How to turn off intermittent beeping when Red Triangle lights up

I have a 2007 Prius 5 with 205,000 miles. Just recently, while Im driving the Red Triangle blinks on intermittently along with an annoying beeping. I took to dealer and they diagnosed error code C1300 which indicated that I needed a new "Brake actuator assembly with skid control ECU". The price tag was $2,600 which I declined because they said it's nothing critical (despite that it sounds rather important), and car will run fine without replacing this part. However, they said "nothing we can do about the intermittent red triangle and beeping"

Is this true? It's a very annoying noise. I know that it is possible to turn off the reverse beeping. Isn't there a fuse associated with "beeping" that could simply be disconnected?

Opinions and advice appreciated.

Thank you

Heidi

 

Thanks for your response. I will take it to another dealer. I'm surprised the Toyota mechanic who diagnosed this told me that it's not critical and I didn't need to worry about it. That makes no sense.

Given the age of the car, I'm thinking that a $2,600 investment in repairs also makes no sense. Time to get rid of it? What do you think?

H.

 

Ps never mind. I just saw your point 4 which didn't show in email but shows on the thread. I'll call the garage you recommend tomorrow and check it out. Thanks.

 

Hi Patrick,

Unexpected and quite lovely outcome thanks to your advice. I contacted Luscious Garage, they had the used part and were set to install it for a grand total of $510 ($60 to confirm the diagnosis, $300 for the part, $150 for the labor!). Certainly a whole different ball park than the dealer's $2600 price tag (albeit for a new part but Toyota was set to charge $1700 for the part and $900 for the labor ). Just as I was about to hang up the gal who made my appointment (presumably not even a mechanic) asked me to describe the problem. I did. She responded that in her experience the red triangle only flashed intermittently like that when the oil was low. She suggested I check the oil, change it if needed and cancel the appointment with them if it resolved. I checked, the oil was low, I changed it-- no more intermittent red triangle! Hooray for Luscious! So for now, I'm home free. If it returns then I'll take it up to San Fran for a more reliable diagnosis.

I'm astounded that the woman who answered the phone at LG appeared far more savvy than the Toyota dealer mechanic. A fluke? Let's hope so for Toyota's sake.

Actually this was my boyfriend's car. Now I have a question about my own Prius that I'll post separately.

You're the best. Thanks again for your help!

Heidi