help - car randomly will not go into drive or reverse

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by doogster, Sep 18, 2013.

  1. doogster

    doogster Junior Member

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    My wife's car is a 2008 base Prius. She has been driving it for a few years now. She called me today to tell me she was stuck in a parking lot and the Prius would not go into drive or reverse... only neutral or park. I asked her if she was depressing the brake when she hit the power button and she said YES... she said she tried 8 times shutting it off and starting again... and finally, it just worked. Any thoughts as to what is going on?
     
    #1 doogster, Sep 18, 2013
  2. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Most likely the switch on the brake pedal is failing.

    John (Brtprius)
     
    #2 Britprius, Sep 18, 2013
  3. doogster

    doogster Junior Member

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    is there more than one switch for the 2008 brake pedal? Is this something I could easily replace? (I'm not a mechanic, but I know how a switch works) I mean, if it fails again can I have her check to see if the brake lights are coming on? Would the same switch do the brake lights AND the transmission signaling?
     
    #3 doogster, Sep 18, 2013
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, only one switch. it might just need adjustment. you can find threads here with instructions and pics. it's also possible that her 12v battery is weak, you might want to test it. all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 18, 2013
  5. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    #5 nh7o, Sep 18, 2013
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ?
     
    #6 bisco, Sep 18, 2013
  7. doogster

    doogster Junior Member

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    I just replaced the 12V battery last fall... I don't think that is the problem...
     
    #7 doogster, Sep 19, 2013
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    understood. worth a check. none the less. sometimes, a cable can loosen up after a battery replacement.:)
     
    #8 bisco, Sep 19, 2013
  9. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    With all electrical and other weird issues it is best to eliminate the 12V as a possibility, since it so often turns out to be the issue in the Prius. It probably is not the issue since it was replaced last fall but it is still possible. It only takes a few minutes to establish it as impossible.
     
    #9 SteveLee, Sep 19, 2013
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