1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

$5000 Transaxle assembly

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by MelS, Feb 27, 2012.

  1. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    July 2007 Prius, 79,866 miles

    Friday night, 70 miles from home, I stopped for gas then got back on the expressway. Going 70 mph and suddenly all the dash went crazy with lights, I noticed a decrease in power, and the screen showed the warning light of a car silhouette with an exclamation point. I pulled over to the side of the highway and caught my breath.

    Looked in the manual to see that I needed to call a dealer and not drive the car. It wouldn't start anyway - some lights and battery power but the same warning lights and the car would not engage in reverse or drive.

    Towed the car to the dealer - $250. The next day they called and eased my mind, said it was the 12v battery, to come on in because it was almost fixed. Got there and they said the test drive had not gone well, it was still having problems but it looked to be part of the hybrid system so not to worry, this was better news financially because the warranty would cover it and pay the towing fees as well. They also gave me a free loaner car which isn't common at this dealership.

    Today the bad news. They say they have been working with Toyota engineers to diagnose and that it is a short from the electric motor transaxle assembly that is backfeeding through the hybrid system. They need to replace the transmission transaxle assembly at a cost of over $5000 with taxes, and it isn't a hybrid component so no longer covered by the warranty because of mileage. (Still under 5 years, but over 60,000 miles).

    The codes: C2300; C2318; P0A78

    I don't think it's worth it at all to put $5000 into this car. Summer 2010 it blew a P0420 code while I was out of state and required a new catalytic converter, luckily under warranty. I've maintained the car regularly and always through the dealer. Pretty down on Prius and Toyota right now. Also, what's up with California and other states getting longer warranties?

    Should I fix it or put the money into a different vehicle?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    carburator?
     
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,073
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    The Prius has fuel injection, not a carburetor.

    Setting aside this red-flag comment, if you need to replace the transaxle you can do it for a lot less than $5,000. Put in a salvage or rebuilt unit.

    Tom
     
  4. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    1+
    Seilerts has compiled a list of independent hybrid shops across the US. Look at his list of authored threads, or shoot him a PM
     
  5. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Okay, post edited. It was the catalytic converter. It doesn't have carburetor. My point was that it's not the first time a costly repair has come up in a car that isn't that old and has been well cared for.
     
  6. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,910
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    The transaxle according to my Toyota service and guaranty book is part of the hybrid system and is under guaranty for 8years 100,000miles
     
  7. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The dealer said it's part of the powertrain not the hybrid system. The online warranty on the Toyota website concurs. My specific warranty book is in the car at the shop so I'll have to double check.

    The dealer recommended a call to Toyota directly to request goodwill assistance because it's not owner-related but a part fail. I just got off the phone with Toyota; they are not willing to pitch in a dollar. The mechanic I use for non-hybrid cars is not comfortable changing the transaxle assembly on the Prius and could not recommend anyone besides the dealership.:(
     
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,994
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Did you buy the car new? Have you replaced the transmission fluid?
     
  9. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I did buy the car new. I don't think the fluid has been changed and I've read the posts on the forum about needing to do so before Toyota's recommendation, but in my case it's an electrical short problem, not a mechanical one.
     
  10. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,910
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Have you got the service and warranty hand book, my scanners packed up so I cannot post the page, but in the UK book, page 3 it states "hybrid warranty 100,000miles/8years" page 4, "hybrid components:- HV battery, battery electronic control unit, central electronic control unit, vehicle inverter and converter, the hybrid transaxle.
    It would not be the first time a dealer has got this wrong, double check.
    I will try to get the pages scanned and post if possible, or has someone in the US got the relevant details.
     
    1 person likes this.
  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,596
    3,770
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid

    Not in the USA: Toyota Prius Warranty and Coverage
     
  12. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,910
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    The way I read that is that the top part relates to ordinary vehicles but if you go down to the bit about hybrid vehicles it is under warranty. The hybrid cannot operate without the motor generators, that are an essential part of the hybrid system as per the UK/Europe warranty.
     
    1 person likes this.
  13. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,073
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    That's a reasonable argument, but one that doesn't work in the US. It's been tried, and Toyota didn't buy it.

    Tom
     
    1 person likes this.
  14. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,596
    3,770
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Oh I agree completely with you that the transaxle is part of the hybrid synergy drive system but Toyota doesn't. ;) That link was to the Prius warranty page. Here's another link if it helps:

    Toyota Search
     
    1 person likes this.
  15. GWhizzer

    GWhizzer not so Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2010
    120
    24
    0
    Location:
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Can someone explain exactly what comprises the transaxle? I thought it was integrated with the power split device and so part of the hybrid components? If it is not an integrated part of the PSD, then exactly how did it backfeed? What evidence have they shown you that this is the case. Now, I'm a trusting soul, but it seems pretty convenient...
     
    1 person likes this.
  16. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    5,194
    1,910
    0
    Location:
    Herefordshire England
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I would like to know how the warranty is worded around the rest of the world perhaps Uart will check in Australia.
     
    1 person likes this.
  17. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks, this is definitely worth looking into.
     
  18. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The below is the online info I could find: Toyota Auto Warranty and Extended Warranty Information
    Hybrid Warranty

    [​IMG] Our hybrid vehicles have set the standard for technology, efficiency and drivability. We think the world’s most popular hybrids should have the warranties to match.
    On top of our basic coverage, we offer:
    Basic Coverage [1]

    36 months/36,000 miles (all components other than normal wear and maintenance items).
    Hybrid-Related Component Coverage [1]

    Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Owner’s Warranty Information booklet for details.
    Powertrain Coverage [1]

    60 months/60,000 miles (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel drive).
    Rust-Through Coverage [1]

    60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal). Emissions coverage: Coverages vary under Federal and California regulations. Refer to applicable Warranty & Maintenance Guide booklet for details.



    Accessories Warranty


    [​IMG] Genuine Toyota Parts are built to the highest standards of quality, durability and performance. Most have 12- month coverage and there aren’t many, if any, companies that offer a longer guarantee. See More
     
  19. MelS

    MelS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    What's most maddening is that the dealership said it is a "short from the electric motor transaxle assembly". Clearly part of the hybrid system, not a transmission mechanical fail.
     
  20. GWhizzer

    GWhizzer not so Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2010
    120
    24
    0
    Location:
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Imagine my surprise. In Canada too, the "transaxle" is covered under the powertrain warranty, not the hybrid warranty. The hybrid warranty only:
    1. Includes: HV Battery, Battery Control Module, Hybrid Control Module, Interter with Convertor.
    This is a bit of a joke on me. This is certainly not what I was led to believe when I bought the car. And ya, you can argue that it's no different than other car transaxle warranties. But the Prius "transaxle"/PSD is a somewhat more complex, and certainly more costly, device to repair/replace.

    Caveat Emptor...
     
    1 person likes this.