostic skills, I think most here would agree a picture of the offending connector would be great.
    It amazes me how the so called "experts, the dealers" will just throw parts at a car till the problem goes away, charging for everything that is not needed. Am I wrong or is this the norm in the US.
    In the UK/EU we have very strong consumer laws, and parts fitted that are not required to fix a problem cannot be charged for. They may be removed and the original part refitted at the discretion of the dealer "may take more time to change than the part is worth". The reasoning behind this is that you are paying for a specialist to work on you car and he or she should know what they are doing "the reason you are paying them".

    John (Britprius)
     
    #2 Britprius, Sep 5, 2013
  3. BFAyer

    BFAyer Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Pick up a can of Deoxit (the plastic safe kind) and spray the connectors. Deoxit is kind of like contact cleaner on steroids. It works miracles in these situations.

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #3 BFAyer, Sep 5, 2013
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Norm. The $6K estimate is intended to encourage you to take your car away so they don't have to deal with the problem. The dealer techs cannot be expected to find electrical issues beyond the obvious, if they had strong talents in that area they probably would be working as computer or hospital equipment field engineers.

    I also agree it would be great if the OP could post a couple of photos, one showing the connector in relation to other parts and the other a close-up shot. Thanks!
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Sep 7, 2013
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