ABS ECU Malfunction-Dealer wants 3300.00 to replace??

You will have to use the car for a couple weeks to be sure the problem really is resolved, but if so I hope you get a chance to thank the mechanic who did the work and also ask how access was gained to the ECU. Avi seemed to imply that one of the bolts attaching the ECU was difficult to remove by just going underneath the dash.

Add to the community knowledge for the next poor soul. Perhaps we'll get the repair cost down to ~ $50.

 

Were you given the original skid control ECU? If yes, do you see any stains on the unit which would show liquid had leaked on it?

 

I finally found the installation instructions:

 

That is why it was reasonable for the one dealer to say that the instrument panel had to be disassembled. If in fact it is possible to remove the ECU without removing the panel and steering column, that would be a very big time saver...

 

...and the less honest Dealership still gets to charge book.

 

This is similar to replacing a headlight bulb. It takes 5 minutes but they will tell you the bumper has to come off.

 

Had Firestone tell me they had to remove the bumper (which means the whole front clip) on my son's 2005 New Beetle to change the battery too. Shortly after I came back with the battery in hand (for core) and left them the how to.

 

If anybody knows how to reach the skid_control_ECU by an approach easier than the TIS instructs please post!

 

I got lost in all the posts, I remember you bought and installed an aftermarket sensor. Is that still on the car? If it's still on the car now, you may want to keep the OEM sensor, just in case some problem develops with that sensor and you have to put back the OEM sensor.

 

Nope! I could replace one in 30-60 minutes. If you lay down under the dash you can see the top bolt. The only problems are getting to it and getting the nut back on. If you have the right tools, you can do it, It's just a tight spot and an uncomfortable position to work in.

 

So, who's going to install the old one in their car to confirm it's defective? You don't have to completely install it. You can just plug it in and calibrate it.

 

That would be an unfair approach, there's no proof they messed up and the ECU that was taken off looked to not have any water marks/stains on there. As a business owner myself, I wouldn't want to have to "settle" with a customer just because I don't want to defend myself on something I may not have done. It would be completely different if you had proof that the shop cause the ECU to fail.

You can look at it as a learning lesson and money saved compared to your first quote of $3300. You now have the tools to diagnose most problems that come up during your ownership with your Prius or any other Toyota. That knowledge alone is worth more than you can put in a $$$ amount.