Light Braking: Cruise still on and no taillights

it does take a bit of pressure to set off the brake lights. it happened in my last car too- you step down very gently and no brake lights. but at a certain point in the range of travel of the pedal, they kick on. it's probably linked to pedal position.

 

How can you tell when the brake lights come on while you are driving?

 

Reflection from tailgaters?

 

When it's the right darkness out, you can see the reflection off of both back windows in the rear-view. You can also go into test mode and watch the indicator on the screen.

 

Do you really suggest this alternative? Or do you know an easy way to get the diagnostic screen? Do you really think someone is going to do the following while driving?

"How to use your screen ( 2005)to get to the differnt screens like the the diagnostics screen that tells you that the car is running ok in each mode.


One way is to hold the INFO button and turn the lights on and off 3 times. The second method is:

1) Press INFO
2) Press DISPLAY
3) Touch the upper left corner of the area NOT covered by the display function
4) Touch the lower left corner of the area NOT covered by the display function
5) Repeat 3 & 4 two more times (a total of 6 pushes).

You have to power off to get this screen to leave. Pressing the upper left corner of the MFD then the lower left corner of this screen a total of 6 presses (up, down, up, down, up, down), followed by touching the lower right corner brings up more displays. "


I think NOT!!

 

In response to bigdaddy's original question, I would think it very appropriate to have brake lights on and cruise control defeated with only very light brake pedal pressure.

There is a depth adjustment for the brake light switch - it ought to be quite easy to reset this, even though I am generalizing from my experience with 2001 Prius. I see no reason why Toyota would not adjust that for free.

I remember reading that a certain group of 2004 Prius had a brake light switch problem, and hope that further details on that would get posted here.

 

brake lights i would think are controlled by a switch attached to brake pedal. it can be adjusted. (at least it is in most cars)

as for me, since i rarely use the brakes, i dont worry about the brake lights. in fact, when sitting at a light i shift to park so i dont have to burn energy keeping the lights on.

now dont know if i actually improve my mileage by any measurable amount ( no doubt it helps, but is it measurable??) but it makes me feel better and there is too much in this world to feel bad about, so i embrace the little things in my Prius' life

 

I suggest it more as a way of learning about how it works (hence "Prius Hacker")

I wouldn't suggest doing it while driving (though I can do it without looking). The light method is easy to do at a red light (Strange looks from other drivers not withstanding). I also do the NAV override mode while driving, so my wife can use the NAV. It's pretty easy once you know where to hit.

Also, you don't have to power off the car to leave the mode. You have to hold one of the buttons for a few seconds, then the MFD will reboot. (I thin the INFO button on the MFD, but maybe one of the others)

 

as DAS mentioned there was a brake light switch recall on certain 2k4 Prius (wifes car got caught in this one) that had a build up on the contacts in reaction to silicon used in the manufacture of the seat assy. If your's is an early one you should have been contacted by Toyota for a replacement switch. If out of the recall it's possible that the brake light switch just needs adjustment. This should be covered under warranty.

 

I got quite used to my driftwood '05's brake pedal. But after 5000 miles it was totaled and I just got a new Salsa '05 two weeks ago and it is quite different.

My brakes are applied before the lights AND the regen.

Coming home from the dealer the brakes were roasting and smelling. There also seemed to be more pedal travel on the first car while this one is touchy.

So I see there is a threaded adjustment on the brake rod, so there may be more than one fix. (not by me!)

I have an appointment to fix with the dealer.

 

I can see CC still operating while braking, but regen IS braking. Desired brake force is determined by pedal position and speed of travel. Then the skid ECU decides if it can request regen, or if it must apply hydraulics. Only in fail-safe mode will you operate the hydraulics. Unless in fail-safe mode, you won't have hydraulic brake before regen, unless regen is not appropriate (panic stop, ABS, or speed too slow).

The brake light switch turns on the brake lights, and turns off CC. There are 2 switches, one NO, other NC. If there's a discrepency, an error is generated.

In any case, the point where the lights and CC cancel are triggered can and should be adjusted. You don't want it too sensitive either though.

 

Actually it is a single componant with 2 sides to the switch, thus 4 wires in the connector. The 04's that got new brake switches as part of the ssc, may not have been correctly adjusted. If you remember having the ssc performed, go back. If you are within 3/36 go back. This is a huge saftey issue for the guy following to close to you.
Regards, Mike

 

Yes, it is one physical component, but electrically it is 2 switches. One is NO, the other is NC I believe.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: You need rehab lol