Transmission overheating with code P

Hi folks,

I have a very high mileage prius 2004. The transmission seem to be overheating and I think I do not have enough coolant, or a coolant leak? The mechanic said I needed a new transmission. Is this true? Will coolant fix this problem? The car started doing this when I was idling with the ac

The code is P0A43 in case you missed it. Check engine and red triangle come on, or vsc when the car doesn't work. All lights we're gone when I left mechanics today, and they came back on after I turned the car off and back on at the gas station. The pump worked fine, he said. Does the transmission need replaced?

I just looked at the coolant, it is below the low mark, from what I can tell. Will filling the coolant to the full mark fix the issue? Does this code mean correcting the fluid will or won't help?

I turned the car on again after it had been sitting off. I definitely suspect the coolant. I am going to grab coolant in thenmorning. When shining a light on the inverter coolant tank, you can't see any liquid above the thick part. Either the fluid drains and the mechanic didn't notice, he is blind, he's "shiesting" me, or he's right an I should suck it up. But I will find out tomorrow and have you all updated in less than 12 hours.

 

Thank you for your response Patrick. The mechanic tested the pump, it worked fine. I went to toyota and thy said same as you, the DTC is not a valid one. P0A93 would be a coolant level/inverter pump issue, so perhaps that is all the issue has been. I used a manual suction and SLLA/C, so I'm caving in next time the warning lights appear and having toyota do an inspection. I will let you know what codes pop up, I know it is not advisable but I am going to drive 80 miles if the warnin lights do not appear after a 20 mile drive and the car has been restart.

I think you are right to ask why I think the transaxle is overheating, seeing those fluids at or below the low mark, after I saw the mechanic add just a tiny bit, has me very suspicious. He never mentioned coolant, not once, just decided to add some, which is appreciated, except he did not add enough! He showed me the 7 transaxles they have, so now I believe I have been scammed OR have encountered human error OR there is a leak OR there a short circuit somewhere causing excessive overheating. I really hope these raised coolant levels help. Like I said I'm going to monitor the level of the coolant for the next few days very closely! Thank you for your and anyone else's help!