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heater box damage

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by suemand, Aug 2, 2010.

  1. suemand

    suemand New Member

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    My dealership says my "heater box" is damaged and needs to be replaced. My carpets are soaked. The insurance company says its not covered - I do have broken off parts. Anybody ever had this problem?
     
    #1 suemand, Aug 2, 2010
  2. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    Do you have any more details? Was this car in a accident?
     
    #2 jelloslug, Aug 2, 2010
  3. suemand

    suemand New Member

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    No accident - we thought the a/c drain was plugged, but the dealership said there was a hole in the heater box - had to be quite a hard blow to break the plastic. Don't know how it happened, but all the water from a/c drips right into the cabin - when I say the carpets are soaked, I mean really really soaked - squishy wet. I'm trying to dry it out - but if the ins won't pay, I can't do $3000 to replace the box - any suggestions?
     
    #3 suemand, Aug 4, 2010
  4. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    Can you see the hole? If so get some clay type two part epoxy (think Mighty Putty) and plug the hole.
     
    #4 jelloslug, Aug 4, 2010
  5. suemand

    suemand New Member

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    Thanks - I'll do that - this stuff is waterproof?
     
    #5 suemand, Aug 4, 2010
  6. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    $3000 sounds awfully high. Get a second opinion from another dealer. If the 2nd opinion is equally high perhaps it could be patched [uhh, kinda like jelloslug suggested], maybe by an independent shop.

    If it is not repaired or replaced I think you should not use the A/C at all. The condensed water would eventually destroy things. It might be OK used for heat only.
     
    #6 richard schumacher, Aug 4, 2010
  7. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Get a plastic floor mat with a raised edge.
     
    #7 kenmce, Aug 4, 2010
  8. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Where exactly is the hole? Could you post a picture?

    There is a recent thread where someone pulled all carpets and floor boards to dry/replace with photos and reference to a salvage part dealer. Do a search. Good luck! :)
     
    #8 2009Prius, Aug 5, 2010
  9. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    Yes, it's waterproof once it's cured.
     
    #9 jelloslug, Aug 11, 2010
  10. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    $3,000! That sounds a tad high. Do they throw in an new HV battery for free?

    Tom
     
    #10 qbee42, Aug 11, 2010
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