How To: Change Inverter Coolant

[usbseawolf2000]

I just uploaded a video to assist DIY inverter coolant change. I intended to include changing the pump but in a rush I forgot to do it. I hope this to be useful and save time for many of you.

According to the maintenance manual, you need to change both engine coolant and inverter coolant at 100k miles. This video only covers the inverter coolant change.

You will need the following:

- 15/16" socket [$6]
- Long wrench (preferably torque wrench to turn 29 ft/lb) [$26]
- 2.2 US quart of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Dealer only sell in a gallon which is 3.7 US Qt. You'll need two gallons if you change both the engine and inverter coolant) [$20 per gallon]
- 1 hour of your time

Optional equipments:
- Flexible Funnel [$2]

YouTube - 2006 Prius Inverter Coolant Change

YouTube - 2006 Prius Inverter Coolant Change

[hobbit]

You *did* bleed the little valve back into the reservoir, right?
Otherwise you'll have air trapped in the transaxle.
.
_H*

[usbseawolf2000]

Yes, I did. I left the valve opened and it started to overflow. I closed the valve and started the ignition. The inverter coolant started to pump and the reservoir level went down. I refilled it to full and opened the valve again, just to find more coolant leaking out (no air). That's how I knew I got all the air out.

Thanks for pointing it out as I left out that detail in the video. I'll add annotations in the video.

[Patrick Wong]

Nice idea to use that funnel that screws onto the coolant container. I had been using a regular funnel, but yours should be more convenient.

[usbseawolf2000]

Thanks Patrick. I couldn't have done without your help.

[maxjlone]

One of the most overlooked maintenance items on your car is the coolant system. Most people don't even think about it until they are on the side of the road with the hood up and steam pouring out of the radiator. This traffic nightmare can be avoided by some simple routine maintenance.