Hi everyone, I live in Bernalillo and I’m on a strict budget. My 2007 Prius has two major failures happening at the exact same time: 1. Brake Actuator failure: (Stiff pedal, continuous warning alarm buzzing, ABS/VSC/Brake lights on). I know this requires Toyota Techstream to bleed the lines. 2. Combination Meter failure: (Dashboard screen goes pitch black). I am ordering a refurbished, plug-and-play combination meter online that will just need to be swapped in. Does anyone local have Techstream and the experience to replace a brake actuator (ideally installing a used/reman one to save money) AND swap my dashboard unit while they are at it? Please DM me with your labor rates. I cannot afford dealership prices right now. Thank you!
Swapped dashboard out first and get it running right . Then see if you still have all the brake issues. You're not going to have to take the dash top off again if you have to do brakes.
A lot of people (probably most) who "have" techstream also have a miniVCI cable which cannot complete one of the steps needed to set up the actuator. There are a bunch of threads on this forum about this problem, where people with those miniVCI cables got stuck after putting in a new actuator. It has been reported that the Autel Ap200 can do this job, probably the least expensive way of getting it done. A professional mechanic likely has an OBD2 tool that can successfully do that procedure, but it will almost certainly be something like a high end Autel.
The new brake booster is available for about $1100 but will be more if bought retail at the Toyota Parts dept. However local shops with accounts get deep discounts and often have lower labor rates. Brake Actuator/Booster/Master Cylinder 04003-44647 05-09 Prius June 8-22 some online Toyota dealers will offer 20% additional discount and free shipping. Your two problems are not mobile mechanic or first time diy tasks. Both have high labor. Most legit shops do not want to burn 3 hours of labor just to find a used part is bad. You don't want to pay twice if a used part is bad. I would visit these two shops on person (more likely to get advice and pricing in person) and talk to them. If they don't do it, ask who might.
