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Opinion about EFI fuse blowing, repair at the dealership and cost

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Brasa, Sep 27, 2022.

  1. Brasa

    Brasa Junior Member

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    My prius won't start with the EFI fuse blowing at all times. I went through some posts on this forum and after reading a couple them I thought I had some suspicions with one being the o2 sensor downstream. Since I am not having time these days to try to fix it myself, I took to a shop nearby where they replaced the fuse and reset the computer so making the car drive for a few days until it stopped again on the road. I now took to a Toyota dealership that gave me the diagnostic in a couple hours: Inverter pump needs to be replaced. And they are charging me $750. I now have my doubts about the diagnostic since all the posts I've seen here never talk about EFI fuse connected with inverter pump. I don't even need to mention the cost of it. Right now, I am suspicious about it being a total rip off like it is not even the real issue and even if it is the issue I feel like they are overcharging me by a lot. I am willing to pay a reasonable amount that in my view is something between 400 to 500 for a dealership. Do you guys have any thoughts about it? Is it really possible to Inverter Pump cause EFI fuse to blow? Is the cost justifiable?
     
    #1 Brasa, Sep 27, 2022
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    #2 ChapmanF, Sep 27, 2022
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Gen2 I verters are the good ones usually . I've 2 or 3 sitting here . Looks like I will never use them. Usually get them free. Or with parts cars with blown engines. So don't pay real money for. 9ntermittent efi fuel pump comes to mind .
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Sep 28, 2022
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Do you have any warning lights displayed or the dash or OBD2 codes worth posting here?
    If you paid for 2 hours of diagnostics, they should offer the OBD2 code(s) aka DTCs on the returned work order or receipt. Example : P0A93

    750 is a quite high for an easy job like that, and if the replaced ICP doesn't fix the problem will they refund the labor cost?

    Inverter coolant pumps don't last forever, when was it last replaced?

    What does your copy of techstream have to say?

    Your profile says California (a big state), which part are you nearest?
     
    #4 SFO, Sep 28, 2022
  5. Brasa

    Brasa Junior Member

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    That is what the dealership said. The diagram shows something like Coolant Heat Storage pump with the EFI. Anyway, I was told inverter pump so I guess I will need to confront them.
     
    #5 Brasa, Sep 28, 2022
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I bet there's more hung off the EFI fuse than just the CHS pump. Need to look for all the places that fuse is shown in the wiring diagram.
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Sep 28, 2022
  7. Brasa

    Brasa Junior Member

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    I had checked the code before and it was U0100. All lights on including red triangle with the fuel gauge blinking full tank. They provided me the diagnostic by the phone, and they said it was 3 hour labor. I got a refund from the other shop that did not fix, so I assume they do have to refund. I, honestly, did not use techstream this time as it was not loading. And I am in LA area.
     
    #7 Brasa, Sep 28, 2022
  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    When the EFI fuse pops, it turns off the ECM - no ECM talking equals U0100 code. So the code doesn't really help.

    Somewhere on the car a circuit is intermittently drawing more current than the fuse is rated for.

    Problem is that circuit goes everywhere. A/F and O2 sensor heaters, MAF, all the evap emissions solenoids and leak detection pump, circuit opening relay and fuel pump, ECM, etc.

    I would perform a thorough visual inspection of engine wire harness everywhere I reach (esp stuff like the O2 sensor). If that doesn't show anything, there is a junction connector in the diagram- I would get a bunch of inline fuse holders and wire them into that connector with 10A fuses. If the short is on one of those wires it should pop the 10A branch fuse, not the EFI.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 mr_guy_mann, Sep 28, 2022
  9. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Unlikely that they will, but confirm such before handing over 750, unless that is in the cards.
    Best to get it fired up and see what is what (or pay for 3 hrs and get the receipt), unless you can afford dealer rates going forward.
    Might've missed this.
     
    #9 SFO, Sep 28, 2022
  10. Brasa

    Brasa Junior Member

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    I bought the car used and so far I never replaced the inverter pump. The car is already being repaired. I was able to negotiate for a discount, and I made it clear that I need the receipt plus the broken part set aside so I can maybe examine it later.
     
    #10 Brasa, Sep 29, 2022
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