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ABS VSC indicators - car won't start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by AgentDex, Aug 14, 2008.

  1. AgentDex

    AgentDex New Member

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    The brakes seem fine, but with these indicators on the car won't go into ready mode and i have to disconnect the battery to reset in order to get the car going again. So I have 2 questions; 1) do i lose the codes that the dealer will need to troubleshoot by disconnecting the battery and 2) is there an easier way to reset?

    Also I saw a post somewhere that someone determined this was the result of a lose wire at the ABS probably from a front end collision they had. My Prius is a salvage title due to a front end collision and i'm thinking it might be the same issue. I know little about cars and do not want to attempt searching for a lose wire, but does that sound reasonable? Thanks!
     
    #1 AgentDex, Aug 14, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. Yes, but it seems that you have no choice. Hopefully the codes will come back pretty quickly.

    2. No, unless you have an OBD-II code reader that you can use to clear the codes.

    It's certainly possible that you have a bad wiring harness. I suggest that you allow the dealer tech to retrieve the codes and provide you a good diagnosis.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Aug 14, 2008
  3. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    are you sure it's not a voltage issue? 12v perhaps?
     
    #3 V8Cobrakid, Aug 14, 2008
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    So much can be wrong with a salvage Prius it'll turn you white. More likely than not you're going to have to pay a Prius technician to diagnose everything, and probably to repair it. Good luck. A $5,000 Prius can rapidly turn into a $20,000 Prius.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Aug 14, 2008
  5. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    if the car was salvaged and was hit in the front, take a look at the speed sensor wiring, that would cause issues with ABS and VSC, the wires are located behind passenger side fender, and have a connection above the wheel on side of the car.
     
    #5 statultra, Aug 17, 2008
  6. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    What exactly is the message you are getting?
     
    #6 jelloslug, Aug 20, 2008
  7. AgentDex

    AgentDex New Member

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    Thanks for the responses. I had the problem 5 times and it would recur about once a week and what appears to have fixed it is, believe it or not, backing up quicker than usual and slamming the breaks. I do this once a week now and haven't had a problem since Aug 16th. I hope I didn't just jinx myself :( I'll check Statultra's recommendation when my wife gets home with the car. Thanks again!!
     
    #7 AgentDex, Sep 9, 2008
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