Help! Prius died while driving on highway.

Obviously a lot of guessing based on experience above, but without knowing the diagnostic test codes that's all it is, guessing. It wouldn't be too wise to start replacing parts until you know for sure. If the check engine light came on (yellow, looks like the outline of an engine, my wife thinks it looks like a faucet), there are codes that will tell the story. It could also be an electrical fault in one of the two transaxle motors, who knows? You're into nearly unknown territory with that kind of mileage.

 

I work for the RR too. Glad I don't do much travelling now.

 

'mini vci' yes it is. but read the threads here to understand how it works first. this is a professional tool.

 

Get the codes read,
It sounds like a inverter failure.
Inverter is a relatively easy fix. Buy a used one. But first get the codes read. Thats the most important thing to do.

 

The quickest way to read the codes, and one way to be sure that you're getting all the codes, is through a dealership. Just plunk down the $70~80 and get it done. You'll also get interpretation of the codes, and advice.

 

How's the coolant level in the inverter coolant reservoir? (The one right next to the inverter)? Is there visible movement in there when the car is on? Have you tried turning the car on again after you had it towed home? The fact that it died on you as you were revving to past is making me think maybe it's just a cooling system issue, which should be much cheaper to fix than an issue with the inverter itself.

 

Only $70 or $80?
Around here dealers charge more near $120-$130

 

Hah, not everything's more expensive in Canada.

 

$120-$130 around here too. This is why I own a mini VCI.

 

I think win 7 works. But better wait for conformation, from someone who actually knows this stuff.

 

I run mine on Windows 7 under VMware Fusion under MacOS Yosemite. As I recall the driver setup under Windows was a little bit of a headache, but I haven't had to mess with it since I got it working. Google around, there should be plenty of readily available guides with links to the appropriate drivers.

 

It is more of a challenge to set up using Windowss 7.
To save the frustration it is worth buying a $50 laptop off of Craigslist that has XP.

 

XP?

 

Ha, ha. Yes I meant XP. Stupid autocorrect.
I'll go back and fix it.

 

Just that I hate HP, lol.

 

I guess a question I would like to ask is once you self-track down the codes, are you confident enough a DIY person that you feel you could execute repairs yourself?

If the answer to that is no?
Then I'm kind of in the camp that says, just don't pass go, and get it to a dealership.

We all want to save money. But sometimes you eventually run into that dragon that won't be distracted by a piece of meat tossed in the corner. You may just have to face this dragon face on.

 

^ And that's where just heading to the dealership from the get go starts to look better.