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2010 Prius Won't Start - Get "Press brake to start" while pressing brake

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by AL Wilkins, May 22, 2020.

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  1. AL Wilkins

    AL Wilkins Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2020
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Have owned 2010 Prius for 7 years with no problems. With the shelter in place it isn't being driven as much so 12 volt battery died. Had it jumped and was told to get a new battery since it appeared to be original. Drove it for a week and it died again but this time wouldn't start when jumped. Kept getting the "press brake pedal to start" message, while pressing brake pedal. Installed new battery, but still getting "press brake to start" when I am pressing brake. Towed it to good local mechanic who said he thought it was prius brake pedal switch. He replaced and it still won't start. He says to tow it to Toyota dealer for a more expensive part ($900) and reprogramming. Is this really what needs to happen. Any tricks to the brake pedal switch. Anyone else had this issue?
     
    #1 AL Wilkins, May 22, 2020
  2. AL Wilkins

    AL Wilkins Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2020
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    Location:
    94610
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    For anyone else out there. The issue was caused by a blown fuse. The fuse was being blown by a short from the LED brake light. The brake light will be replaced. Hoping this resolves the issue.
     
    #2 AL Wilkins, May 22, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: May 23, 2020
    GG707 likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    check the brake lights when stepping on the pedal. if they light up, the switch is fine. if not, it either needs to be adjusted, or there is a wiring problem.

    get a volt meter and test the battery, and at the jump points under the hood.

    after that, you're gonna have to read the trouble codes. i wouldn't trust a mech who replaced a good brake switch
     
    #3 bisco, May 22, 2020
    Tim Jones and Mendel Leisk like this.
  4. sajlatif786

    sajlatif786 Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
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    I
    Hi I have the same issue, the start button orange light comes on but the back brake lights do not come on, or normal lights either
     
    #4 sajlatif786, Dec 8, 2023
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    or it could be a bad or out of adjustment brake light switch
     
    #5 bisco, Dec 8, 2023
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