Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Toyota Prius TwoFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Problem Symptoms Table
HINT:
- Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. If multiple suspected areas are listed, the potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
- Inspect the fuses and relays related to this system before inspecting the suspected areas below.
STEERING SYSTEM
| Symptom | Suspected Area | See |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy steering | Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | Refer to ADJUSTMENT | |
| Steering system joints (Worn) | - | |
| Steering column | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Torque sensor (built into steering column) | - | |
| Power steering motor | Refer to DISASSEMBLY | |
| Speed sensor | Refer to TEST MODE PROCEDURE | |
| Battery and power source system | - | |
| Power steering ECU power source voltage and relay (for Brushless Type Motor) | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Power steering ECU power source voltage and relay (for Brush Type Motor) | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Power steering gear | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Power steering ECU | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Skid control ECU | - | |
| Poor return | Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | Refer to ADJUSTMENT | |
| Steering column | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Power steering gear | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Power steering ECU | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Excessive free play | Steering system joints (Worn) | - |
| Front suspension (lower ball joint) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Intermediate shaft, universal joint, sliding yoke (Worn) | - | |
| Front axle hub (Hub bearing) | Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| Power steering gear | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| A knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when turning the steering wheel back and forth while power steering is operating. | Front suspension (lower ball joint) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Steering intermediate shaft | - | |
| Power steering ECU | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Friction occurs when turning the steering wheel during low-speed driving | Power steering motor | Refer to DISASSEMBLY |
| Steering column | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| A high-pitched sound (squeaking) occurs when turning the steering wheel slowly with the vehicle stopped. | Power steering motor | Refer to DISASSEMBLY |
| Steering column | Refer to REMOVAL | |
| Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped | Power steering motor | Refer to DISASSEMBLY |
| Steering column | Refer to REMOVAL |
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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