Warning Light: Code C1353 & C1354

Recently, in my 2006 Prius, I've been getting the red triangle warning light come on, super briefly, and then go away again. It's been happening once or twice per day, most often on steep downhills, either surface streets or freeway. There are no symptoms or performance issues that I'm noticing, just the occasional quick warning light.

It comes and goes so fast that I can't even read the symbol. However, I have a reader, and codes C1353 and C1354 are stored. These are both Increasing Pressure Solenoid Malfunctions, Front LH and Rear RH respectively.

Any ideas about what the cause might be and what to do? On one hand, I'm always concerned about something like this, but on the other hand, the old saying about "if it ain't broke..."

I have read that this error may be related to the brake actuator assembly and that there's an extended warranty enhancement for a problem with it. (Google "Warranty Enhancement Program – ZG1" - I can't post links yet.)

I called Toyota and got approval for a free check at the local dealership to see whether it's an issue covered under the warranty. I guess I'll take it from there, but if anybody else with more technical knowledge than me can better explain the malfunction code and possible causes, I'd still like to know more.

Thanks in advance! - Peter

 

225K, and on the second battery pack (if that has any relevance). It's a relative oldie.

 

Dolj - Turns out you're spot on. The warning light stayed on long enough that I could read it on the panel - oil light! I topped off with some synthetic 5W30, then took it down the same hill where I had been seeing the warning light consistently. No warning light!

I'm about due for an oil change anyway, but this is the first time I've seen the oil level get downright low (dirty, yes) nearing 5K. But I've got an older engine, so that's not unexpected.

So the warning light seems to have nothing to do with the error codes I'm reading. (What's odd is that the low oil error code wasn't stored.) What the warning lights did do is make me look up error codes, leading me to see the C1353 & C1354 codes. Not sure how long those codes have been in the system, but last time I had a 30K service, there was no mention from the mechanic. I realize I should be checking he reader more often, not just if I see a warning light.

Patrick Wong - yes, I'm still going to have a mechanic check on it and see if the brake system really is developing problems. If that's the case, hopefully it's covered under the warranty extension. But if I show any reluctance, it's because I'm not actually seeing any symptom of problems with braking, just seeing the error codes on my reader.

Bisco - google the source I provided. It's not that the entire Prius is under warranty, but there's a "Warranty Enhancement" (a part recall, really) covering some brake actuator conditions:

"2004-2009 Model Year Prius Vehicles, Extension of Warranty Coverage for Brake Actuator Assembly" "The Primary Coverage offers warranty enhancement until December 31, 2017, regardless of mileage."

I'm having it checked to see if there's really a problem with my break actuator and whether it qualifies under the above warranty enhancement.