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How do I remove the Steering ECU on a 2007 Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by k2technical, May 3, 2013.

  1. k2technical

    k2technical Junior Member

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    I would like to inspect the steering components including the steering computer and connections on my 2007 Prius. The dealer keeps resetting the steering zero point during the last several times ti fix loss of power assist. After the reset, the steering returns to normal only to fail again in several weeks. All it takes is another reset of the zero point and all is ok again......Toyota Service now has a tech case on this car with only 31000 miles on it!
    Any suggestions and how do I get to the ECU and wiring ?
     
    #1 k2technical, May 3, 2013
  2. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    The steering ECU is located on the steering column, but buried deep under the dash. The manual states that one has to remove the dash pieces and the MFD to get to it. Not a simple task, but also DIY-able, and there are instructions on youtube and here on PC. I don't believe it can be gotten at from under the dash looking up. Too cramped.
     
    #2 nh7o, May 3, 2013
  3. k2technical

    k2technical Junior Member

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    Thank you for the information, but I do not know what "MFD" stands for....
    Does the entire top of the dash have to come off, or just the plastic piece just to the front of the steering columb? Now I know why the dealer has been just "resetting the zero point" to fix the steering issue.
     
    #3 k2technical, May 4, 2013
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    MFD is the multifunction display. That is the touch-sensitive screen in the middle of the dash.

    If you are serious about finding the steering ECU you may wish to subscribe to techinfo.toyota.com so that you can see exactly what is required to open up the dash to gain access.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, May 4, 2013
  5. k2technical

    k2technical Junior Member

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    Thank you for the information, maybe I will let the dealer do what is necessary before the warrantee expires. I am seriously considering selling the Prius and just driving the Chevy Volt.
     
    #5 k2technical, May 5, 2013
  6. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    Let us know how that works out.
     
    #6 boppo, May 5, 2013
  7. k2technical

    k2technical Junior Member

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    Thank you all for posting for this issue. I brought the 07 Prius into the dealer once again so they could capture data of a possible fault. No error codes were there after two days, and I got a clean bill of health for the steering. Same as before, "no error codes = no fixes " I thanked them and traded in the 2007 Prius for Chevy Volt...... Soooo much nicer, and ITS actualy an electric vehicle and not a make believe one like the Prius. It has a generator that starts up after 42 miles of pure electric and runs the Volt. My cost to charge the Volt back up is $1.60 if I used all the 42 miles of energy from the batteries. No more noise from a whinny gasoline engine and no gasoline at $4 a gallon if I stay under 42 miles. The Volt is "fast" too, and the steering actually won't bind up like it did in the 2007 Prius. Oh, if any one needs the "Bentley Publishers 2004 to 2008 repair and maintenance manual #TP08" , a Prius cargo net, the 2007 original Nav disk, the Sun Screen for the front window or the front license plate bracket, e mail me at [email protected]..... Reasonable, I don't have a use for any of them..... Norm
     
    #7 k2technical, May 22, 2013
  8. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Lol.....
     
    #8 edthefox5, May 22, 2013
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