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Hybrid Fan Service 2016 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Steven Cheak, Jul 6, 2021.

  1. Steven Cheak

    Steven Cheak New Member

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    Four
    Hello,

    Went to the Toyota dealer to get my car checked out and they said I had two major problems. The first is rats have eaten my wiring (gonna have to pay to get that fixed) but the second was a little outrageous. They want to charge me over $400 for Hybrid Fan Service. From what I read it's just changing the filter and cleaning the fan. I am prepared to do this myself, but I've only seen videos on how to change the filter. Is there anything out there on how to clean the actual fan? Can I just wipe it out? $400 just seems like a ton of money for something so simple.

    Thanks!
     
    bisco likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, if you know how to get to it, just wipe it out. if you don't carry pets, there's probably just a little build up.

    what symptoms are the rats presenting?
     
  3. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    They're probably only cleaning the filter - once you get that out, shine a flashlight inside to see if there's any dust (etc) buildup behind. I've taken mine off twice to have a look - was so clean that I didn't need to clean it - just put it back.

    But check that you never have stuff on the back floor near/blocking the vent(s) - the NiMH has a centre vent too.
     
  4. Steven Cheak

    Steven Cheak New Member

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    I guess they ate through some wiring under the hood.
     
  5. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Active Member

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    Ask them to show you the damage to the wiring harness before you say yes to that too. Stealerships, regardless of brand, will always try to sell you service you don't need.
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if there are no symptoms from the rats, proceed with caution. anyone that would try to charge $400. for fan cleaning can't be right in the head
     
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  7. Michael Wood

    Michael Wood Active Member

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    2020 Prius Prime
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    There's a lot of media on rodents chewing on Toyota soy-based wire insulation. When I was looking at 2020 Prius Prime's I popped the hood on a Prime on a dealership lot. There were pieces of chewed insulation with mouse droppings in it lying behind the area where the spark plugs are. I passed on that one, but I guess it's fairly common.

    But I would definitely want to see the actual damage before paying a stealership, and I would only use them as a last resort.
     
  8. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Not just TOYOTA - found this on GOOGLE:

    "growing volume of online stories about rodents chewing up expensive wiring looms that keep Audis, Hondas, Toyotas and Volvos running. Owners of some European makes have reportedly paid upwards of $8,000 for repairs." Also mention of Hyundai, TESLA, Subaru, Mercedes and other VW group.

    Another article mentions "Honda ... sell(s) electrical tape infused with spicy capsaicin, which vehicle owners can wrap around their engine wiring to repel rodents. The 20-metre roll (Honda part 4019-2317) is available on Amazon.ca for an eye-watering $84."

    This article lists just about every make and model. A quick scan had the most expensive a PORSCHE BOXSTER (AU)$22,000. And a number of write-offs including another quite old PORSCHE

    Incredible Edible Car (synlube.com)
     
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