Weird braking symptom

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Dan1985, Jun 7, 2016.

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  1. Dan1985

    Dan1985 New Member

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    so I have a 2006 Prius with 162000 miles, and I've noticed that when stopped or moving at crawling speeds forward or reverse with my foot released from the brake pedal, going less than 1mph, that the breaks are very spongy and go to the floor with little pressure. After it picks up a little the brakes are firm and work fine. I'm not sure if this is new or something I just noticed.

    Also about a month ago, 1500 miles, while on my way to work while braking normally the master, abs, brake, and possibly other lights on the dash appeared, a second time braking while on the way to work the lights came on and this time the brakes were automatically applying and I could not accelerate. I had to turn off the car and restart it. Now there was a red car symbol with an exclamation point but the other lights went away. On my way home from work the light remained, but when I get home and restarted the Prius it went away and no lights have come back on since.

    I bought this car used with 127k miles a little over a year ago, and had my front brakes done at Goodyear, I called them and they said it could be the master cylinder. I asked if it could be a problem with the electrical system and he said 06 Priuses are hydraulic only, but I thought they were both hydraulic and electric?

    Any insight would be great

    Thanks
     
    #1 Dan1985, Jun 7, 2016
  2. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    Since the ICE stops and then there's no vacuum for normal power brakes, the Prius has an electric pump to provide the assist when braking. Goodyear should know this if they work on Prii. I wouldn't drive too much knowing I had some sort of a problem with my brakes. I recommend you have the car checked out ASAP.
     
    #2 DonDNH, Jun 7, 2016
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I have to echo the statement.
    The only thing we are 100% sure about is that your brakes evidently have a problem. The codes, dash lights are evidence of this.

    I personally would take it to a Toyota Dealership or a trusted Hybrid Shop. You want technician and a shop familiar with Hybrids and Prius.

    And Brakes?
    Clearly you don't want to wait and need it addressed ASAP.

    Be careful...be safe. Get it fixed.
     
    #3 The Electric Me, Jun 7, 2016
  4. Dan1985

    Dan1985 New Member

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    I'll be taking it to a Toyota Specialty Shop

    thanks for the advice
     
    #4 Dan1985, Jun 7, 2016
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's a recall on the brake actuator from Toyota. Maybe that's the problem you're experiencing? I can't imagine it being an error by goodyear, since you've already driven 40k+ miles
     
    #5 JC91006, Jun 7, 2016
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