Help - Hybrid Coolant Repair

Normally repair of any system or subsystem is pretty straight forward. Saying that we need to know what exacly is wrong with the coolant system? Are we addressing the engine coolant or the inverter coolant? What is the coolant system doing or not doing? We need symptoms, like a Doctor. The ignition system is also straight forward, are all cylinders hitting? Plugs changed recently? Which cylinder (s) is not firing? Need more information.

 

Not sure I can give good advice but I can share my opinion. I have a 2001 Prius with 120,000 miles. Recently on two occasions my car did not start the check engine light and the orange triangle were on. The first time I just turned it off and restarted it....it ran just fine and after about 15 minutes all the lights went off. A week later the same thing happened and after two tries it started fime the lights stayed on long but after it sat for about 3 hours it started fine with no lights or issues. The code I got I asked a dealership about was a general code that was "engine will not start". I was also told that the lights need to be on to diagnose it properly , or that some mechanical diagnostics need to be done. I made an appointed ment when the lights were on but canceled it the next day becasue they were off. My crazy logic is that if the car contines to start day after day the problem cant be that major. Also I would take a chance on repairing it Ive seen some first generation prius's with 300,000 so I almost think its worth it. Check for cheaper parts at a place like Toyota Parts Barn or Rock Autoand see if you mechanic will do it for you rather than a dealership you'll save a lot of money.

 

$650 to replace a coolant pump ?!
I guess 'treated fairly' is in the eyes of the payor.

 

Everything costs more in NY.

But be skeptical of replacing coils or injectors. You don't need a full set of fuel injectors or coil packs for P3191, if that is the code that you have. That is usually a throttle problem, usually the plate is stuck. Ever had a throttle body cleaning? If not, have them start there.

 

In many cases, you can run the car and drive it with no problems but in her case, the inverter cooling pump, you will get no errors until the inverter heats up and the lack of cooling water circulation will cause overheating a probable failure of the inverter (an expensive problem to fix).

Penfieldmom,
Do not drive the vehicle until the inverter coolant pump is fixed. Replacing the pump is not that hard and should not cost $650. The pump only costs $109 (2001 Toyota Prius Parts - Genuine Toyota Parts (select hybrid components and type in "pump" in keyword search field)
)and takes all of 1 hour to install. Then you have to bleed the system (about another hour). This is something you can do yourself. It is detailed in the Haynes manual (available at most auto parts stores) and requires very few tools. I would say even with buying all the tools and parts, you could do it for less than $200. If you know anyone who is mechanically talented, I would get them to help.

If you don't feel comfortable DIYing, buy the part and take it to an independent mechanic (preferably a reputable one (also check w/ the mechanic to make sure he will install the part b4 you buy it so you're not stuck with a part no one will install for you). I hate to see anyone get ripped off like this.

This will get your car back on the road so we can deal with the ignition issue (if there is one).