Verify Brake ECU Recall Firmware Update

You would probably need a scangauge, and then know how to use it, probably no way to verify it, other than that, or also check the actual ECU, the dealer usually puts a sticker on it with the updated version/date/technician who did it. They also record it on the records of your car as well, so they know the update was done/applied.

Mitch

 

I think I'm going to actually test it by braking over potholes after the upgrade.

 

It won't be a scientific comparison unless a computer is behind the car applying the brake, as the applied deceleration has to be exactly the same. Moreover, given that passengers cannot detect this perceived loss of braking power that drivers do, I doubt we'll be able to see it in the video.

 

Rick, It would be real nice if you would sticky your test results tomorrow. I'm sure that all of us will be intrested in the results!

 

Rick,
Do us all a favor. After the fix - if during your test drive, you find the braking issue is NOT resolved...please do not call a TV Station, AP, or Ray LaHood. I'd recommend a collect call to Toyota Japan Headquarters, Mr. Toyoda. I'm sure he'd appreciate the heads up.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't completely resolved, but is reverted back to Gen II characteristics.

 

If we don't see a post from you tomorrow, after your brake fix, we'll have to assume that you experienced a tragic brake failure on your way home. Please let us know that you're OK, and tell us about your experience.

 

Yes, it is called regression testing. After the fix, I'll repeat an earlier test and see if the symptom is gone.

Bob Wilson

 

I have two different test spots (downhill on a drive and a pothole on a secondary road) where I am going to "test" the fix after the software update. I experienced the momentary loss of braking at both locations. Since we have so much snow and icy roads right now in Indy, my car is in the garage until they can schedule the update.

 

Please also report any decrease in MPG. My fear is that Toyota will tame the regenerative braking system and MPG will suffer. I do not intend to upgrade the braking system firmware if this is the case.

 

Folks on here have assuaged my MPG concerns. Fix is more important than MPG, IMHO. Safety first.

 

I got the firmware fix today, along with the first (5463 miles) oil change.
I only drove about 30 minutes, and I have not yet noticed anything new and different.

The dealer said they had never heard of the "Startup Acceleration/Braking" problem.
Apparently we need to let Toyota USA know directly.

I left a one-page written description with the dealer,
and will try to call Toyota tomorrow.

 

My dealer said that there is no way for "normal" owners to verify
that the firmware has changed - only their "CAN-Buss" machine could do that.

Maybe our ScanGauge II people can find a way to read the Brake ECU's firmware "version" number.

 

I look forward to seeing the data from owners once more than a handful have had the update. That's one of the great things about this forum.

 

Do we need a 5K oil change? I thought it was moved up to 10K...

 

It is quite OT question, but it is up to you when you change the oil - you are the owner.

 

I think that's exactly what they did:

"In the third-generation Prius, which went on sale in May, the car switches between systems for the antilock brakes. Because of the uneven pressure in braking during the switch at low speeds, the driver feels the brakes aren't working properly for a fraction of a second.

The switch in braking was not in older Prius models, and the new programming does away with it, according to Toyota."

Source: Fox News - Can't post URL yet, just search for Prius Recall