Brake Issues + P0446 Engine Code

[NTL]

I am attempting to get my 2001 v6 SLE Solara inspected, however there are a couple of ongoing issues. First, a safety issues where my break pedal goes straight to the floor with very little breaking power. I first took my car into a chain repair shop where they claimed the master cylinder needed to be replaced. After attempting to put in two new master cylinders (and 3 weeks of waiting) they decided that wasn't the problem since the brake performance was no better than the original master cylinder. They also claim to have performed multiple brake line flushes to attempt to resolve the problem. Their solution was to bring it to the dealer since the problem was un-diagnosable on their end.

I have since followed their advice and been told by the local Toyota dealer that the problem is due to rusty rotors/worn break pads. Their estimate was $900 for replacements all around (factory pads, aftermarket rotors). First, does this seem like a reasonable conclusion as to what the problem is? Also, I realize this is a dealer price, but shouldn't these replacements be much cheaper?

Finally, there is/are P0446 (and according to the dealer P0110, P0100) engine code(s). The dealer claims my car needs a replacement vacuum switching valve to fix these engine codes at a cost of $215. Is this a reasonable price/diagnosis?

I know I can get this work done cheaper elsewhere, but my concern is they may find something else that "needs to be done". Any suggestions on how to proceed would be much appreciated.

[SirThomas88]

I would say $900 is too steep, and I would look for a cheaper shop or friend to help. Unless money isn't a concern for you.

Also look up what those codes mean on the internet so you can familiarize yourself with the problem. I have no idea what a "replacement vacuum switching valve" is but if you mean "check valve," then thats something you can probably figure out how to do yourself, so long as you put it in the correct direction. A lot of stupid little things are not hard to do that a shop, particularly a dealer will charge you insane prices for.

I'm no expert, so don't hold me to my word. Many on here can tell you better.

[02slera]

your brake should not go to the floor i dont care how rusty the rotors are.
this doesnt make sense.
usually it would mean master cylinder, or power brake booster, or alot of air in the lines.
i just dont see how bad pads or rusty rotors could possibly cause that.
i ran pads so low before, the metal backing cut deep grooves into the rotor, it sounded like a skiding train when i was stopping. the pedal still felt firm though (this was not on the solara but an old explorer i used to own).

[kenny6683]

did you get this fixed?

were your brakes working fine before? did all pads wear down evenly before this occured?

i am also now getting the P0446 code. where is the charcoal canister located, in the engine bay?
i searched the other threads and no one actually says where it is located.

[02slera]

i didnt know our cars have a charcoal canister, my understanding though is that this is used for a place for fuel vapors, i dont know where it would be located, maybe someone more familiar with it will chime in. if not just look at all lines around, to and from the gas tank and follow them all through. hopefully you'll find what your looking for.
EDIT: my mom has a 05 explorer, it had a cel for evap system, we replaced the gas cap. no more cel.

[solara90]

$900 for pads and rotors is wayyy over priced. The charcoal canister is located in the rear of the car near the gas tank.. dont remember if its driver or passenger side