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Fender bender - what is this part exposed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Bluesman78, Jul 13, 2018.

  1. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Someone hit my car on the street and this piece of equipment circled is exposed. It looks intact, but i wanted to double check if there were any red flags I should be aware of when the body shop starts working on it. Thank you!
     

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    #1 Bluesman78, Jul 13, 2018
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  2. DMC-5180

    DMC-5180 Active Member

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    The coolant thermal storage tank aka the thermos.


    iPhone X ?
     
    #2 DMC-5180, Jul 13, 2018
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    bummer!
    did it start up without any trouble lights? are you in southie? my daughters accord got whacked while parked there, back in the day.:cool:
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 13, 2018
  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    That’s the thermos;).

    Is there a leak underneath it?

    Check the engine coolant as that would be the affected system from the accident.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, Jul 13, 2018
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  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    [​IMG]

    The tank you see is illustrated in red in this diagram.
     
    #5 JimboPalmer, Jul 13, 2018
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  6. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Thanks! No warning lights. No leaks. iPhone 6s. Somerville

    It drove fine once I cleared a little stuff from the wheel well.

    How does one check the coolant level? I just had it flushed and drained (both loops) a few months ago.

    This loop appears to be the engine coolant rather than inverter coolant?
     
    #6 Bluesman78, Jul 14, 2018
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Yes, engine coolant.
     
    #7 JimboPalmer, Jul 14, 2018
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Open the cap for the radiator and see the level;).

    If the coolant isn’t filled to the cap, top it up and continue to monitor (y).
     
    #8 Raytheeagle, Jul 14, 2018
  9. Wanda R.

    Wanda R. Junior Member

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    I just had one replaced on mine due to a accident I had. I have a 2009.. cost to replace..$1300 for the part.. thank God for insurance!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 Wanda R., Jul 15, 2018
  10. Wanda R.

    Wanda R. Junior Member

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    I had the same no leaks or dash icons & was able to drive 90 miles to my destination.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 Wanda R., Jul 15, 2018
  11. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    My coolant level was fine. How did you know you needed it replaced if you drove 90 miles? I only took mine to a body shop and have dirven around 500 miles since the incident.
     
    #11 Bluesman78, Aug 2, 2018
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ugh, everything is so expensive. @Bluesman78 depending on your insurance circumstances, maybe you should search for salvage?

    The function of that bottle is to store hot coolant, reduce cold start ups. So maybe everything's functional except the bottle, and you're getting more cold-starts?
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Aug 2, 2018
  13. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    Fortunately, our Gen 2 has never had any damage to that component, but if it did and I was forced to pay for it out of my own pocket, I might be tempted to leave it be, so long is it was not leaking. It is my impression that the "thermos" is not a component that is all that necessary for the car to function properly, although it may turn on a CEL and have a minor impact on MPG. Am I wrong?
     
    #13 davecook89t, Aug 2, 2018
  14. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    I think it's fine. I've been driving around 800 miles since the incident! Car looks brand new with a fresh coating of clear coat!
     
    #14 Bluesman78, Aug 6, 2018
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  15. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    If I remember the thermos does have an electrical plug going to it so it is monitored by the car computer I am sure.

    Did they continue with the thermos on the Gen3? I don't think the Gen 4 has one.
     
    #15 padroo, Aug 6, 2018
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    No thermos on gen 3. I believe heating the coolant with exhaust gasses was considered the substitute (contraption just aft of the catalytic converter) and that continues into fourth gen I'd speculate.
     

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    #16 Mendel Leisk, Aug 6, 2018
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  17. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I forgot about that, thanks Mendel
     
    #17 padroo, Aug 6, 2018
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