Dreaded P0A80 Code - Car Running / Charging Good.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026.

  1. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Mixing coolant is not good. You run the risk of it jelling up, and not flowing.
    But it's done.
    If you fill it slowly, and a little at a time, you won't have to worry about air pockets because the coolant
    will push it out.
    If the coolant temperature is within specs, while driving, it's likely working correctly.




     
    PriuSocal likes this.
  2. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    Yes, I agree. It was def mixed with orange coolant or water at some point. Here is a photo of how it looked like: image.jpeg

    About a Gallon came out and about a gallon and a bit more went in. I was glad there wasnt any foreign looking sediment or jelling as you say which can also indicate head gasket “fix” additives to the system. It is nice and pink now and temp hovering within spec, so glad it was done on time. As for he flow/current in the reservoirs, is there suppose to be one in the coolant or inverter reservoirs like on the Gen 2? I didnt see any flow on mine, just steady coolant. And, as mentioned live data showed the water pump at normal operating speeds.
     
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Yes there is a good flow entering from the top reservoir hose once the thermostat opens. Flow before the thermostat opens uses the thermostat bypass inlet. Even after the thermostat opens a majority of the flow returns via the big radiator hose.

    Regardless there is a decent flow through the reservoir after the thermostat opens.

    Due to the somewhat opaque plastic of the reservoir, I place a small led flashlight directly on the top of the reservoir to light up the inside, making the flow clearer.

    A portion of the gen3 coolant flows (edited from a slightly different gen4 diagram)
    IMG_0451.jpeg
     
    #43 rjparker, Feb 6, 2026 at 2:19 PM
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2026 at 3:11 PM
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    nasty!

    How fast if flows is hot it is and how much it need to cool.
    It circulates mostly to the radiator, so you won't see a lot of movement in the coolant tank.
    You might as well change the inverter coolant. It's the same coolant. Quicker and easier to change.