2007 TCH "Check VSC System" code C1391

[tdougher]

My 2007 TCH showed a "Check VSC System" message halfway through my commute home along with with the brake, hazard, warning, and ABS lights. I made it home and parked it for the night.
The next morning the same message and lights came on so I made an appointment and took it to the dealer. For $108 the dealer runs diagnostics and finds code C1391.
The dealer wants to replace the ABS Accumulator. They say it is a sealed unit, has an internal leak, can't be repaired, and must be replaced. Parts & labor = $2,313.73. Ouch. I said I would have to schedule this replacement for a couple of weeks from now if possible. They reset the code but it came back on my commute home tonight.
They also say the water pump is beginning to leak a little and suggest replacing it ($587.57). Ouch again.
Granted this 2007 Camry Hybrid has 106,000 miles, but it has run perfectly to date with no problems and has been serviced on schedule only by the dealer where I bought it new.
Does this sound reasonable? Advice anyone?

[lncshib]

Seems reasonable, the accumulator is already a $1,800+ part. Same is true with the water pump, I got the same estimate when mine went out at 58k (but that was covered under warranty)

[ukrkoz]

http://www.dealerdirectparts.com/200...camry-hy-4.htm

I can swear, I have seen entire accumulator walk through not so long ago. with pictures and all that. It's quite a job, but DIY-able.

You can replace water pump yourself. 2007 repair manuals are on the shelf. Hmmm... they might, actually, even have accumulator replacement. Sorry, I am 30 miles away from mine...

[ukrkoz]

found it

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-p...-pictures.html

[Kemicd]

I have a 2008 TCH with 53K miles and the VSC warning light, brake light and several others first appeared on a cold morning during a cross country trip from CA to NC. On this particular morning the temp. was about 20 degrees and just as we were preparing to leave the Flagstaff, AZ area all of these warning lights appeared. The local dealer diagnosed and found code 0177-09 for a misfired ambient temp. relay. Since they didn't have the part in stock they cleared the code and joked that since the car had just been shipped from Guam, the car probably was not used to the unusually cold temp and that it may never happen again. So we drove another 2200 miles to NC without any sign of the problem returning, thinking we were in the clear.
Well, about a week later in Raleigh the same warnings began intermittently appearing and going off. However, this time we noticed a slight pulsation in the brakes after the lights would go off. It felt like the rotors needed machining. The dealer in Raleigh, was unable to find any codes and told us the rotors needed turning. Imagine that! So I took them to my mechanic to do the work, but problem persisted. Over the past week the brake pulsations increased and we returned to the same dealer. This time the VSC warning light was on when we arrived and the dealer recorded code C1391, abnormal pressure inside the accumulator. The fix, a new ABS accumulator- with parts labor and tax just under $2700- because the part is not under warranty- only up to 3/36000! Seems like it should be since this is a common issue with TCH's.
Now I don't know what to do or who to believe. Any thoughts? Ive rerad below that some with higher mileage TCH's had this issue covered under warranty. I definitley can not afford a repair of this magnitude, especially on a car with 53K. Any tips on how I can do the same?


KA from Raleigh.

[bluecamry1528]

I am driving down a local street in my 2007 Toy Camry Hybrid(TCH) with 61,906 miles and up pops the ABS failure light, BRAKE and warning icons. This car has had an easy life driving around town and regular service.

This core VSC/ABS brake control module apparently has failed according to two Toyota Dealers. Error Code C1391 apparently is definitive. Replacement cost at a Toyota dealer ranges from $1950 to $2450. From what I "heard", the labor is around $250, the Module the balance.

What is going on here? This type of part should not be failing at these low miles. ABS has been around for decades. This is Toyota branded equipment, Toyota should take proactive measures to address this type of failure. This is a Toyota embarrassment.

Suggestions?

Thanks

Rick

[bluecamry1528]

Two dealer service departments diagnosed C1391 as a "leaky" ABS accumulator. This premature failure should not be happening at this young car. What is the happening with these failures? What is your experience?

[Kemicd]

Yep- I feel your pain! Just had my 2008 TCH with 53K repaired for the same exact issue. First dealer quote was almost $2700. Second dealer quote, $2100. I felt I had to have the repair since I noticed a pulsating in the brakes was accompanying the VSC warning light, which was pretty much on constantly at this point. I noticed the pulsating worsening daily. It felt like warped rotors but I knew it was related to the VSC issue. So I bit the bullet and charged the repair on my cc since I could not afford it. The dealer ordered the part but required me to take a loaner and leave the car with them if they were to order the part. I guess they didn't want me to go home and realize how insane this is and change my mind. To my surprise the next morning about 11 am they called me to come pick up the car. They had received the part and repaired that quickly.
One week post repair and everything is perfect again- no lights, warnings or pulsations, just a smooth operating THC.
Interestingly, some of the "standard" TCH noises we became accustomed to over the last few years are now absent. The car is much quieter. However, this only makes me more angry! Why?
The new ABS actuator pump assembly used to repair the car is not the original one that was on the vehicle. Toyota figured out that this part was failing. Toyota has reengineered this part for one reason- they new this part was prone to premature failure. The problem is they dont want to recall such an expensive part along with the stigma that would accompany this issue. The consumer's problem is unless it fails within the 3/36000 or you purchase an extended warranty you are stuck with the $2000+ bill.
I am now preparing the entire package to send to Toyota Corp. in hopes of reimbursement. We shall see.
KA

[bluecamry1528]

KA:

I appreciate your observations and commentary about the failure of the core component Anti Lock Brake System (ABS) accumulator component. The failure of this $2500 core part in a modern vehicle with low miles definitely raises my "eyebrows". It is distinct to me because I perceive it as a premature catastrophic failure, not just the wear out or a part that needs more routine maintenance. Premature catastrophic failures should not happen in a Toyota car. I would agree with you to formally approach Toyota corporation with your concerns. I am still in the process of figuring out how to proceed.

[bluecamry1528]

So it is a month later now after the ABS actuator failure on our 2007 Camry Hybrid. We visited the service manager of the local Toyota dealer where the car and our other Toyotas have been serviced over the past 20 years. We had our review of the situation, then he directed us to call the National Toyota Customer Care center in California. We got thru after a short hold and reviewed our feelings and expectations to address the failure of this actuator part. Then the service center staff on the phone spoke to the local service manager for a while.
They agreed to work out an offer to address our concerns. Toyota customer care proposed to absorb 50% of the cost of repair. We accepted this proposal. Toyota later sent us a check for about $1000. The balance of about $1000 was paid for by us.

The part was delivered over night, installed in a morning of shop time. All is well.

Rick