What does “Loss Brake Power” mean on my Toyota?
Newer Toyota models have advanced braking systems that provide the extra assistance needed to stop before a collision. But this system isn’t foolproof. If you see a “Loss Brake Power” warning message on your Toyota Highlander or Camry, it’s time to take caution.
This guide explains the main reasons why you might see a Loss Brake Power warning on your Toyota Highlander and Camry models. We’ll also show you how to repair it to get your car running again and answer the most important question:
What does the “Loss of Brake Power” message mean on my Toyota car? The “Loss of Toyota Brake Power” message appears when your brake system doesn’t get the vacuum it needs. Modern Toyotas use a separate vacuum pump to create vacuum, and if there isn’t enough pressure, this light will come on. When your brake system lacks power, the pedal can feel difficult to press or very stiff. Additionally, you may not have the braking power needed to stop your car in time.
With older braking systems, problems were often blamed on the brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid. This is no longer the case. These days, with all the electronics and vacuum configurations, you find that there are many more issues that can occur.
Causes of Poor Brake Performance on Toyota
If your Toyota Highlander or Camry displays a “Poor Brake Performance” message, it could be due to a faulty vacuum pump, cracked hoses, a faulty brake booster, or a faulty ABS control module. Let’s take a closer look at these options.
1. Vacuum Pump Defect (Toyota Camry Safety Recall)
The vacuum pump is responsible for removing all the air in the booster. This action creates the vacuum force needed to maximize braking efficiency. This vacuum force means less pressure on the pedal is needed to stop the car. When the pump fails, braking power is reduced. Toyota vehicles are prone to this type of failure. For example, the 2018-2019 Toyota Camry is under recall due to a defective pump that causes loss of braking power. The same problem also occurs in Toyota Highlander models.
2. Bad Vacuum Hoses
Just like an engine uses vacuum hoses to direct air for combustion, modern brake systems also contain vacuum lines. These hoses are responsible for providing the vacuum force that the brakes need to function.
As with all hoses and pipes, they can develop cracks and kinks over time. When this happens, the vacuum is broken and your brakes lose their power. After all, there can’t be a vacuum if the air is coming out of one place.
3. Faulty Brake Booster
When a brake booster fails, it can cause a variety of problems. Some people experience the failure as a spongy feeling in the brakes, but this is often caused by a vacuum pressure leak.
However, a faulty brake booster can also cause reduced performance and a sensation that the brakes feel hard or dragging. In this case, the issue could be a damaged piston or seal.
4. ABS Control Module Failure
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. The ABS control module regulates braking force by opening and closing the booster valve. This system can malfunction and activate when it shouldn’t. This problem is easy to detect because the ABS activates randomly and causes braking problems. You may also see the ABS system warning light on your dashboard.
How to fix Toyota reduced brake power warning
As soon as you notice that your Toyota has braking performance issues, you should take action immediately. You shouldn’t let the braking problem bother you for long, as it will create safety concerns.
We recommend that you have a Toyota factory service manual. The information provided there may be useful in diagnosing and resolving the problem.
There are a few more steps to remember:
1. Read Error Codes
When a fault occurs in today’s cars, the main computer sets an error code.
To retrieve codes from the system, plug the scanner into the port under the steering wheel. In most cases, the codes don’t mean anything to the untrained eye. Therefore, you should use an error code library to understand what the error means. With this information, you may be able to solve the problem quickly.
2. Pay attention to technical service bulletins and safety recalls
Technical service bulletins are sent by car manufacturers to dealers to alert them to mechanical problems. These bulletins are available to the public free of charge and allow you to see what problems your vehicle may have.
Some of these defects lead to safety recalls, which are repaired free of charge at dealerships. The best way to find both technical service bulletins and safety recalls for your vehicle is to use the NHTSA website, where you can enter your car’s chassis number and all the relevant information will be available to you.
3. Check the vacuum pump and vacuum.
Specialized measuring equipment can be used to diagnose vacuum pump failures. Correct procedures and readings should be compared to the service manual to ensure all is in order.
It is also important to check all lines, hoses and connections. You never know when you might find a small defect that could cause all sorts of problems. You should also make sure that the brake booster is not leaking.
The Toyota Highlander and Camry vacuum pump is located at the back of the cylinder head.
4. Consult a Professional
If you don’t know what the problem is or need help fixing it, contact a local mechanic. If you don’t know how to find a repair shop, ask your family and friends which repair shops they use. It’s important to choose an ASE certified mechanic who has the training and skills to deal with these complex issues. Don’t just ask to see the certification and trust your car to someone who simply calls himself a mechanic.
What causes the loss of braking power? In today’s Toyota models, the problem commonly lies in the vacuum system. It could be due to a faulty vacuum pump, torn hoses, a faulty brake booster, or a faulty ABS control module. The only way to know for sure is to visit a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the system.
What does a “Loss of Brake Power” warning mean?This warning message indicates that your power-assisted braking force is not normal. Without this additional braking force, your pedal may become spongy or difficult to operate. You may also experience reduced braking force and it may take longer to stop when you press the pedal.
How to fix low brake pressure?
First, you need to read the computer error code. If there is a fixable bug, start there. After clearing the code, you should check for vacuum leaks or servo system problems. If the problem still persists, you’d better consult a local repair shop.
Why does the brake pedal get depressed deeply when stopping?
With advanced brake boosters, the problem is often with the vacuum. A part is faulty or the hose is leaking water. Otherwise, common brake problems like: B.
Bad brake pads, defective rotors, or insufficient brake fluid. Have a professional check the system. There is nothing more frightening than losing precious braking power while driving. Every time we shift our brake pedal, we panic, and sometimes we do. However, panicking will not solve the problem and may even make it worse. Even professional mechanics should always keep this fact in mind when dealing with personal brake problems.
Stay safe and have the system checked immediately. You don’t want to drive with broken brakes, and it’s not fair to other road users.