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Driving uphill Overheating issues

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Virgil Orly Dela Pena, Aug 11, 2024 at 6:35 PM.

  1. Virgil Orly Dela Pena

    Joined:
    Thursday
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    Location:
    Las Vegas Nevada USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I live in Vegas where temperatures often exceed 100°F. My 2012 Toyota Prius tends to overheat when driving uphill. The overheating light turns on, and my scanner shows the temperature rising to 220°F. I have the AC running and am driving at around 75 mph during this test.

    I replaced the water pump and cleaned the entire EGR and air intake system. This helped somewhat, but the temperature still reaches 214°F, and the overheating light continues to activate.

    Are there any aftermarket modifications I could consider? For example, an engine oil cooler, an all-aluminum and wider radiator, or adding a secondary radiator (such as a large transmission cooler)?
     
  2. Virgil Orly Dela Pena

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Las Vegas Nevada USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    This is what I think. The upper radiator hose is positioned in the middle of the radiator, which can be a design flaw. In this setup, the area where coolant flows quickly through the radiator is smaller compared to a traditional radiator where the upper hose is located at the top. In a traditional design, coolant enters the radiator from the top, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the entire surface, which improves cooling efficiency. However, with the hose in the middle, the flow may be less efficient, leading to potential cooling issues.
     

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  3. Virgil Orly Dela Pena

    Joined:
    Thursday
    4
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    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas Nevada USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    It doesn't even matter what I replace, even if this car was brand new. It would still overheat because it has a design flaw that causes inefficient cooling.
     
  4. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    1,957
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    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Search "custom radiator project"

    You will see what I am doing.

    Funny you are a new member here and bringing this up.
     
    Virgil Orly Dela Pena likes this.