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

bisco · Dec 4, 2014

interesting that you weren't part of the recall, when that the part they recalled iirc. i wonder why it's a sub assembly now?

PartsNinja · Dec 4, 2014

There were certain codes (mine wasn't one) that could pop up indicating a problem in the IPM. To keep us from having to replace the entire inverter, Toyota made it available in component parts through the bulletin. Basically a warranty extension to 150k if and only if you get one of those codes. The dealer has to report it along with flash data and Toyota authorizes the warranty extension.

BTW Smart cookies at techline. It's fixed!

JC91006 · Dec 4, 2014

This is just weird. A Toyota dealer puts an additive to a coolant service that can ruin the inverters without telling the customer. Then to find out there has been other people the same problem with the added additive. Then the customer has to do the leg work in getting it repaired. Paying to get problems, how messed up is that! Man I would be really pissed off.

edthefox5 · Dec 5, 2014

I'm really confused on this whole thread. Was the car initially repaired at the dealer? And the tech at the dealer used some additive or something besides SLLC? Op says the dealer saw it in the records that an additive was used. And the op works at this dealership too? Wth?

Well, why is the Op sweating all this? The dealer tech goofed it all up. Its all on them. What am I missing here?

Btw, isn't replacement of the Inverter IPM circuit part of the TSB Service Campaign to fix the failing output transistors?

Philliplewis590 · May 1, 2018

PartsNinja said: ↑

I joined this board because I saw a community that looks out for each other and shares knowledge. That is what I am here to do. I don't have an axe to grind and I am not out to hurt anyone's feelings. But I want to do my part with a warning for my fellow owners. Here are just the facts as they are with no names.

I have a little over a hundred thousand miles on my 2010 Prius. I love the car and want to keep it going with regular maintenance. I know that the plugs and coolant are rated for around the mileage I have now (100k for the coolant, 120k for the plugs). So I brought it in to get a coolant drain and fill for both systems and the plugs changed. About two weeks went by and then I got a check engine light. The code they pulled was a P0A01 which is a code for the inverter cooling. The explanation provided to me by the tech is that if there is a temperature difference inside the inverter (indicating a blockage in the coolant passages) that it sets this code. When this happens, it is un-serviceable and the entire inverter must be replaced. I had Toyota contacted to see if they would grant me some kind of good will warranty being that I am barely 5k miles out of warranty for the inverter. They were ready and willing. But then after looking at my service records, they noticed that a "coolant additive" had been put in during the coolant service. They mentioned that they had seen several of these in the past few months or so where a code was set after an additive was mixed with coolant. They had to decline the goodwill warranty. So basically I am between the dealer (who I happen to work for which only makes it harder) and the chemical company who made the "additive" that was added to the coolant.

So my warning is this. IF you have anyone (Toyota dealer or not) service the inverter, DO NOT let them put any kind of additive or chemical in the coolant. This will void your warranty and blow any chance of good will from Toyota that you might have. I don't care what song and dance they give you to sell it (and they will trust me). You want Toyota coolant ONLY put back in your inverter. I hope this comes out well for me. But more than likely I will be buying an inverter because of this. And even at Toyota employee price, it is very high.
Click to expand...

PartsNinja said: ↑

I joined this board because I saw a community that looks out for each other and shares knowledge. That is what I am here to do. I don't have an axe to grind and I am not out to hurt anyone's feelings. But I want to do my part with a warning for my fellow owners. Here are just the facts as they are with no names.

I have a little over a hundred thousand miles on my 2010 Prius. I love the car and want to keep it going with regular maintenance. I know that the plugs and coolant are rated for around the mileage I have now (100k for the coolant, 120k for the plugs). So I brought it in to get a coolant drain and fill for both systems and the plugs changed. About two weeks went by and then I got a check engine light. The code they pulled was a P0A01 which is a code for the inverter cooling. The explanation provided to me by the tech is that if there is a temperature difference inside the inverter (indicating a blockage in the coolant passages) that it sets this code. When this happens, it is un-serviceable and the entire inverter must be replaced. I had Toyota contacted to see if they would grant me some kind of good will warranty being that I am barely 5k miles out of warranty for the inverter. They were ready and willing. But then after looking at my service records, they noticed that a "coolant additive" had been put in during the coolant service. They mentioned that they had seen several of these in the past few months or so where a code was set after an additive was mixed with coolant. They had to decline the goodwill warranty. So basically I am between the dealer (who I happen to work for which only makes it harder) and the chemical company who made the "additive" that was added to the coolant.

So my warning is this. IF you have anyone (Toyota dealer or not) service the inverter, DO NOT let them put any kind of additive or chemical in the coolant. This will void your warranty and blow any chance of good will from Toyota that you might have. I don't care what song and dance they give you to sell it (and they will trust me). You want Toyota coolant ONLY put back in your inverter. I hope this comes out well for me. But more than likely I will be buying an inverter because of this. And even at Toyota employee price, it is very high.
Click to expand...

I have a squeaking noise when I accelerate. Does this have to do with the inverter? Does it need to be replaced or flushed?

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

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

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