I have a 2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid. Yesterday as I was driving home, the ABS light came on along with a very high pitched squealing sound. Immediately after that, my brakes basically stopped working. I had to press them to the floor and the car would stop but barely. I was afraid to drive it home, but I had to. Now, it sits in my garage and I don't know what to do. An odd side note - the brakes seem to work fine in reverse, but not in drive. I'm not sure why that is either. Please help.
are you going to repair it yourself? if so, you will need tech stream diagnostic software and the service manual. if not, have it towed to a dealer.
Diagnostics, please. Is there brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir? If not... then from your symptoms, it sounds like you lost hydraulic pressure, either a broken brake line or a blown out brake piston. Less likely, but still possible, is a failed master cylinder in the brake system. For a blown brake cylinder, look for a pool of oily stuff near one of the wheels. I support Bisco's point... if you don't have the confidence and/or tools to repair it yourself, have the vehicle towed to either a dealer or a mechanic you trust, and then be prepared to have the job done.
