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Inverter Pump replacement - Looking for Local mechanic in Orange County, CA

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Kundanp333, Apr 18, 2021.

  1. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    Hi All,

    I recently sold my Gen 2 Prius to a couple and within 1 week the car threw the red triangle of death and I felt very bad for the couple and timing of the incident. I went to them and ran a scanner to see that it was throwing code P0A93, which I believe to be the faulty inverter pump. The car has 186k miles and has been meticulously taken care of mechanically otherwise. I want to help this couple out. Can someone recommend an independent mechanic in the orange county area that can take care of this job?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the hybrid pit around there?
     
  3. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    It is probably not recommended but is it safe to drive the car after I clear the code, at least to the local shop? If not, is this something a mobile mechanic can do? Thanks!
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, just stick to side streets
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    If you have a friend who's changed fluids on radiator / installed radiator parts before, hire them to do it. It's a very simple fix that's same process. Takes a couple hours or way less if you've done it a bunch of times and the coolant pumps are cheap and simple for like $30... Although the folks on here will go on and on wrongly about why to spend three times more than $30 on an inverter cooling pump.
     
    #5 PriusCamper, Apr 18, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2021
  6. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    Reading more about this it seems like an easy job for someone that's a bit experienced. I just can't tackle it since they can't afford downtime and I am not betting on myself incase I run into a hiccup. Anyone local that can help out?

    Also, not sure if aftermarket is recommended. I always go OEM and recommend them to do the same. However I feel money is an issue so not sure if I should recommend them to go the aftermarket route. Open to hearing everyone's thoughts on this.

    Anyways, anyone local willing to help out? Or open to hearing out options on independent shops that have done it.

    Thanks!
     
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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  8. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This repair is not very difficult. I believe a dealer will charge about $500 - $600 for this repair, an indy shop will be around $300 - $400. DIY with a Genuine Toyota part, maybe a little over $100.

    If I would have seen this sooner, I could have done it for you today. I had 2 hours to kill in Irvine, while waiting for my daughter.
     
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  10. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    The fact that you care about their situation and are trying to help is a huge deal and shows alot of integrity on your part. At this point If I were you I wouldn't worry about cutting some corners to keep your costs down. You've done enough just by being willing to help and they'll probably not have issues with their Prius for a long time after this, even if its a low quality fix.
     
  11. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    Thanks I appreciate that. They are new to the country, about a month in. I hate to be the person to give them a bad taste and or perception of people in the USA. They were so happy I replied to their text. They gave me chocolate as gratitude for showing up to scan and offer resolution. I'm glad to be able to assist.
     
  12. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice. You were in Irvine?!? They live there off the 133. That would have been so ideal. How local are you? If you're willing and available, I can arrange something. I am not sure how I can secure the part easily. Secondly, I can compensate as long as it's reasonable.
     
  13. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    I think they are around. A bit north, but I will give them a call and see. Thanks for the suggestion!
     
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Yes I was in Irvine, about 45 minutes from where I live. I can still do it for you but I don't know when I'll be down by that area. If you can tow the car to me using AAA gold membership or higher (they give 100 miles tow for free), then I can do it at my location and you can get it after a few hours. I'm in the city of Arcadia.

    I have an inverter pump available (I have an extra part for many of the common failures), so if you want it done, I can do it. Let's say $200 including part? I believe the part was a little over $100 from Longo Toyota.
     
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  15. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Because if the weather is cool enough one can travel 10 miles or more in city/suburban driving with the pump out without throwing a code. (Part of the reason why it is possible to lose the pump and not know it for days.) However, get up to highway speeds and the inverter has to work much harder and it will overheat quickly, you might go a mile before it happens.

    Only use an OEM pump from a trusted source. I used a Dorman the first time mine failed and it had issues. Specifically, every once and a while it would not start. No problems with the one from the dealer.
     
  16. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    200 is very reasonable. Just need to figure out how to get the car to you. Let me work with them on that. Anyway I can get in touch with you? I can't seem to figure out how to private message you through the mobile version of the forum website.
     
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  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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  18. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    Thanks! Just e-mailed you.

    BTW, your car collection is legit. I got an s2000 myself - 2003 GPW. Also have a 2014 Lexus CT 200h and a Honda Clarity PHEV. Looking to replace the CT with a Rav4 Prime in the near future, if it makes sense.
     
  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Well I would love to get a 2003 GPW, maybe one day when you're ready to sell it, remember I'm wanting it.
     
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  20. Kundanp333

    Kundanp333 Junior Member

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    I will remember that. However, I may never want to sell it. :)

    I used to have one of the rarest of the rarest (obviously IMO - CRs are more rare for sure), a 2002 GPW and this MY02 is the only white one that came with a full red interior. By full, I really mean FULL red interior. One might say that is too much read. I personally loved it. I got it in 2011, for about 15k, before shipping and TTL. It had 26k miles on the clock and was all original. I daily drove it for about 2 to 3 years and sold it, in 2014, with 53k miles on it for slightly more than what I paid. I very much regretted selling it, probably from about 2 weeks after I sold and still to this day. Something like that probably doesn't exist with that low of mileage and if it did, I would imagine it would cost 2x to 3x more. I bought my 2003 GPW in 2015, less than a year after I sold my 2002.

    Anyways, I will try not to divert away from the original subject matter - Prius inverter pump failure.
    Thank you and everyone else for your help/insights - I really appreciate it!
     
    #20 Kundanp333, Apr 19, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2021