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Troubleshooting Prius Hybrid System problems

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Brandon316, Feb 4, 2019.

  1. Brandon316

    Brandon316 New Member

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    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Alright so here is the timeline, any help would be greatly appreciated.


    While driving Triangle and warning telling me to pull over and check Hybrid System comes up. Car would hardly accelerate so pulled over and restarted. Ran fine but check engine light was still on.

    Error codes detected:
    • P261B Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Range / Performance
    • P148F Engine Coolant Pump Over Revolution
    • P0A0F Engine Failed To Start
    • P3000 Battery Control System


    Checked for recalls. Software recall needed and Toyotas website states if inverter has problems they will replace it as well.



    Take it to Toyota and they do the software recall. They tell me after checking codes I need my water pump replaced for $1080. I check the paperwork and there is nothing showing that they even checked the inverter. They said my battery tested fine verbally but even that was not listed amongst tests ran in paperwork.



    Toyota cleared the codes. Now after software recall the same errors pop up but I lose gas pedal completely and after restart I am still dead in the water. I thought this is what the recall was suppose to fix and not make worse. Luckily I had scanner on me and cleared the codes so I could get off the side of the highway. Ran fine after clearing.



    Water pump arrives from AutoZone and install it myself. I manually check the old water pump using a multimeter at the relay and it still runs when plugged in. I go ahead and leave the new one installed.



    I check water pump fuse/relay. Fuse is fine and relay tests good.
    I check inverter pump fuse/relay and both are fine as well.



    I check coolant reservoir and there is no turbulence. I read in Gen 3’s this is normal though.
    I check inverter reservoir and see only a small amount of movement.



    Does this sound like an inverter problem? Power for both of these comes from 12 volt battery I’m guessing so maybe inverter pump is bad which is causing overheating of the inverter but I’m not sure. I would of thought a code for the inverter pump would have popped up if thats the issue.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    From the dealer, you have to replace the water pump. Was that done?

    You should check for new codes after the pump is replaced
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 4, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
  3. Lino

    Lino Member

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    This does not sound like an inverter problem to me, are you still having the same issues after replacing the water pump?
     
  4. Brandon316

    Brandon316 New Member

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    I replaced it myself. Pretty simple switch so I couldn't justify dropping over $1000 on it.
     
  5. Brandon316

    Brandon316 New Member

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    Don't know yet but seeing as how the old one is still working I don't think I solved the problem.
     
  6. Lino

    Lino Member

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    Well one of your codes was over rev, so the old one can work but still have a problem, the only reason a pump would over rev is if there is no coolant or the impeller has spun on shaft.
     
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Which water pump did you replace?
     
  8. Brandon316

    Brandon316 New Member

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    The water pump not the inverter pump.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Just confused as you are talking more about the inverter system than anything else(n).

    Over $1000 for the engine water pump sounds very high in cost;).

    Some questions:
    • Did the car overheat?
    • Since the pump has been replaced, how is it performing?
    • How many miles on your Prius?
    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    RMB likes this.
  10. Q*bertZ

    Q*bertZ Member

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    Dude, did replacing the water pump fix the problem?