2003 Prius Radiator Replacement?

A second opinion is warranted. But what led to them working on the car?

Bob Wilson

 

Well, the first question is whether or not your radiator actually has a leak. I suggest that you ask to be shown where the leak is, and take a photo of it. <It doesn't matter whether other Prius have had a radiator leak (which is uncommon BTW; what matters is if your Prius has a radiator leak.>

I do not know what an air conditioning pump is. Perhaps you are referring to the air conditioning compressor? I recommend that you ask for clarification and take a photo of the suspect item.

In general, if the radiator needs to be replaced, no other components necessarily need to be replaced at the same time. However it is probably necessary to remove the air conditioner freon from the AC system as the plumbing may need to be disconnected in order to access the radiator; then restore it after the radiator is repaired.

 

Well, I can understand that the inverter pump may need to be replaced if it no longer is pumping fluid. I can also understand that the radiator may need to be replaced (if you verify that a hole exists, via visual inspection.)

However, the air conditioner compressor is mounted to the engine and is spun by the serpentine drive belt. It has nothing to do with the radiator.

I no longer have my Classic repair manuals. However I recall that the air conditioner condenser is integrated with the radiator. If that is correct, then it would be replaced along with the radiator.

To reiterate, I recommend that you ask to be shown the location of the radiator leak. If you see the leak (you should see a whitish or pinkish stain), then it is clear that the radiator should be replaced. Hope that helps.

 

The inverter pump is separate from the radiator and AC compressor. In fact it has an entirely different cooling system with a small radiator before the engine/AC radiator.

Before driving to the dealer, check the resevoir to the left of the inverter. Make sure you can see a pink fluid. If not, you've lost the coolant and that is the only thing possibly worse than loss of the inverter coolant pump.

Personally, the inverter, a $1,000 part, is at risk of overheating when the inverter pump fails. We don't know how far one can go but I would seriously consider a tow to prevent risking the inverter.

If you have a clean, dry, water bottle, try to capture a sample of the inverter coolant. I'm looking for coolant with globs of a jelly-like substance in it. We've had sporatic reports but no samples, yet. We did have one report of changing the collant 'resurecting' the pump. However, one report does not a pattern make and it is just as likely the pump was failing intermittently.

BTW, I would be interested in the failed or failing inverter pump. Send me a PM when/if it comes out and we can do a deal.

Bob Wilson

 

Good, confirmation. My experience has been that radiator repair can sometimes be defered but can not be put off. The Prius radiator incorporates the A/C condenser so it is an expensive part.

Yikes is right! The inverter is going to run about $1,000 new.

The inverter pump part number is G9020-47020. I've found replacement at a web parts place for ~$100 but I've also seen one claimed on Ebay for $170. Notice I say "claimed" because I bought a heater pump incorrectly identified as an inverter pump. I'll be sending it back later today.

The inverter is expensive and critical to the car.

What happens is every time the power electronics gets too hot, they 'age.'

Although the service writer is technically correct, my concern comes from a spate of inverter failures concurrent with failed inverter pumps. In fact a specific failure of the DC-to-DC converter. So far, attempts to analyze these failed inverters has not succeeded (although my offer remains.)

Personally, a new radiator makes a lot of sense, they don't 'get better.' However, I would expect that to be pretty expensive. The OEM inverter pump can be bought from Champion but I haven't replaced mine yet to tell how difficult this is.

What about the A/C compressor, did they provide any data to support that repair? Are you still getting cold air?

Bob Wilson

 

The AC condensor and Radiator is one integrated unit on the NHW11.
The Radiator for the Inverter/Transaxle is a completely separate part (not true on the NHW20).

Used radiator/condensers are available for $175 plus shipping.
There is also now a new aftermarket source for this part these run $225 plus shipping.

Used inverter/transaxle radiators are also available used. They run $100 or less.

A good mechanical should be able to tell you if your radiator is leaking by using a pressure tester.

Used inverter pumps are available as well. I don't really recommend this, but I went to buy one at the local Toyota dealer and they told me they were on nationwide back order and they had 8 cars waiting for them.

Eric
Adopt A Part
303-296-2211

 

I always feel a little uneasy trying to list parts and prices. I know the used parts market is getting better but I confess it is not my area of expertise.

FYI, I'm planning to buy a new, ZVW30 inverter coolant pump and test with a used NHW11 pump to match presure and flow. I'll also see if I can 'shim it in.' New ZVW30 inverter coolant pumps are in the $200 range but should exceed NHW11 pump in service life. Remember, this is a plan . . . later.

Bob Wilson

 

Parts, coolant and labor I hope. I am very much interested in the failed pump. Good news about the cold air.

That does not make sense.

There is one mechanical connection to the transaxle that engages the parking pawl. Everything else consists of a switched, wire for each gear and a resistance network that switches in different resistances for each postion.

Does the thumb button at the top move?
Is the car parked on a slope (sometimes this can 'jam' a parking pawl.)

Bob Wilson

 

I am at ease quoting these prices since I have them in stock at my shop.

Eric

 

Actually the inverter pump and the 'shift' cable are in relative close proximity sort of between the transaxle and the inverter. Could be something is simply not in its right place and causing an interference.

Possibly a lazy tech didn't bolt everything back in place. Because it was hard to reach.

Eric

 

Love the "red triangle of death" reference! I took my car in today for 80,000 mile maintenance and was told the same thing; the radiator has a small leak in the top area, and needs to be replaced before summer. The quoted estimate is around 900.00. I also, had to replace the bearings. Is repairing the radiator truly not a good option, I wonder?