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Inverter Coolant Pump Leak

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Adamf, May 14, 2008.

  1. Adamf

    Adamf New Member

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    I noticed a small amount of red coolant under the car. I brought it to Toyota to pressure test the system and they said the inverter coolant pump and hose have a slight leak. They wanted 800 to fix it, so I just purchased the parts and was wondering if anyone has a diagram from a service manual they could post up for me.

    Thanks
     
    #1 Adamf, May 14, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Adam,

    I suggest that you invest $10 at techinfo.toyota.com to download the relevant repair manual pages. The inverter coolant procedure is complex because you have to ensure that all air is out of the system before you return the Prius to service. Hence you need more than just an exploded parts diagram.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, May 14, 2008
  3. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    800 sounds like a lot on the labor, but it probably involves
    removing the inverter to get at the stuff underneath it and
    you might get some useful hints from my page that describes how
    to start the process. Except you'll have to continue and drain
    the coolant and pull the thing completely. Take pictures!
    .
    The bleed process involves a lot of powering-up and powering-
    down, which should likely be done only to IG-ON because you
    don't need to be starting the engine just to make the coolant
    pump go and stop. In fact if you get creative with worming
    your hand in there the right way you might be able to power
    cycle the pump by itself using its connector while listening
    for coolant gurgle and opening the bleed port.
    .
    Hopefully it's some reassurance that this IS within reach of
    the home mechanic, even if it's car parts that many professionals
    have never even heard of. Still to this day. Which is sad.
    .
    _H*
     
    #3 hobbit, May 14, 2008
  4. Adamf

    Adamf New Member

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    I found the coolant pump from looking at a diagram from techinfo. It is behind the light on top of inner fenderwell on drivers side. It is in front of the fuse box. It's in a tight spot but doesn't look too difficult to get out.

    Does anyone have any detailed instructions on the coolant air-bleeding process?
     
    #4 Adamf, May 14, 2008
  5. philmcneal

    philmcneal Taxi!

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    hm if the engine coolant and inverter coolant doesn't requir ethe stupid panasonic toughbook toyota tech software than I 'm game! I just need instructions, i got all the tools!

    So far its just the brake fluid drain and fill that needs to be done at the stealership.
     
    #5 philmcneal, May 15, 2008
  6. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

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    #6 Mr.Vanvandenburg, May 15, 2008
  7. Adamf

    Adamf New Member

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    It looks like there is a pinhole in the hose, however they say the pump is leaking too.

    Manhattan beach toyota is a rip off. they wanted $860 to do the repair. I brought it to Marina Del Rey, they wanted $460. At least Marina Del Rey was honest and didn't charge me $90 just to look at it. I bought the parts for $135. I'm going to do it myself.

    Although it looks like just the hose, might as well change the pump while im there, just in case.
     
    #7 Adamf, May 15, 2008
  8. Adamf

    Adamf New Member

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    Just finished the repair. Only a tiny hole in the hose. Dealership was taking me for a ride.

    Easy fix. Easy to bleed. Talked to mechanic. He said to open the bleeder valve while you fill. Attach a hose to it so you don't make a mess. Fill with coolant until full. You will see the bubbles come out the bleeder into the hose. Tighten up the bleeder when the res. is full. Turn the system on and make sure there is flow. if not..open the bleeder and cycle the system a couple times.

    Done.
     
    #8 Adamf, May 15, 2008
  9. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Adam,


    That's great. A few questions:
    • I take it that you did not replace the inverter coolant pump then?
    • How many miles on the odometer?
    • Did you fully drain the system by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the transaxle, or did you just drain the system to the extent that coolant was released when you removed the failed hose?
    • Did you use Toyota Super Long Life coolant for the refill?
     
    #9 Patrick Wong, May 15, 2008
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