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2007 Prius... brake actuator or other issue?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by nicholas.prete, Apr 30, 2017.

  1. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    Hey everyone! I have a 2007 Prius with about 140k, and I was wondering if anyone could help. Lately, the brake pump has been making a lot more frequent pumps than usual. It's even if I'm not stepping on the brake. There are no lights on the dash but my mechanic used his ODB reader to get the code C1300, which apparently has something to do with the ABS system. Could this be the brake actuator? This is covered under extended warranty until the end of this year, according to Toyota. If anyone could give me any advice that'd be great. Attached below is a photo of the code. Thanks!
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    is the fluid level okay?
     
  3. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    From what I've read, it's a fault in that ECU. But I can't say that it doesn't relate to the pump as well. If the fluid level is OK, it sounds like a trip to the dealer is in order. Hope you have a good one available. When my pump was acting up, it was only while pressing the brake pedal.
     
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  4. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    Could it be the fluid level that's triggering it? Would it be normal with no lights on the dash?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no idea, but it's easy enough to check.
     
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  6. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    I checked the brake fluid. It seems okay. I don't really know what to look for other than the fact that it's pink and filled to near where the cap was. Any other things to look for?
     
  7. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    PINK? I think you're checking the invertor coolant...Ive never seen pink brake fluid
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the o/m shows where and what all the reservoirs are. there should be min/max markings on the side.
     
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  9. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    So. You're right. I checked the actual brake fluid (light brown) and it was fine.
     
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  10. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    should be clear, they will change it when they fix the brakes..
    expect a bill of around a grand ...
    prius is a great car but when they fail they fail BIG
     
  11. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    $1,000 to get rear drums..? That's what I'm sure I need.
     
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  12. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    Or, the ECU. Which still sort of confuses considering there still isn't a dashboard light that comes on yet the ODB reader gives me that code.
     
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  13. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    I don't see how rear drums will cause an error code in the computer.... but if that's what they told you go for it..good luck, let us know when its fixed
     
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  14. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    That's the weird thing - there are no dashboard lights. Just my mechanics ODB2 reader. It could possibly be a cleared code or something. I mostly want to rule out the brake actuator (and if it is that, I'd want to get to Toyota before the end of the year warranty enhancement is over). I'm also afraid if I take it into Toyota and they don't find anything wrong that's covered under "warranty enhancement" it'll be upwards of $200 for a diagnostic fee which is something I'd prefer not to waste just on a diagnosis.
     
  15. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Sounds like the brake actuator is losing pressure. Save your money and wait until you see the brake system warning lights 'BRAKE, ((!)), ABS and VSC' then take corrective action, unless you have safety concerns about your braking system.

    Have you noticed a decrease in your MPG or is the regenerative braking no longer working?
     
  16. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    I guess I've noticed a slight decrease since I bought the car used last year. The only thing I'm afraid is the brake actuator failing AFTER the warranty enhancement at the end of the year.
     
  17. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Reasonable concern and does sound like many other Gen2 owners (including myself).

    If the MPG decrease was greater (or regen wasn't working properly) then you could try doing a Linear Solenoid initialization/calibration and see if that helps, my guess is it won't though.
     
  18. nicholas.prete

    nicholas.prete New Member

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    Yeah. I think I'm going to monitor it for the next few months or so and if it gets any worse (and there are still no lights on the dash) I might just bite he bullet and take it to the dealer. Although, from my understanding, don't the lights have to be on for them to service it under warranty?
     
  19. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The dealer told me it didn't matter how noisy it was, Toyota would not reimburse them for replacement unless it actually gave a code. And I assume a code would most likely trigger a light. :cry:

    Edit to add: the main reason I got rid of my '05 and upgraded to the PiP was a noisy, sluggish actuator that wouldn't throw a code. I was concerned as you are that it would outlast the warranty and then die. But I didn't want to throw that much money it a 12 year old car. It was going to be pretty expensive, plus needing a water pump.
     
  20. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    #20 SFO, May 2, 2017
    Last edited: May 2, 2017
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