Good, reliable 01 Prius suddenly dead??

It may help if you can get the exact codes. But there is a common problem of leakage in the traction battery that can cause leakage and the problem. Sad to say, there are no good answers if that is the problem ... unless you are able to do the work yourself.

Bob Wilson

 

Electrical problems usually happen "out of nowhere", in the sense that there's no prior warning before the failure.

Suggest that you ask how the tech determined that both the inverter and transaxle are bad. Maybe it would be sufficient if just the inverter was replaced.

 

I think it would make lots of sense to obtain an inverter from a salvage vehicle, as long as you have someone who will install it. Its not likely that a Toyota dealer service dept will agree to that work.

Not so sure about the transaxle. A fairly high labor charge will be required. If the replacement transaxle also has a problem, then you won't be happy.

 

Get the trouble codes and the info codes from the dealer and I will walk you through the diagnostic by email.
contact me at [email protected]

 

DTC P3000: HV battery malfunction
DTC P3009: High voltage leak detected
DTC P3115: System main relay malfunction
DTC P3125: Inverter assembly malfunction

Given the above list, I would concur that the inverter needs to be replaced. It is not obvious that the transaxle is bad. I would say that it is more likely that the traction battery and/or traction battery ECU are bad.

Regarding eBay parts, the salvage yard usually warrants the part to work upon installation. So you would be out the labor charge if the part didn't work. You'll have to decide whether the risk is worth the lower pricing.

I would not buy a Classic salvage traction battery though, since they are 7-9 years old and relatively expensive.

 

I too am having a hard time believing the transaxle is bad, based purely on those codes. How many miles does the vehicle have on it?

 

I doubt it as well. Patrick seems quite right. Given that there were no transaxle related symptoms prior to the failure, I find incredible to believe. Take from first hand experience, Toyota Tech's for the most part are monkeys! I was told I needed a Traction battery in my car, it was going to cost me $3,500!! In the end, I replaced the 12V battery as per Patrick and other people's assertions, and to this day my traction battery and 12V are running perfectly. Trust Patrick, 9.99999 times out of 10, he is simply spot on the money! ; )