2003 Prius stops while on freeway, Help!

Sorry about the problems. Unfortunately our standard reply is 'find out the diagnostic trouble codes'.

It would be speculation for me to suggest that the electric motor that pumps the inverter coolant is at fault. Yet a few have failed, and one response has been to suggest replacing the entire inverter assembly, or more. Please ty to get more details.

Also when the vehicle is in 'Ready' and secured against movement, open the hood and look at the inverter coolant reservoir. The red (or pink) fluid inside should be visibly circulating, with the liquid level at least 1/2 inch higher in the section towards the front of the car. If you do not see that, please report about that also.

Good luck.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Elaine @ Sep 10 2007, 09:46 AM) [snapback]510067[/snapback]</div>

If the water pump went bad and the inverter overheated, wouldn't a warning light come on before there were any damage?? Seems like the Prius has warnings for every conceivable thing, including ones that probably aren't too important.

 

you've got a case here- since it was taken to the dealer for the same problem twice and not properly diagnosed by said dealership. i presume at least one of the previous times it was taken to the dealer the car had 100k or fewer miles on it?

 

Elaine you are going to have to assemble your paperwork from the previous three visits. If any is lacking contact those shops directly and ask them to provide copies from their records. This they should be able to do, knowing oyur VIN.

In a perfect world you would get that info, regardless of how the request is made. The most cynical would suppose that Toyota shops will 'circle the wagons' if they know that trouble is afoot. Without taking a position on that question, you might neglect to mantion your motivation for wanting those records. It would seem to be an innocent and appropriate enough request.

The Toyota Customer Experience telephone 1-800-331-4331 is where all such major matters ought to be presented. Get a case number, give them all the info (eg discussed above) and keep records of those conversations. If there is a decision made in your favor, the TCE will be a participant.

abq_sfr, your expectation makes sense to me. One would suppose that the vehicle would enter some safe ( r ) operating mode, but we cannot know about this case, from such a distance. Similarly, whether in this case the 3125 means a notable overheat or a damaging overheat?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Elaine @ Sep 9 2007, 06:30 PM) [snapback]509793[/snapback]</div>

Two questions:
If "all the warning lights come on," whyever would you drive the car any further? You say you continued for an HOUR?

You say it's a 2003, yet your profile says 2001.

I'm really not sure why you would continue to drive a car that repeatedly does this.

 

Seems too obvious, but what about the 12v battery again? The first went 47K, now another 60K is on it. This isn't a starting battery BTW. I have a ot of trouble with dealers wanting to replace large parts as an easy fix. It isn't their money being spent. Maybe their claim is correct, but I would be cautious before spending that kind of $$$.

 

Also you may want to check your CA emission controls warranty. On the 2007, probably the 2004+ as well, the inverter/converter is covered for 15yrs/150K miles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr.Vanvandenburg @ Sep 11 2007, 02:24 PM) [snapback]510701[/snapback]</div>

Unfortunately, the vehicle appears to be a 2001 or 2003, not a Gen II. The 2001-2003 hybrid component warranty is 8 years or 100K miles, whichever comes first. Both California and Federal emissions warranties are shorter. Sorry.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr.Vanvandenburg @ Sep 11 2007, 02:24 PM) [snapback]510701[/snapback]</div>

Unfortunately, the vehicle appears to be a 2001 or 2003, not a Gen II. The 2001-2003 hybrid component warranty is 8 years or 100K miles, whichever comes first. Both California and Federal emissions warranties are shorter. Sorry.