How do I bleed air from inverter coolant on 2010 Prius Gen III?

Can't help much, but do check: it could be that antifreeze is premixed, no need to add water? I believe there are two kinds, one pre-mixed, one not.

It could be you pretty much need Techstream software (what the dealership uses). Again, I'm out of my depth, but if there's a nearby dealership, might be one to hand over to them. Just come clean as to what you've done, I'm sure they've heard them all.

 

First of all, make sure you have Toyota Super Long Life (SLLC) coolant. If you are in the U.S. that would be part number 00272-SLLC2. It will be a black bottle with a yellow cap. This coolant is pre-mixed, so you must not add water.
To bleed the inverter cooling system without using Techstream, it is best to have an assistant to help you.
Fill the inverter coolant reservoir nearly full, wait a few minutes for bubbles to escape and top off until the coolant level is fairly stable. Turn on the vehicle to Ready mode, and immediately start adding coolant as level will drop quickly. This is where having an assistant helps. After several minutes, the coolant level should become stable. Install the reservoir cap. Recheck the coolant level after a short drive, and top off as needed. It may take a day or so for all the air to be bled out, so quickly check the level before driving.

 

1. SLLC
2. Close the drain
3. Fill the reservoir ... ... top off as needed
4. Connect plastic tube from bleed valve into reservoir -- << this is the magic that makes it easy and clean.
5. Ig-on -- turns on the inverter coolant pump
6. Top off the reservoir as needed while enjoying your favorite beverage.
7. Find Patrick Wong's DIY tutorial here on PriusChat. It will show you where the bleed valve is located

 

Gen III liftback & v (wagon) no longer have the bleed valve. Bleeding the inverter cooling system has been made simpler.

 

You need this Lisle radiator funnel.

It will allow you to completely submerge the radiator overfill bottle and cooling system. Running the engine will allow the air bubbles to work to the top of the surface of the coolant and out, leaving all fluid.

 

Ah, thanks for the update. I'm sorry to hear that bleed valve is gone. It really worked well.

For OP: Diluted LLC != SLLC

 

The LISLE funnel helps tremendously for the engine coolant circuit, but the reservoir in the inverter coolant circuit does the same job so long as one does not let it drain to empty.

 

PriusinParadise is spot on. The Gen III inverter loop bleeds very easily. Cycling it on/off a couple times will get the majority of the air out. Be sure to leave it running in ready mode for a while before driving to ensure that things are working properly.

If you have a AirLift II (just got one), it does wonders for filling our cooling systems.

 

Tempting idea, but Hobbit refuses to use these negative pressure systems out of concern that parts will collapse. Needless to say, I trust the Hobbit.

 

It is an OEM approved method. Maybe not by Toyota, but I can assure you that many shops including Luscious uses it. For instance, Nissan requires that you use the Airlift to fill their cooling systems on certain models.

Also, while it is true that it can expose leaks in older systems, id rather find out about a leak in my service bay than on the road.

 

I did the Inverter flush yesterday. Once you replace the drain pluf fill up the inverter reserve with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant to the fill line. Turn your car on READY and count 2 seconds and turn off. Add coolant again untill you reach the full line. Repeat the process again.
Turn your car on READY and count 2 seconds and turn off. Repeat this proces untill the coolant level doesnt drop anymore. Its really easy.

 

Does the engine need to be running? Or just the car in Ready?

(This is pretty much what the Repair Manual is saying, for "without techstream" method, I'm just not clear on it.)

 

Is that a contradiction ?

 

I said it was an OEM approved method, but not a Toyota approved method. I was referencing that it is a practice accepted by numerous automakers, so it's not some hack method that the aftermarket has made up (like reverse injection bleeding).

 

Oh, I see.

Somehow, knowing that e.g. GM or Nissan approves the method does not make me want to use it on my Prius
OTOH, LG is a great recommendation.

I'm much happier with an annual schedule of partial exchanges; although truth be told, NO manufacturer lists that method (and of course never will, if only because the approach is only suitable for DIY'ers.)

 

Ready. You dont have to wait for the engine to turn on. Since your only working on the inverter your dont have to wait for the engine to kick on. The inverter starts cycling as soon as you put the car in Ready (ready means foot on the brake and hit start).

 

Food for thought using the mentioned Air Lift II: it's selling for $87 on Amazon, and you would need a source of compressed air as well. Not sure how strong, but guessing a regular shop compressor.

My Canadian schedule says to replace fluid (both circuits) at 10 years or 160,000 kms, thereafter every 5 years or 80,000 kms. That's not one I'd be inclined to accelerate much, and it's a long ways off for me, likely time would govern if we still had the car. And I'm thinking by the time I get around to it the dealership would (hopefully) be well versed in dealing with it; I'd likely just bring it in, let them deal with it.