Don't let this happen to you. Inverter coolant warning.

If I were you, I'd want more than a code to convince me that I need to buy a new inverter because of a coolant additive. Sounds bogus to me. I'm no engine expert, but it seems that if the inverter is working and it passes inspection, I'd keep driving it. Unserviceable by Toyota? So what...do it yourself or take it to some other shop. And who put the additive in? Toyota dealer or someone else? If the dealer, then they owe you the inverter. And if they don't own up, why would you want to work for them anyway?

 

I sympathize with the op but it has been posted many times on this board to only use "Toyota Super Long Coolant" in the radiator and the inverter. That does not include any "additive" of any sort.

I feel for the op, but if you don't follow the manufacturers recommendation concerning types of fluid use you then run the risk of the warranty being cancelled or withheld in your case.

As said above, if Toyota did this, then they should foot the bill. But if someone else did it, it then falls under the owner's responsibility.

There are members on this board that do use different fluids in their Prius, but they do it at their own risk.

Honestly, it would not surprise me if you have air in your system which is causing the problem and setting the code. Before I gave up on this, I would do some investigation under the hood. The dealer can say whatever they want, but it does not hurt to get a second opinion and check things for yourself. I would begin by checking the fluid levels and go from there.

Ron (dorunron)

 

you can get a used inverter installed for cheap money, it's not a big deal these days.

 

i would be curious to know if your companies policy is to put an additive in everyone's coolant.

 

Sure, and charge extra for that to make more bucks. Sometimes, it backfires. One more reason to DIY.

 

Your workplace owes you a new inverter.

 

It there any chance this code could come up from a air pocket that needs to be purged?

 

Here is the definition of the code that is being referred to. I would say "YES", a air pocket could cause the DTC to register and the light to ignite.

P0A01-726 Motor Electronics Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Range / Performance - Inverter cooling system - Cooling fan system - Power management control ECU - Inverter with converter assembly - Water pump with motor assembly - Wire harness or connector - IGCT No. 3 fuse Comes on

As shown above, it could be a number of things, but when you consider the OP had the inverter serviced, it makes sense that a air pocket might be present if it was not drained and refilled properly. Gen III is more forgiving than Gen II, but it still would not surprise me that a air pocket would set the code.

Ron (dorunron)

Source:

1. priuschat.com/attachments/2010-prius-dtc-codes-pdf.33416/

 

It is also possible that the OP may simply have a bad inverter pump. Without a proper diagnosis, it really is best guess IMO.

Ron

 

Sounds like a potential lawsuit against the guy who put in the additive, which Toyota blames as the cause of the failure.

I'm assuming someone has already thought of flushing out the coolant, resetting the code, and giving it another try?

 

I find it hard to believe the additive that is showing no signs of jelling in the reservoir and is used in a engine heater core environment would cause this problem. A foil or plastic seal from said additive or antifreeze bottle is more believable.

A back flush at this point would be well worth a try and if that didn't help I would try using a Airlift II to purge the system , its $80 on Amazon.

Link to Airlift II on Amazon:

 

Does the OP work at a Toyota dealer or just a regular car dealer? Why was an additive used in the first place? It's best to get a 2nd opinion. Could the car have been damaged when you bought it? It seems fairly new to you.

 

o/p, did you get the inverter recall?

 

+1 on the inverter recall. There was a recall earlier this year on the Gen III Prius. I remember it plainly because the new one I have now had to be done before I picked it up.

Getting back to the op's original post, I do understand everything that has been said so far. This may be far reaching, however has anyone checked to make sure the thermostat is functioning properly. The code you published relates to temperature variables being out of tolerance for normal operation. It can be caused by more than one part of the system. It is obvious that the Prius is NOT a simple machine, but rather a very complex machine with many systems that interact with one another along with computers driving and controlling said systems.

Before I spent money on a used inverter, I would take the time to continue to check the little things. These things even being small can create problems. Without a proper diagnosis, you will never determine the exact problem.

My best advice would be to seek out a different technician to inspect the Prius properly. It is obvious that the dealer you are using is not up to speed on the Prius. This is not unheard of on this board. I myself work with two different dealers (stealers) here in Houston to keep our beloved Prius on the road. When one struggles, I turn to another. Maybe the OP should try this rather than spending more time and money trying to solve a problem that may be very simple.

A great example of this would be something that I am dealing with right now on our current Prius. There is a noise coming from the front end. It occurs when you go over the reflectors on the roadways. I have found more than one of the Gen III Pri that make the same noise as ours. It seems that it stems from the wheels on the car. I say that because the stock 15" wheels on the new Pri that are on the lot's today don't exhibit this noise when driving them. But Pri equipped with the wheels that are on our Prius do exhibit this symptom. With all that said, it boils down to slowly and methodically troubleshooting said problems until a solution is found.

In the op's case, the car worked normally for a long time. Since the drain and refill a DTC code is now present in the system. It is possible that the code is related to the work that was done. It is also possible that a part in one of the many systems has failed which has NOT been properly diagnosed or found at this time.

Bottom line: Do some more investigation into the problem and try a different technician. Sometimes a different set of eyes and minds can solve the problem that stumps many. I have found this to be true more than once. I say that because when one dealer (stealer) can't solve my problem, the other one does.

Don't give up. Your Prius can be fixed properly. But until the Prius is properly diagnosed, everyone is still guessing.

Best of luck to you.

Ron (dorunron)

 

Not accusing anyone of shoddy diagnostic techniques, but it's extremely easy to replace components until things start working and then blame the problem on all the components that were replaced. There's not much financial incentive for the dealer to do otherwise. It's sometimes left to a basic sense of good-will, which isn't always in good supply.

 

PartsNinja,
Thanks for giving the PC community the heads-up on this. Good luck with yours.

 

Thank you for taking the time to document the whole problem, right down to the fantastic end.
Should be good for another 100K or 2.