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Power steering problems!

Discussion in 'Local Prius Club Main Forum' started by jazzylady, Aug 4, 2009.

  1. jazzylady

    jazzylady New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2009
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    Location:
    Charlton MA
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Code C1513 for torque sensor malfunction, ECU and sensor has power and feedback signal. Recalibrated. Still intermittently lose power steering. Dealer says to replace rack and computer for $2,500!!!
    Any alternative? Why replace all that for a sensor? 2002 Prius, 137,000 miles mostly highway (commute 52 miles one way to Cambridge MA)
     
    #1 jazzylady, Aug 4, 2009
  2. MaggieMay

    MaggieMay Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
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    Location:
    Gloucester, MA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hi Jazzy - I'm guessing you'll get more responses if you post this in another forum. Like the Gen 1 or 2 Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting forums. Those guys will offer all kinds of help!!

    Good Luck!
     
    #2 MaggieMay, Aug 5, 2009
  3. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Apr 10, 2004
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    Location:
    Kunming Yunnan China
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Unfortunately, Toyota designed the system with the sensors deeply buried. Not saying I could have done it better, but combine that with the use of potentiometers that too often become noisy...this story has happened before.

    One possible solution is a complete steering assembly from a salvage 2003 Prius, ideally one w/o major front-end damage.

    Unfortunately this is not something you can ignore, because steering assist 'dropouts' at low vehicle speeds mean a lot of turning force may be required for maneuvering. Some people (apparently with weak arms?) have described the sterring as 'locked' - almost certainly not true, but startling for sure.
     
    #3 tochatihu, Aug 5, 2009
  4. hyperion

    hyperion New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2009
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    Location:
    sd
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
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    I have a new Toyota oem power steerin computer I can sell you for $200 (retail for over $500). email me if interested, wish I could help on the rack also.
     
    #4 hyperion, Aug 15, 2009
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