P0A2D, Technical opinion deeply appreciated

How do you know that the "electric motor was not spinning"? Do you have something to monitor MG1 and MG2 speeds? Please see Toyota Prius - Power Split Device (try out the simulator and mouse over the sections of the animation) and Graham's Toyota Prius for info about the power split device.

I don't have any technical advice for you but that's the risk you take when you buy a salvage vehicle. There's no warranty and who knows how good of a job the repair was or whether it suffered water damage?

Without knowing more about your vehicle, I wouldn't spend $6K on a salvage vehicle.

 

Yeah I'm pretty sure the OP just meant to say that it wasn't running in EV mode when it happened.

Hi Ilona, not that it makes any difference to your problem but at least one of the motor/generators is spinning whenever the car is moving.

We've heard stories like this before, from other users with salvaged Prius's that had poorly repaired wiring harnesses causing problems. I think that at least one of these was repaired at an independent Prius specialist for much less money than the dealers quoted. Hopefully someone else can chime in with some more information or recommendations of independent Prius specialists in your area.

 

As for technical answers to your questions none of the PC members could possibly answer these questions. It was your obligation to totally inspect or have it inspected before purchasing this salvage vehicle. High voltage is delivered to the area of your concern, and especially high amperage so the melting od a connector would not be unusual. This can occur at 5MPH, gliding or not. Your obligation when you got these warnings on the dash was to STOP driving immediately. You did not. Your basic problem is monetary, if I were you I would get rid of this elephant. Also, your next car, read the owners manual.

 

The connectors are replaceable. I replaced them on my Prius when I rebuilt it. They unscrew from the transaxle. By the way, I have the same problem when we have heavy rain, which happened here yesterday, third time in the last 6 months. I would not replace the cables. I would replace the connectors if they are broken, and replace the melted part in the transaxle. Also, you can check which connector has the sensor that is giving you the problem, that will tell you which connector needs to be fixed. The problem is probably a bad connection, and not the transaxle.

 

MG1 did not over heat. P0A2D indicates an open circuit in the temperature sense, i.e. connection was lost, something that is easily explained by a shoddy repair to an electrical connector. If something was actually overheating, you would have P0A2B. I expect that life inside the transaxle is normal, it is just the delicate sensor wiring outside that is messed up. We are not talking about HV/high current wiring here. Start with having the connector fixed. It might be simpler to look for a local shop that does auto electric.

 

Hi Ilona. In my previous post I mentioned recalling at least one other user with a salvage Prius having similar problems but at the time I couldn't locate any relevant posts.

Anyway here's one from someone who had what is possibly a similar problem to yours. This particular person ended up towing her Prius all the way from Colorado to Indiana to get the problem fixed (for about $1000 as compared to the $9000+ that the dealer quoted). I know this is not near-by for you either, but maybe the story will give you some hope.

See http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-technical-discussion/75575-i-robbed-3.html

Maybe someone will chime in soon with some recommended independent specialists a bit closer to you.

 

Ilona:
I am near the Tappan Zee bridge. I don't know any mechanic that I can recommend here. The only ones that I know are at least 1000 miles away from both of us. However, I have first hand knowledge of how to make these repairs. I would find someone that specializes in auto electrical system repairs. Have them repiar the broken connectors. I bought the connector parts from Saddleback Toyota in Phoenix. They were helpful in identifying the broken connectors. The only thing that you cannot by from Toyota is the replacement contacts for the connector. They do sell them as "pigtails" but they overcharge by 100X there value for that. I did find a source for the pins, and have many extras. I can provide them, if you need a few pieces. Usually, the old contacs can be reused, unless the contacts were crushed.

 

Ilona:
I would guess that the problem is an open connection on connector M10 either pin 1 or 4. This is on the front of the transaxle. This should be relatively easy to fix.

 

I apologize for being so strident in my remark, my tone was unnecessary. Please keep us informed. :cheer2:

 

Ilona:
You may have problems with the dealer. They will probably try to get you to change the harness, rather then repairing it. Don't fall for it. Good luck, and let us know how things turn out.

 

Where was the problem after all?