Low brake fluid level

PriusGuy32 · Feb 23, 2015

What are the odds of the brake fluid being low, and not being indicative of a leak, in my new-to-me 2012 prius two? It's at the "low" line. The dealer said they put all new brakes on it before they sold it to me as pre-owned & certified, so the low fluid level shouldn't be low because of related brake component wear.

I'm wondering if I should make an appointment before my bumper to bumper factory warranty is up in April.

alekska · Feb 23, 2015

PriusGuy32 said: ↑

What are the odds of the brake fluid being low, and not being indicative of a leak, in my new-to-me 2012 prius two? It's at the "low" line. The dealer said they put all new brakes on it before they sold it to me as pre-owned & certified, so the low fluid level shouldn't be low because of related brake component wear.

I'm wondering if I should make an appointment before my bumper to bumper factory warranty is up in April.
Click to expand...

Maybe they did not fill it right after the repairs. I would add the correct fluid at the level parking spot and mark the level with tape. Then wait for a month and see if level changes. If yes, then have a dealer appointment before warranty expires

Alex

PriusInParadise · Feb 24, 2015

PriusInParadise said: ↑

View attachment 75077
Just to make sure everyone is on the same page...

The brake fluid level in the reservoir will vary with the amount of fluid in the brake accumulator.

The Max level is the brake fluid level in the reservoir when the accumulator is completely discharged.
You would almost never see this in normal use. If you wanted to discharge the accumulator, an easy way is to disconnect the 12v battery, and then pump the brake pedal up to 40 times. Somewhere between the 20th and 40th pump, the brake pedal will become very firm. This is when the accumulator is discharged.

The Support Level is the max fluid level with the accumulator fully charged.
When you first open the driver's door, the brake hydraulic pump runs, drawing fluid from the reservoir and pressurizing the accumulator, preparing the brake system for driving.
Pump the brake pedal a few times, the pump will run and then stop. Check the brake fluid level. It should be near the Support Level.

The Min level is below the seam of the reservoir. If your brake fluid is near the Min level, the Red Brake Warning Light would remain ON anytime the vehicle is in Ignition ON or Ready mode.
If your brake fluid is near the Min level, the brake system will require inspection.
Click to expand...

PriusInParadise · Feb 24, 2015

Mendel Leisk said: ↑

Interesting. I opened passenger door, reached across to release hood latch, then took this pic:

View attachment 75079

Then opened driver's door, let the sounds subside, and took a second pic:

View attachment 75080
Click to expand...

PriusGuy32 · Feb 24, 2015

Thanks PriusInParadise!!! I will discharge the accumulator and check again. I hadnt considered that.

Low brake fluid level

PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

alekska Active Member

PriusInParadise Member

PriusInParadise Member

PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

About PriusChat

Quick Navigation

Like us on Facebook

Buy us a beer!

Useful Searches

Low brake fluid level

PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

alekska Active Member

PriusInParadise Member

PriusInParadise Member

PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire