Prius shutdown, won't power on

Wow Rob, Sorry to hear that. I have never heard of that happening but, I know you have as much knowledge as any of us here. That is the craziest thing. The only thing I can even think of is a blown fuse (probably the one for the dome light (which also powers one of the ECU's)).

Edit: I just saw where you said interior lights work fine. I would still suspect a fuse.

 

do you have exterior lights? horn? brake lights? door locks?

sounds like anything powered when the car is off, and powered by the 12v battery, works.
i would say it's not the traction battery fuse. but there should be several large fuses underhood in the box. you should check them all, but without a test light, just look at the big ones for now

 

My guess: a failed inverter coolant pump which has shorted out, causing the burning smell and blowing a fuse.

 

Could be, but wouldn't cause the ignition to completely die and not power on even in accessory mode

 

Well, the inverter pump wouldn't cause that but, the blown fuse might. I just don't have the schematics w/ me right now to verify what else is on that circuit.

 

P3130 - Bad Inverter Water Pump

 

IF the inverter coolant pump motor failed as a short, that would blow the 15A AM2 fuse. If that fuse is open, then no power will reach the engine fuel injectors, the combination meter, the transmission control ECU, etc.

 

Good call Patrick.

 

i wonder if preventative pump replacement on my daughters 08 with 50,000 miles would be a good idea?

 

In the past I would have said yes, as I was the first advocate of that action several years ago prior to the LSC being implemented.

Now, it is unclear that a new inverter coolant pump is actually more reliable than what was originally installed. It may not make sense to do a preventive replacement especially if you have to pay Toyota dealer service dept prices.

I would suggest that you explain to your daughter the following:

1) what are the symptoms associated with a failed inverter coolant pump
2) how to inspect inverter coolant flow by looking at the coolant reservoir when the Prius is READY
3) what action to take if the pump on her car fails

Glad to hear your drama ended well.

 

Well, that's great news Rob. This is the first time I've heard these particular symptoms associated with an inverter coolant pump. I would like to summarize what you saw for myself and others in the future. Please correct anything that isn't right.

Symptoms:
1) powered off completely in middle of street (car seemed to remain in D or N???)
2) No warnings or lights on dash
3) Unable to shift to park
4) Won't power on to acc mode even
5) Interior lights work fine
6) Slight burning smell in right side of engine compartment

Does that about sum it up?

In the past I've heard people say they can pull over for about 20-30 min and the car will start up again and appear normal until the inverter overheats again (not something you want to do).