Inverter converter swap.

Curious if you happened to document the sub-code that would be displayed on the freeze frame data? I think the P0A94 has 20 or 25 sub-codes to help determine the problem. Going straight to a complete inverter swap seems like a big jump.

 

Just curious: how much was the inverter you bought, say in US dollars.

 

Here's an ebay listing for original part number inverter (G9200-47210):

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid Inverter ASSY With Converter G9200-47210 OEM for sale online | eBay

And it has a compatiblity function at the top of page. If I enter "2012 Prius v", it says it is not compatible. So I doubt the Prius v inverter you have will work in a regular 3rd Gen Prius.

Consider the listing I've linked above?

 

Oh I see. Strange, a few minutes ago it was a full inverter, then when I click on it now, it's saying "ended", and (as you say), an offer for an inverter shell. So anyway, they're out there.

I notice if I go to Toyota Dealership website, they don't offer inverter for sale, says discontinued or something? Not good. I appreciate price would be through the roof, but still, strange that it's not even available.

 

Yes, I looked at the Toyota Gulf Freeway (Houston) parts website and also could not find inverters for sale. This is very disappointing considering the 2015 is only 4 years old. Hence you will have to be scrounging on eBay and other used parts sources.

I noticed the 2006 Highlander Hybrid battery is not available as a new part. That HiHy model was only available in 2006 and 2007, then a new HiHy design came out in 2008. Again, the need to scrounge for a used part or "remanufactured" when that battery dies. Hey, at least you can still buy a new inverter - priced at $6K...

Regarding the OP's query about fitting a Prius V inverter, my suggestion would be to review the electrical wiring diagrams from that model and the Prius. See if there are any differences with respect to electrical connector pin assignments, and whether the connectors appear physically the same. If there are no differences then maybe it might work, but you would still have a concern about whether the inverters have different electrical properties, like whether a command from the hybrid vehicle ECU requesting a certain level of motor generator (MG) power results in differences regarding the inverter voltage produced to feed the MG, whether the inverters contain firmware differences, etc.

 

I vaguely remember there was some law on the books, regarding manufacturer's obligation to keep replacement parts in stock. Googling, it doesn't seem there's a clear answer though. Would be interesting to see if some manufacturers are better than others...

 

@Tideland Prius just posted an article, Toyota saying within 5 years 50% of their sales will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell. Something not adding up?

 

When I was at a previous employer who was a supplier to Toyota, it was in our contract for 7 years after the model is changed to have the ability to supply materials. As you can imagine, this can be challenging as the usage rate declines but yet you have to maintain stock.

But the cost of doing business .

 

The Prius V is also a larger, heavier vehicle with the benefit of additional transmission cooling applied to the electric motors. If the inverter's power command is internal to the inverter controller (and not another controller) then you could have a problem with overheating the electric motors.

 

California has a good strong state law (Song-Beverly) applicable to household consumer electronics priced over $100. Spare parts must be made available for 7 years.

I'm not aware of any other generally-applicable law like this. As you might expect, the usual remedy isn't a spare part, it's a stonewalling defense occasionally ultimately resulting in a free replacement product (not necessarily new or identical) for the persistent complainant.

 

Sometimes it's a godsend, when parts are no longer available: similar to cars, household appliance replacement parts can be insanely expensive. Once they're not available, you can at least justify moving on, lol.

I've twice now repaired the "clever" door latch on a microwave, that must be approaching 20 years old. The lower priced model had a very straightforward latch, but ours: you push a mechanical panel on the front, that starts a chain-reaction in the innards. One of the components uses formed plastic hinges that just don't hold up. With steel rod, bits of wood, pipe hanger strapping and screws/bolts, I've kept it going.

 

May i ask you, since you are replacing one, what is the torque specification of the inverter bolts, along with the orange wires?