Inverter water pump failure, and now better fuel economy?

Mine failed at 40K and was replaced under warranty! I do have the extender warranty but the service manager specifically said it was covered under the hybrid warranty. Wonder if your dealer pulled a fast one on you? I really didn't notice an increase in mpg after the replacement but my A/C is always on in +110℉ heat in AZ. I has been over a year since it was replaced.

 

Thanks, good to know. Do keep us posted with the MPG.

Have you changed the 12V battery?

 

SWO3ES,

I'm glad that you got things squared away for better MPGs in warmish
weather -- lately I'd say temps have been more than warmish. A friend
has wondered aloud, "Who left the thermometer on "Hell?"

Is that a typo? This is not what I'd expect, unless:
* OAT was around -10 degF, and/or
* trips are only 4-5 miles long and the ICE/cat converter never get
warmed up.

Even at 30 degF, I usually see 45-50 MPGs on my 28 mi. daily round
trip commute.

I hope things get way better in the MPG department this winter.

If you have any say in the matter, have who ever is in charge cut way
back on the snowfall.

 

My idea is that the 12V battery was disconnected while your car was repaired. This gave the various ECUs a chance to power down and then power back up when power was restored and the car was started.

If you are relying upon indicated mpg per the MFD, that also should reset when the 12V power has turned off. After the power is restored, the mpg readings are tentative and will become more precise as time passes. So, see whether the improved mpg continues over the next couple of months.

Regarding the traction battery fan running at a higher speed than you've previously noticed, maybe the summer weather is hotter this season, or maybe the battery is starting to age so it has less capacity, which results in charging and discharging at a more rapid pace, which produces more heat.

 

well, it is pretty damn warm around these parts lately, isn't it? if there's anything we can do to help, we're just a short zip down 270 from you now.

 

thanks! in short, we're here for the opportunities that were not present in our former location

 

:cheer2:

Perhaps either you or hubby are going into politics where you can have an opportunity to convince everyone to drive a Prius.
In any case all the best in the new location.
Gary

 

why there is no recall or class action for the inverter pump?

 

Actually the 2G NA Prius has four coolant pumps:

1) mechanical engine coolant pump that is powered via the serpentine belt

2) electric engine coolant pump that circulates coolant when the engine is not running, for the sake of keeping cabin heating working. (BTW, I have not seen any posts here, about this pump having failed. However you do see people complaining about lack of cabin heat in the winter. My guess is that some of these complaints are attributable to a bad electric pump.)

3) electric coolant heat recovery system pump, this makes plenty of noise when you turn on and turn off the car so it is obvious when that pump is working

4) electric inverter coolant pump, and I agree it would be reasonable for that to be covered under the 8 year / 100K hybrid system warranty. Nevertheless, it is not.

 

Woah! I didn't realize about #2.

I've had #3 replaced under warranty (TSB, IIRC) because it was intermittent squealing on start up or shutdown.

 

Hi Pat, Are you saying in your 1st para, that it may be a good procedure to recycle the computers from time to time? My Prius is also getting 5mpg less than previously. ty andy

 

Hi Andy,

What had your mpg been last summer, and what is it now?

Actually I was saying that the indicated mpg calculation per the MFD is refined as time passes, after 12V power has been restored. I'm not saying that the true mpg is actually better.

Since you think that your mpg has worsened, have you checked the usual suspects such as tire inflation pressure, wheel alignment, parking brake drag, and engine oil level? Does the car need new iridium spark plugs, an engine air filter, and throttle body cleaning?

It doesn't hurt to remove 12V power, wait several minutes, then restore power. However I don't know that this would help your particular problem.