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Limited brake after starting

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Andrew Rouse, Jul 1, 2019.

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  1. Andrew Rouse

    Andrew Rouse New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    V
    My 2004 Prius has limited braking power after starting until I pump the brakes once. For example, if I clime in, put my foot on the brake, start the car, and put it in gear without taking my foot off the brake the car will tend to move against my will. If I press the brake very hard I can keep it from moving. Or if I release the brake once the braking power will return to normal. I have no other braking issues. And if I release the brake after starting the car and before putting it into gear my brakes will be normal. I took it to the dealer and they were unable to figure it out.

    Does anyone have any suggestions?
    Thanks for your help!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    sounds like a leak in the accumulator, or maybe a faulty capacitor. any trouble codes?

    has the buzzing brake pump noise changed at all?
     
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    If the brake system is working correctly, you should NOT have to pump the brakes, ever.

    1) Did the dealer (assumed Toyota) attempt to retrieve any codes?
    2) Have the actual brakes examined.
    Rotor/drum thickness?
    Pad/shoe thickness?
    Caliper pins lubed and move freely?
    Rear shoe contact points lubed?
    Rear shoes correctly adjusted?
     
  4. Andrew Rouse

    Andrew Rouse New Member

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    V
    No trouble codes that Toyota told me about but they may just not have told me. Brake pump noise sounds about the same but I can't say I pay enough attention to know what it sounded like before this happened. It's been like this for quite a while without any change.

    Again, no codes that Toyota told me about and one would assume that the other items on the list were part of their diagnosis. I'll bring it to my primary mechanic (not Toyota) and have him take a look and check for codes. And I'll ask Toyota before that if they noted any codes. Presumably, they would write such things down in my service record.
     
  5. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    They would bring codes to your attention b/c it is an opportunity for them to earn money.
    Codes=a problem, a problem that likely needs to be fixed via ca$h money.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?

    when was the last time the brakes were serviced?

    how is the 12v health?

    did the dealer experience/admit the problem, but send you on your way with a sorry we can't help?