Brake, VSC, (!), ABS Lights After Repair

welcome!
jack it up and see if the wheel spins freely. it sounds like something is affecting the brake accumulator.

is the fluid level okay?

 

First step is to get the error codes read to see what's broken. This is the mechanic's problem. Take it back and insist that when you dropped the car off there were no warning lights and you want them to read the error codes and the subcodes using Toyota Techstream software so you can determine what failed and if they relate to what they were working on.

 

if they don't have tech stream, the codes can be iffy

 

Use this situation to your advantage if you can... The little tablet and GUI they have can read the primary error codes, but most likely can not read the subcodes, which give you essential details about how to fix the problem. Dr. Prius app via an OBD2 Bluetooth will process many hybrid battery subcodes, but not all of them. Toyota Techstream will provide all info.

In your case either an unlucky coincidence or they did something to trigger those error codes and the fact they return the car in a broke down condition rather than diagnose the problem and fix it speaks volumes as to the type of mechanic they are.

It's a fine art to get them to fix it for free versus just wasting your time dealing with them. If you can stop payment, or refuse payment until they figure it out, you're in a good position. If you paid and drove off, not so much.

 

Techstream is not the only way to get all the codes. There are other professional scanners that will work, so just because it isn't Techstream doesn't necessarily mean it won't work. If they do have it, it will see them all, but that doesn't mean they necessarily know how to use it to its fullest capabilities.

The "gargling noise" when it shuts off makes me wonder if there is air in the engine coolant and it's making that noise when it pumps the coolant into the "thermos." But I don't know why they would have been working in that area.

There are phone apps that work with a bluetooth (Android) or Wifi (Apple) OBDII scanner that will read the codes. That's the most simple way to read the codes yourself. Either way, without the codes, you're groping in the dark.

 

Don't go to a Toyota Dealership!!! They'll tell you it will require more than whatever the current value of your car is to fix and try to sell you a new car and if you refuse, they'll over-charge you for diagnostics. Call around and find a reputable mechanic that works on Toyota and study their reviews before you decide. In the meantime, any auto parts store will check the primary error codes for free. Those codes might be enough to get started on diagnosis, as well as determine if the mechanic you went to caused the problem.

 

That is not always true. But it is a real possibility. The dealer I go to has never done that. But then, they can tell I know what I'm talking about.

The roads are now littered with various hybrid cars. There are more and more shops that work on them regularly, if not specialize in them.

Or, for a lot less than one reading by a Toyota dealer, just get the gear to read the codes yourself any time you want to read them, and go from there. It ain't rocket science.

 

Agreed... It really does have to do with how ideal of a car purchaser you could be turned into. They'd take one look at me and not waste their time.

 

Probably needs initialization. I use techstream myself but I think there is a chicken dance. You probably need to go through the Air Bleed procedure - usual method (not actual physical air bleeding) and Linear Solenoid Valve offset relearn.

 

Quinton Jackson My friend Jack works at a place in Scottsburg IN. They specialize in Gen 2 Prius and rebuild them every day. They are called auto be yours you may be able to reach out to them. They almost always have answers and parts in stock if you choose to take it there!