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2014 Prius C: PA080 + ABS/brake lights, best options??

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Eilbur, Nov 16, 2024 at 1:22 AM.

  1. Eilbur

    Eilbur New Member

    Joined:
    Today
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    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    (Please direct me to other posts if they’re out there, but I haven’t found any with these specific issues!)

    2014 Prius C, well maintained, never any major issues except struts/sway bars/shocks at 125k.

    Got a PA080 code one month ago at 217,400 miles. I took it to a Toyota dealer and they said replace the battery, but nothing else. They did not look at the cooling fan. After reading advice here, I vacuumed out the fanblades and cleaned off the felty lint layer on the screen. The code came up again and another auto shop said they did not have the tech to tell me anything about the battery, but I did need new spark plugs. I have cleared the code 3 or 4 times.

    This week at 219,900k I got orange ABS/traction/brake system lights. I can hear something running, kind of like revving up and down while I am stopped with my foot on the break. It stops when I am in park.

    I have read on here that if the 12v battery has issues, it can confuse the system so there is not actually a breaking error and replacing the 12v battery is enough. But it also sounds like if it IS the ABs system the booster and/or pump is an expensive repair and it’s not safe to continue driving without a fix.

    I have not yet tested the 12v battery or had any other diagnostics except using Dr. Prius. There’s nowhere close that deals with hybrids so I’m trying to troubleshoot as much as I can before taking time off work to drive the 3 hours to get it to a hybrid shop.

    At this point:
    Is there a reasonable way to tell what the actual problems are from a standard non-hybrid mechanic? If I know it’s the 12v battery should I replace? Should I spend the $2k for a new hybrid battery? If indicated, spend the $$ for the breaking system repairs? Or is it time to just replace the car?? I’m doing my best to educate myself through forums and YouTube but I’m feeling really stuck with limited help in my area. My job requires travel in rural areas so I can’t afford to not have a reliable vehicle but I really really don’t want to buy a new car if I can avoid it! Please help!!
     
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    1,114
    410
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    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III