Engine light = bad hybrid system coolant valve: Warranty? Help!

[mstucky]

Our 2005 Prius began having its engine light go on during the summer of 2006. It wasn't always on--usually just in hot weather after the car had been driven awhile, parked for an hour or two, then driven again. We talked to our Toyota mechanic, who said it was probably the air in the gas tank phenomena.

So we didn't worry too much about it. But the light kept coming on, and we had it checked out thoroughly. Turns out the Prius needs a new valve that's part of the hybrid cooling system. The valve is $87, but labor costs will run $500!

The shop claims that this part of the system isn't under warranty, although our warranty booklet indicates that the hybrid system is covered for 96 months or 100,000 miles. We have about 42,000 miles on the car.

Additionally, we're frustrated that we asked about it and were advised not to worry--and, of course, since this was just a verbal exchange (maybe even over the phone, we don't remember), we have no proof that it happened before the "basic" warranty went kaput at 36,000 miles.

Any recommendations of what to do?

Thanks.
Stuckys

[auricchio]

1. You should have documentation from the previous times you've had it checked. This proves the problem dates back quite a while.

2. You can insist they prove that the valve is not part of the hybrid system. Chances are, they can't.

3. You can get the Toyota regional rep involved. When you mention this at the dealership, they'll probably stop giving you backtalk.

4. You can bring the car to another dealership.

[jk450]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark and Gail Stucky @ Oct 1 2007, 08:10 PM) [snapback]520063[/snapback]</div>

...Turns out the Prius needs a new valve that's part of the hybrid cooling system. The valve is $87, but labor costs will run $500!

The shop claims that this part of the system isn't under warranty, although our warranty booklet indicates that the hybrid system is covered for 96 months or 100,000 miles. We have about 42,000 miles on the car.
[/b]

Are you sure that this valve isn't part of the engine cooling system? Say, a three-way plastic valve assembly valve that links the engine, the heater core and the coolant heat storage tank?

Put another way, were you told that this valve is part of the "hybrid system"? And if so, by whom?

[naterprius]

This should be covered under 5/60 for powertrain or 8/96 for hybrid system.

Ask the dealer to open up the sprial bound warranty pocket reference. I had to do this to get them to cover floor mats under 3/36.

Nate