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2001 prius brake issue

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Dawn G., Apr 12, 2015.

  1. Dawn G.

    Dawn G. New Member

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    2001 Prius
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    So we were on vacation last week and my rear right tire completely locked up. This had never happened before, but did this several times. No warning lights, no obvious signs of anything wrong at this point. So i asked my husband was he sure that the emergency brake wasnt somehow engaging accidently. Nothing. Next the brake light comes on. So we pull into a gas station, he checks and adds som brake fluid in which i have never had to do....... And immediately the Abs light comes on with the ear piercing alarm. So out of fear for our safety we pull in a mieneke brake shop, they say they dont know what it is but think it could be a brake booster and to take it to toyota.. So we take it to Toyota, they said it was the right rear wheel cylinder, drums and shoes. SO I am thinking, it is a rear brake job with the addition of wheel cylinders. Should this really cost $950.?????
     
    #1 Dawn G., Apr 12, 2015
  2. shagpal

    shagpal Junior Member

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    take it back to Meineke
     
    #2 shagpal, Apr 12, 2015
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Are you near Scottsburg Indiana? Autobeyours, 812-752-5050, might be able to help for a more reasonable price. They normally handle more modern Prius but it never hurts to ask (plead.)

    You might also Google independent shops in your area that handle brake jobs. Some of them may be more reasonable. You might also post your city or nearest city. Our members may have a suggestion. Finally, you might call: Auto Careers Development Center - Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Training

    They train hybrid mechanics and may have some suggestions.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Apr 12, 2015
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    So I take it even Toyota, who offered you a $950 repair job, didn't tell you what trouble codes they read out of the brake computer? If those lights and buzzer are on, there are codes.

    In the Gen 1 Prius it is possible to read out brake codes without any special scan tool, by poking a short length of wire between terminals 13 and 4 ("TC" and "CG") of the diagnostic connector under the dash, then turning the key ON (not to START, just ON). Lights on the dash will start blinking (and a page in Japanese comes up on the MFD). Watch the blinking of the ABS light to see the brake codes.

    It will blink out two-digit codes, for example blink blink ... blink blink blink would be 23. There could be more than one code, just keep writing them down until you see one repeat and then you know you have them all.

    If it just blinks a steady half-second flash, then the codes got cleared and you've lost the chance to know what's wrong until they come back.

    When you have the codes you can post them here and we can make better suggestions.

    -Chap
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Apr 12, 2015
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The OP may need a photo that highlights the two jumper points on the connector.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #5 bwilson4web, Apr 12, 2015
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Voilà: images.google.com?q=tc+cg+dlc3

    -Chap
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Apr 12, 2015
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  7. Dawn G.

    Dawn G. New Member

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    Ok thanks everyone. I will check back with the dealer tomorrow for the codes and post them.
     
    #7 Dawn G., Apr 12, 2015
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  8. PriusRox

    PriusRox Junior Member

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    Dawn, I just replaced both sets of rear pads, springs etc and a pax side cylinder for 52 bucks. I did the work myself and found parts on Ebay and Amazon. If you can buy the parts and have the high school kids install for you, great. Guessing the issue will be running fluid out of the system and requiring Toyota to bleed the system. Best wishes.
     
    #8 PriusRox, Apr 16, 2015
  9. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Hi Dawn,

    Any news on those codes? Either reported by the dealer or checked yourself on the blinkenlights?

    There are only a few codes that would set off the lights and the buzzer as you experienced, and they're meant to be taken seriously; I would have nagging doubts about any mechanic (including at the dealer) who wanted to start tossing parts at the car before sitting down to think hard about what the brake computer is telling you and what that might have to do with the other signs you're seeing.

    -Chap
     
    #9 ChapmanF, Apr 16, 2015
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