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100 amp fuse blown+inverter pump

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by rc_Rs_ss, Nov 5, 2014.

  1. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    I have a 2006 toyota prius that blew its 100 amp fuse near the jump point and died on the side of the road yesterday. I assumed that the inverter pump was bad so I replaced that when I got it home.. I used an alligator clip to reattach the fuse to see if things would work properly. The clip burned off the part of the fuse I was touching it to but It ran fine. I know for a fact if I replace fuse it will burn right away again What is the next thing to look at? Where does that big wire go to that is causing it to blow?
     
    #1 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 5, 2014
  2. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    and no, I have never reverse polarity jumped my prius. I have owned it long enough to have jumped it a thousand times. Also it might be helpful to know I used the same technique to restart my prius with the alligator clip so I could drive it the last half mile home. (It did run without the fuse) but only for a half mile.
     
    #2 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 5, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2014
  3. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Have you had Toyota do the inverter pump recall yet? What you are experiencing is what the recall was all about. They will fix it for you, but probably you should put that shorted pump back in. They will even cover the cost of towing.
     
    #3 nh7o, Nov 5, 2014
  4. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    We just got the pump replaced for my wifes prius but they said mine does not get the recall. I did not ask if it the recall was already done. the car has over 250,000 miles
     
    #4 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 5, 2014
  5. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    How are you sure that fuse burns? There are probably capacitors directly connected to 12V output of converter so sparks when connecting that wire to converter are normal if you connect it with 12V connected.

    One side of 100 fuse is connected (thought 120A fuse) to 12V battery. Another side is connected to converter, T-LP relay coil, and to 40A fuse.

    So if 100A fuse burns it can really only be T-LP relay, converter, or wiring. If the fuse burns without car being powered on then test to see if pulling T-LP relay will stop it (unlikely). Then test to see if disconnecting wire from converter stops it. Insulate the wire it has 12V.

    I think the 12V wire is single wire connector at drives side back of the inverter converter unit. But it shouldn’t be that hard to spot since its only thicker wire that is NOT orange.
     
    #5 valde3, Nov 6, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2014
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  6. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    I will try your suggestions tonight. I am sure because my alligator clip got hot enough to burn me. Almost red hot. I guess I could wire in a temporary 100 amp fuse to test it but it steamed water.
     
    #6 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 6, 2014
  7. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    This is what I mean by hot. It turned my pick blue. Where exactly is the t-lp relay? The pick only got hot when I started it.
     

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    #7 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 6, 2014
  8. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Yes it shouldn’t really be that hot unless maybe your 12V battery has shorted cell or two. Measure 12V battery voltage. If it’s ok then it’s likely that your inverter is bad luckily used ones aren’t expensive.

    It can’t really be the relay if it only gets hot when you turn car on. Also it’s unlikely that it wiring either.

    Did it get hot only in ready? Cause in ign-on almost everything else is on but inverter converter.
     
    #8 valde3, Nov 6, 2014
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  9. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    Thank you! I picked up an inverter from a salvage yard for 99 bucks. The car is up and running again! I will try to post some photos of what I did soon.
     
    #9 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 9, 2014
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  10. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Wow, a whole inverter for $99. It would seem that there is not much demand for those.
     
    #10 nh7o, Nov 9, 2014
  11. rc_Rs_ss

    rc_Rs_ss Escaped from Parking Trap

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    I buy all my parts from car-part.com. it gives you a list of all the salvage yards selling the part in your area or anywhere else. There were more expensive ones but this one had a 6 month warranty, so why not?
     
    #11 rc_Rs_ss, Nov 9, 2014
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