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2008 Prius Won't Roll After Sitting Overnight

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by prius2K8, Apr 15, 2017.

  1. prius2K8

    prius2K8 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    85,450 miles. In the morning I start the car. The emergency brake is not applied. I shift the Transaxle to Drive. The car doesn't move. Normally when I shift to Drive, the car will start to roll slowly on its own without pressing on the gas pedal. I put the Transaxle in Reverse, the car doesn't move. Shift back to Drive and press on gas pedal, hear a metallic thud from the front end and the car rolls. The car drives normally after that. This has happened two days consecutively. I inspected the front brakes and they do not appear to be the problem. So I guess this is either a CV Joint or Transaxle problem. Has anyone else had this symptom and what was problem?

    Thanks in advance for any comments.
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Has it been raining, or you've just washed the car? Surface rust on the brake rotors is the first thing that comes to mind, and once it breaks loose and you drive a bit, it'll clear up.
     
    fuzzy1 and bisco like this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agree with mendel, this has happened to me, but longer than overnight. might be wise to inspect all the brakes, and service them properly, if they haven't been.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    This is more likely to happen with the rear drum brakes. Inspect those as well.
     
  5. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
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    Is it getting as far as the "Ready" mode? Any codes being flagged? Welcome to PriusChat, BTW!
    Just re-read orig post, did you leave parking-brake "on", and did it release OK? If not maintained properly I've known the "hand-brake" to stick in the "on" position, and rocking the car to and fro will sometime release it! Good luck!
     
    #5 WilDavis, Apr 15, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2017
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Two
    It's mechanical whatever it is or would throw a DTC. Low mile car which means it sits a lot if it sits outside
    The front brake rotors are probably rusted all to hell. Get a flashlight and look thru the front wheel spokes and look at the rotors. They should be smooth shiny metal. Yours are most likely have deep grooves and corrosion. I bet they make a crunching sound when you first apply the brakes.