Hybrid System Overheat

I wonder how long you was running like that before you got that overheat, in those 10 miles something must have cracked the radiator. Got pretty lucky there.

 

Nice!

 

Good news!

 

On my 3rd gen P with 55K miles, I didn't get a "Hybrid System Overheat" light on the dash but am just seeing this message on my dash sporadically as of last week 3-4 times. So I googled it, and read here that there might be a recall that I need to take care of -- so I did. But the problem is that what Toyota dealership is calling the recall is something different. They also claimed that they hooked up the car to a computer and did a full "health check" and categorically deny that there is anything wrong with the hybrid system overheating. They acknowledge that yes there's such a thing as a coolant inverter loop for the hybrid system and yes things can go wrong with it (like getting air bubbles in it, as described on this site) but they are claiming that the computer check would have picked it up, and since its not picking up anything everything must be okay with the car. The sign has indeed disapepared from the dash but I remain skeptical and worry a bit that they're ignoring what I'm describing to them and that the system may indeed be overheating and causing more costly damage.

Also, is replacing the "PCV valve" something critical that should be done at 25-30K miles? I'm alwasy skeptical of the dealership but they're saying its a a routine maintenance thats necessary and if ignored, could also result in more costly damage. Of course my skepticism isn't helped by the fact that they said it in the same breath as recommending 4 other routine things like "injector system flush", "inductor system flush", alignment and something else...

Please do share your thoughts on both of these issues... thank you!!!

 

Based on reading this forum, the liquid-cooled inverter module seems to be a point of failure, more commonly than you might expect. A closed system should work virtually trouble-free, as long as it's circulating properly. It's always a possibility that someone messed up during maintenance, and hasn't come forward about it.

 

The dealership wouldn't turn down a recall or a limited service campaign (LSC). Both are FREE money for the dealership, once the work is performed, and the customer pays $zero. However, recalls and LSCs usually are typically associated with certain model years and VINs. It is possible that your model year is affected, however, your VIN is not part of the recall/LSC. This might be due to your VIN being assembled with a redesigned/improved part that adversely affected earlier VINs, thus the recall/LSC for them, and not for you.

Read this link. Most have found it invaluable. Granted it is for a Gen2, but it should still be applicable for you Gen3.
What services you need and what you don't | PriusChat

Injector/inductor system flush sound like an expensive way of saying add concentrated Techron available at your local auto parts store, wrongmart, and Amazon.

Alignment would be a good thing to do, to maximize the tire life. You should be running them at a higher pressure than the driver door sticker too. Consider getting a lifetime vehicle alignment from Firestone Tire or similar tire store that offers this. I paid $120, in 6-2010. Just drop the car off once a year for a check and adjustment (which it always needs), and get a printout of the before and after. They are loosing money on me with this, as I've been able to do most of the maintenance myself so far.

 

Pretty sure those are all patent come-ons. They're not playing nice.

 

I have a good mechanic I trust but he refuses to touch the Prius' engine light type issues, because he doesn't have much experience with hybrids. Even at the dealership, they make it seem like a big deal that its a hybrid, in that only a certain trained hybrid specialist can touch the car.

if it is something with the recall (I checked my VIN on Toyota site by the way and thats how I know it was part of the recall), then the sign going away this week, would support that. Alternatively if its a separate issue from the recall, as I'm worried it is, then where else can i go to have this potentially non-existent / potentially resolved "hybrid system overheat" problem checked out? I guess the sign never appearing again will be proof enough of the former, but I want to make sure the latter possibility is disproven conclusively.

by the way, i would have to check the manual for how to open the hood. so i'm limited in any diagnostic skills myself. I can only work on people, not cars!

How can the PCV valve issue also be part of the recall?? If Mendel can explain please...


thank you all! Especially the tips about running on higher pressure and alignment.

 

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but anytime a warning light comes on, a code should be stored. A warning light would go away, if the problem went away, but the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) would be logged and remembered. For example, on a Gen2 Prius, the 3-way coolant control valve is known to go bad. When it gets stuck in an incorrect position, the Check Engine Light (CEL) comes one, and a DTC is logged and stored. When the valve is able to get into the correct position, the CEL goes off. However, the DTC, P1121 would be stored.

If I am correct, a DTC would be stored when the warning reappears again. Only way to verify this is with Techstream software and the mini VCI cable. Hardware requirements and set-up guide is well written on the Tundra site:
TundraTalk.net - Toyota Tundra Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Offical TechStream software thread( settings and such)
Should you get the software and cable, you will now have dealer level diagnostic capability.

I believe Mendel was being sarcastic w/ the PVC comment. Dealers use fear against an unknowledgeable owner, to get them to agree to have a service performed prematurely/unnecessarily.

Tire pressure people seem to run on the Gen2 seems to be 40/38 or 42/20, PSI front/PSI rear. You should search Gen3 forums to see what tire pressures people seem to be running. Don't forget to regularly check your tire pressure, change the tire pressure when the seasons change (Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter), and reset the tire pressure monitoring system every time you adjust the tire pressure.

 

Thank you all for this helpful discussion on my issues.

Does anyone else have any input about whether i should agree to have the PCV valve replaced or not?

I'm needing to pay out of pocket for it so need to know whether its a worthwhile repair to make or whether the dealership is just selling snake oil?

Thx!

 

do not replace the pcv valve, and do not go back to that dealer. if your vin is part of the inverter recall, take it to the dealer on the other side of town. you can also call toyota for assistance. at 55,000 miles, your car only needs oil, filters and tyre attention. if something is defective and under a recall, that should be taken care of quickly and professionally.