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

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Eilbur, Nov 16, 2024 at 12:33 AM.

  1. Eilbur

    Eilbur New Member

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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 PA080 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 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 can check the 12v battery and it’s low, 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!!
     
    #1 Eilbur, Nov 16, 2024 at 12:33 AM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there are a few standard mechanics with the correct software. see if you can dfind someone who specializes in toyotas.
    unfortunately, if you don't diy, there comes a time when repair expenses are not worth it financially
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 16, 2024 at 8:57 PM
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Well, you've come to the right place! We have a whole page about that.

    Blink (a/k/a Flash) Codes – How to. | PriusChat
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Nov 16, 2024 at 9:09 PM
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    ^ You can do those blink codes today and get some traction on the problem. There are also some scanner setups you might consider purchasing.

    I own (both) an Autel AP200 and 2500E. i have used the 2500 to fix an "ABS error" which was determined to be a failed wheel bearing.

    They are both reasonably priced smartphone-based diagnostics systems that are capable of reading from all of the many ECUs in a Prius- most apps and devices can't do that. The very cheapest ones will only tell you about the federally mandated gasoline engine emission codes- they are blind to all the other systems in the car.

    Anyway, I'd encourage you to start out with the blink codes as referenced in ChapmanF's post.

    If you've already dismissed/reset the P0A80 code a few times? Chances are your car really does need a new traction battery.

    Diagnose your ABS error. It could be something relatively minor, in which case it is probably worth buying a new hybrid battery pack to renew the whole car. If it's a real can of worms then it would be more appropriate to replace the car.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 17, 2024 at 12:32 AM
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