Damaged sensors from a tire blow out?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Julie_93, Oct 10, 2023.

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  1. Julie_93

    Julie_93 Junior Member

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    My rear driver's side tire blew out at 70 mph, so by the time I got over to the shoulder and stopped, it was truly well and shredded. There was a lot of adrenaline, but I believe that at that time the traction control, ABS, emergency brake, and tire pressure lights were all on.
    I managed to get a tow to a tire shop, and after a new tire and determining that no other tires were damaged or low, and the rim was fine, I was sent on my way. It was at this time I fully realized all those lights (traction, abs, emergency brake) were on, and still on. After confirming the emergency brake was off and that the brakes were definitely still working, I drove the remaining 6 hours home without issue.
    I don't think the tow caused it since I'm fairly certain these all came on as I was pulling off a busy highway. Given the visible damage to the siding over the wheel well, I'm thinking it's possible that sensors were damaged. The siding seam over that tire has always bulged out a bit, but now it's popped out completely by about a quarter inch. An OBD2 scan turned up 0 codes.
    Does anyone have any experience, insight, or recommendations for what's going on and if I can fix it myself?
     
    #1 Julie_93, Oct 10, 2023
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would try disconnecting the negative battery terminal and reinstall after two minutes. It may take a couple start attempts after a power cycle like this but most warnings will reset if the sensor cables are good.

    Otherwise it is possible the wheel speed sensor cable is damaged.

    The tire pressure lights has two modes. At startup flashing for a minute then solid on means a sensor in the tire has failed. Solid from the beginning means the tire pressure is too low. Either mode will likely reset for 20 minutes of driving after the power cycle.
     
    #2 rjparker, Oct 11, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2023
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  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If those lights were on, the OBD2 scan turning up 0 codes was the fault of the OBD2 scan tool being used.

    If the lights are still on, and you don't have access to a scan tool that can show you the codes, you can get the codes this way:

    Blink (a/k/a Flash) Codes – How to. | PriusChat

    The wheel speed sensor might be a possible code. The sensor itself is on the back of the hub and probably fine, but I could imagine tire shreddage possibly snagging the wiring that runs from there up to the body.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Oct 11, 2023
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  4. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Wiring and connectors to the speed sensors are easily fouled. We saw that once in winter when the connector was fouled by anti-icing chemicals (over-applied) to the highway. Had to R&R the wiring after cleaning up the connector.
     
    #4 Air_Boss, Oct 12, 2023
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  5. Julie_93

    Julie_93 Junior Member

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    I appreciate the suggestion, that did seem to fix my sporadically blinking tire pressure light, but unfortunately all the other lights are still on. I work from home so I've only driven twice to the grocery store since the power cycle, but nothing has changed.
     
    #5 Julie_93, Oct 21, 2023
  6. Julie_93

    Julie_93 Junior Member

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    I'd like to try and diagnose and fix this issue on my own. I have access to my FIL's driveway/car tools, but since that's about an hour away, I want to be prepared as possible when I get there. I'm hoping I won't actually need to replace anything and can just repair the wiring, but I'm not sure how to determine that. Videos I've found online mostly show ABS and brake pad replacements and have the entire wheel removed. Is there an easier way to check the wiring without taking the whole wheel off?
     
    #6 Julie_93, Oct 21, 2023
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    You do have to drive at least twenty minutes to verify the TPMS error does not recur.

    If the TPMS blinks first and then goes solid you can’t fix that with wires since it’s wireless transmission from inside the tire. I would verify with your tire shop if they left the old TPMS sensor in, replaced it or took it out.

    The wheel speed sensor is easier to access with the wheel off and the car safely supported with jack stands and wheel blocks on remaining tires. If the cable is cut or otherwise damaged it is conceivable to solder and heat shrink the individual wires and shield but it’s kind of skilled work to get it right. If the cable plug in connector or its mating connector on the wheel bearing hub is damaged or missing, then you need a new cable or a new wheel hub (typical pic below).

    The sensor is inside the wheel hub and can not be separately replaced.

    Both of these things are not easy first time diy jobs. Sometimes an independent shop may give you a free estimate. These are standard (non-hybrid) repairs.

    IMG_3247.jpeg

    ABS sensors and cables with shields

    IMG_3248.jpeg
     
    #7 rjparker, Oct 21, 2023
  8. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    If you’re going to do DIY repairs you might want to get Techstream
    You can get a hacked version on eBay by searching mini VCI cables. It’s pretty easy to set up. Even if you have to end up buying a cheap windows 10 refurbished laptop on eBay.
     
    #8 JohnPrius3005, Oct 21, 2023
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  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    A couple of resources for splicing shielded wires such as a wheel sensor cable. Both solder the connections and use heat shrink tubing.

    The pdf below the video is clearer because it is an illustration of the process I have used. Note in the pdf’s 4th pic the small heat shrink is clear tubing rather than black. Of course it is put on the wires before soldering.

    The video is a good supplement but disregard the “cable end” advice at 4:20. You will likely be doing this on the vehicle and not on a bench.

     

    Attached Files:

    #9 rjparker, Oct 23, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2023
  10. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    New Cable for left rear Prius v wagon

    IMG_3281.jpeg


    IMG_3280.jpeg
     
    #10 rjparker, Oct 24, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2023
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