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I think I need a new transaxle. Suggestions?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by NinnJinn, Oct 11, 2013.

  1. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    2008 Prius
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    2002
    184,000+ miles


    I was driving the car and triangle popped up and engine would not shut off while parked (key on) I hooked up the non prius aware scanner (carry one with me at all times) and don't remember the code, but it was a "HV malfunction"
    I didn't shut the car off to clear the code as I was not home and attempted to drive it home, meanwhile engine never shut off. I had to come to a complete stop at a red light and the car died. tried restarting it but nothing. so I pushed it off to the side of the road and cleared the code. Tried again and nothing. didn't start, nothing. it beeped and error code popped up. Checked the code and it was p3125. I know there are subcodes but online it was leading to inverter. but I replaced the inverter last year with a re involt. I had the car towed to my job for $50, to have it towed home, would cost roughly $168. When I got it to work, I did the screen thing and checked the 12v battery and it was reading 10.9 I have been meaning to get a new one for about a year now so I did.

    I purchased a new optima battery and installed it yesterday, cleared the codes, tried to start it and nothing. error code p3125. What leads me to believe that it may be a transaxle, well actually a Mg2 is when my inverter went bad, it would start then shudder and die then the triangle would pop up. this time around, it doesn't even start. I have an appointment with the dealership to get the code with subcode read on Tuesday 10/15 for $98.73

    Based on what I have listed, what do you think?

    I know I need to give up on ol Betsy Blue, but due to my ex maxing out the cards before she left this year plus a divorce and bankruptcy Its not like I can go out and get a new car.

    If you feel that it would be the transaxle, is the mg2 and all that stuff included in the transaxle or are they separate parts? I am looking at ebay for used to get ideas on prices and don't know what I am getting into.
     
    #1 NinnJinn, Oct 11, 2013
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you get a 'transaxle' it should be complete, with the MGs and all that stuff included. You can buy the MG1 half and MG2 half separately, but when Arts Automotive did a rebuild that way, they ended up deciding it had cost them more in shop time than it was worth. (If you search around you'll find that article.) The trouble is in the correct adjustment of bearing preloads when components are changed, which is done by trial-assembling the transaxle and swapping different thicknesses of shims, which have to be ordered and apparently don't ship quickly.

    IF what you have is a burned MG2 stator, there are people who've changed that out the side of the car without even removing the transaxle. You still need to shell out for an MG2 to harvest a good stator from, but you'll save a bunch of labor and avoid the preload adjustments.

    I'm in west central Indiana - where are you?

    -Chap
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Oct 11, 2013
    NinnJinn likes this.
  3. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    Hi Chap,

    Thanks for your reply. I live in Loogootee. Ummm, about 40 miles south of Bloomington, and about 60 miles north slightly east of Evansville
     
    #3 NinnJinn, Oct 11, 2013
  4. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    A question I have is, You said I would need load shims... Is this the case if I buy a COMPLETE trans axle? If I buy a complete trans axle is it basically just pull the old out and put the new one in and I am ready to go?
     
    #4 NinnJinn, Oct 11, 2013
  5. Eclipse1701d

    Eclipse1701d Prius Enthusiast

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    If you buy the complete one, it is just a swap. Still, allot of work, though. Good luck!
     
    #5 Eclipse1701d, Oct 11, 2013
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    According to Google maps, you are 339 miles, 5 hours from Huntsville, AL If you'll cover gas and a place to sleep over (I'm OK with Motel 6 but will take a comfy couch):
    1. I'll tow your Prius home
    2. Diagnose what the heck is going on (I have two, Prius-aware scanners)
    3. Meals and gas
    I'll bring my spare inverter, tools and stuff, some good modules and we can negotiate any ad hoc repairs. I don't have a spare transaxle but I'm a strong believer in 'diagnose' first -> fix.

    Send me a PM if interested. Paul and Eric may also be interested and I would always defer to them.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Oct 11, 2013
    PriusGuy32 likes this.
  7. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

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    If MG2 is hosed (most common problem) you can buy 1/2 transaxle new from Toyota and transfer over just the stator. This way you get new windings and no need to mess around with shims etc. You can even do the procedure with engine/tranny in the car, but you have to lower them a bit to get access. See Carolyn's video here:


    You can also buy a complete used transaxle, but most junkyards selling them don't know if they are "known good" so you take a lot of risk.

    Also, please install a new inverter coolant pump. That may be the cause of both your inverter and transaxle failure.

    IF ANYONE HAS TO CHANGE INVERTER OR TRANNY ON A GEN1 PLEASE CHANGE THE COOLANT PUMP (AND PROPERLY BLEEED SYSTEM) IF IT IS STILL THE ORIGINAL PUMP (BLACK BASE) FROM THE FACTORY.
     
    #7 3prongpaul, Oct 12, 2013
  8. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    Thanks for the info!!! Never really gave it much thought when I changed my inverter last year.
     
    #8 NinnJinn, Oct 12, 2013
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