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Small issues...?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by cuttooth, Dec 12, 2007.

  1. cuttooth

    cuttooth Aficionado

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    I'm sorry to report that I already have a few newbie-esque questions relating to our new 2008 (355km-old) Prius.

    I'm concerned over the brakes, mainly. While coming to a stop on dry pavement, if I apply a normal amount of pressure on the brake pedal and then release this pressure to a much lighter one (maybe a second or two from a complete stop at this point), attempting to avoid a harsh, head-bobbing type of stop, the brakes seem to "hiccup" a couple of times. There is no loss of braking power, and if I just brake harder (inducing said head-bobbing stop) the "hiccups" aren't there. I wish I could better describe what I'm feeling...it's sort of like a push/pull kind of sensation.

    Also, I've noticed that a substantial amount of pressure is required on the brake pedal to disengage the yellow "from battery to generator to wheels" arrows while completely stopped.

    My questions to you, fine panel of enthusiasts, are: is this normal function of the vehicle? Is this simply a matter of break-in period?

    I'm not panicking, just curious if I should adjust my driving habits or my car. :)
     
    #1 cuttooth, Dec 12, 2007
  2. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    Both are normal. You learn to either cope with them or you relearn you techniques. I think your first problem might lessen after your car gets broken in. I had the same braking issue when I first got my car but it has since gone away. Either because of break in or because I learned a different braking technique. I have no clue on which it would be.
     
    #2 TheForce, Dec 12, 2007
  3. cuttooth

    cuttooth Aficionado

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    Thanks very much; this is, of course, a great relief. :D
     
    #3 cuttooth, Dec 12, 2007
  4. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Oops, double post, my bad.
     
    #4 patsparks, Dec 12, 2007
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I have found you adapt your driving to reduce the shudder you sometimes get as you reduce pressure just prior to stopping. Sometimes if you stop 5 or so minutes into a journey the engine shuts off as you stop too. I think what you feel is the brakes taking over from the regen.

    You also get used to holding firm pressure on the brake when stopped.
     
    #5 patsparks, Dec 12, 2007
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