A bad throttle motor

[froylance]

My 2002 Prius quit on me on Saturday, with a display of three problem icons on the screen. Had it towed to the dealer. They diagnosed a bad throttle motor. Had it replaced today. Parts: $833.07. Labor: $315.68. Bottom line: $1,230.44

All this came exactly one day after I made the last payment on the car. Ouch.

Has anyone else had a throttle motor go bad? I'd never even heard of the thing. Are these prices about right? Is this likely to be a serial problem? Service guy said they see about one a year.

[bwilson4web]

Bad luck. There have been reports about throttle plate sticking, which can be cleared by using a $10 can of throttle cleaner. But there have been throttle failures.

Did you get the failed part back? I or Hobbit might be interested in doing some forensics on it. Send me a PM and we can work out the shipping.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

[hobbit]

I had a local friend who got a throttle body replaced on a
Classic for $700-odd out of pocket. He loaned me the old one
for a bit of analysis, and I could find nothing wrong with
it [the motor was fine, the flap was only a little sticky at
full-closed]. I think he was handed a line. If you've
bought a new throttle motor/body/whatever you should definitely
demand the "failed" one back and test it.
.
_H*

[froylance]

I did not get the old throttle motor back. It wasn't offered and I didn't think to ask. I was shell-shocked by the bill. But I will call them in the ayem on the off-chance that they still have it around. I'd rate that a long-shot. But if I get it back, I'd be happy to ship it to you.

[hill]

Sorry to here it froylance,
In CA it's the LAW, that they have to give you the parts back if you want them. Check to see if your state has the same rule. Don't know how long ago this happened, but if real recent, it wouldn't hurt to ask.