What did I do wrong? traction light and 15 mph top speed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MCCOHENS, Aug 30, 2023.

  1. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Member

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    I am going thru the front suspension to correct the steering not centering after a turn. Had the struts off to check ball joints and strut bushing, all was OK. Took the steering column U joint out and it was fine too. Took a drive around the block and no change but I got the steering wheel 90 degrees off, stupid mistake. Got that corrected and on the test drive the skidding car pic came on and it felt like the brakes were being applied. Can't get over 15 MPH now. No codes on my cheap reader or Torque pro app. I looked at the ABS sensor cables and they seem OK, no sign of stress or wear. So what do I look for now? My only stupid move was not disconnecting the 12V when I fixed the steering wheel, did I upset some electrons doing that? Is it time to get techstream? I love the torque pro app, have setups for the prius HV monitoring and boost/afr/timing for my suby turbo. But I don't see anything to monitor ABS speed and there were no fault codes shown.
    I did try searching the forums but no luck so far. TIA, want to get this car back on the road.
     
    #1 MCCOHENS, Aug 30, 2023
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    My first guess would be the steering angle sensor doesn't agree with the direction the car is going, looks like a skid.

    To not guess, look for a code reader that can show you the codes you've got. There's a review thread:

    Gen2 OBD2 app review | PriusChat

    or, no waiting, get the traction control codes like this:

    Blink (a/k/a Flash) Codes – How to. | PriusChat
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Aug 30, 2023
    SFO likes this.
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    So as of now the two front wheels are going straight ahead and the steering wheel is making the straight t that it's supposed to make standing straight ahead ready? If yes try undoing the 12 volt plug at the back of the car and leave it undone I don't know 5-10 minutes couple hours if you want and then put the plug back in ready the car and go for a drive and see if it continues of course all the tires match and all that stuff is the same as the car was before I'm assuming?.
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Aug 30, 2023
  4. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Member

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    Thanks, will give it a try. Battery has been disconnected overnight.
     
    #4 MCCOHENS, Aug 31, 2023
  5. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Member

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    II
    Thanks so much, apparently my recent run of bad mechanical karma had me thinking of the worst. Hooked up the battery and took a drive, all is good. Hopefully this will end my run of everything breaking or running like crap.
     
    #5 MCCOHENS, Aug 31, 2023
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