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Traction control & braking on extended bumpy stretches

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by BluetoothEdsel, Jul 6, 2014.

  1. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I just think we should be clear, as I think some people are presenting and debating two somewhat related but different realities.

    The lunge "perception" is on a momentary slick spot or bump, and IMO is no big deal, as braking power is near instantaneously recovered.

    The problem as described by the OP and experienced by myself is different.

    I've experienced both.

    Traction Control and an extended bumpy or slippery surface is a bad combination for a Prius. This isn't a lunge, or Nano-Second of perceived braking loss...this becomes several seconds of reduced braking power that really never recovers, until the vehicle slowly stops. As I discovered the hard way, sometimes not soon enough.
     
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  2. Robmoo

    Robmoo Junior Member

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    I know this post is a year old but it very much applies to my situation. I've felt the same sensation in my 2010 Prius any was a bit disconcerted, but did nothing about it. Today I had to make a panic stop on the highway and traction control intervention contributed to my rear ending the driver in front of me. Their vehicle suffered only minor damage. Mine was undrivable due to a coolant leak. We will see what the toll adds up to. The traction control in my Envoy has never done this. Is this because of the difference in mass or is the dramatic loss in breaking power a Toyota thing? I've lost a lot of confidence in my Prius today.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you should leave more space between you, and the car in front of you. did you get the software flash update?
     
  4. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    You did not press hard and fast enough on the brakes. When you do so it circumvents those systems for the most part. The Prius will stop so hard it will scare you.
    DO realize the Prius brakes work just fine on gravel roads. That is a situation of "rough and slippery" road in the extreme.
     
  5. Robmoo

    Robmoo Junior Member

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    I checked my Vin on the website and the Flash recall wasn't listed. I checked the tire pressure and the pressure was 36psi. I hadn't checked the tire pressure since the winter.