Advice Needed

Wrong battery. Your thinking of the traction battery (the High voltage hybrid battery). They're talking about the lead-acid battery (12volts) in the back corner. They charged you 500$ to change which water pump?

 

The 12v battery is a known weak point on these vehicles, and can cause all kinds of problems. It is nearing its approx. 4 year life span anyway. It is something you can do yourself if you need to save a few bucks. As to the engine water pump, it does seem early for that to go, but it is possible. Do you have a breakdown of what you are being charged for each item? If you do, post it and others will let you know if it is unusually high.

 

I'm going to assume by main battery you mean the 12volt lead acid battery and not the much larger 200+ volt metal hydride traction battery that powers the hybrid drive system.

If so, then the need to replace a 5 year old 12v battery is normal; however, I would think both pumps still fall under the power train warranty recall or not. So, $800 to replace a 12v battery is crazy high.

 

you got TORCHED. are you a woman? if so, i would ask a male friend or relative to go back to the dealership with you and speak with the owner/manager. if you were not having any problems, you should have tole them no, and at least have gotten a second opinion and price. i hate hearing these stories about stealerships!

 

The only thing that seems high to me is the 12v battery, but that's not totally outrageous either, but the headlights I would think should be covered by Toyota. When did you purchase the car? If you got it late in 07 is it still covered by the 3 yr/36,000 mi. bumper to bumper warranty. Even if it's out of warranty I've heard of Toyota making at least partial warranty coverage for the HID headlights since it's a known problem. I'd check out your warranty and then complain to the dealer and tell him he should go to bat for you with Toyota. Remeber the squeaky wheel gets the grease

 

From the news article on Prius chat:

"
(2) Cash Reimbursements
Class members who spent money on an HID bulb or HID electronic control unit (ECU) repair for their 2006-2009 Prius should save their receipts and be ready to file their claim when they receive the Settlement Notice in February.
HID Bulbs
Class members who spent money replacing HID bulbs will be eligible to submit a claim for reimbursement of their costs. For vehicles within 5 years and 50,000 miles of the original purchase or lease date at the time of repair, full reimbursement will be provided for valid claims. For vehicles outside either 5 years or 50,000 miles at the time of repair, reimbursements will be provided for claims on a case-by-case basis.
The deadline to mail in your claim will be May 10, 2011.
HID Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
Class members who spent money replacing an electronic control unit (ECU) before February 9, 2011, will be eligible to submit a claim for full reimbursement (including parts and labor). Instructions on how to submit a claim for reimbursement will be listed in the Settlement Notice which will be mailed to class members and posted here by mid-February.

The deadline to mail your claim will be May 10, 2011.
"

I would claim the money back on the HID bulbs as a starter.

 

You could've done the wiper blades and air filter yourself more cheaply and w/little time investment (roughly about 1/2 the above cost). As for 4 wheel alignment, were there signs the car needed an alignment? It might've just been unnecessary.

As for the HV water pump being replaced for free, it sounds like it was replaced under the campaign listed below:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...call-alert-2004-2007-inverter-water-pump.html
Luscious Garage | Blog | Toyota Prius Inverter Water Pump Service Campaign A0N - Letter to Owners

Bodgerx's referring to Toyota finally forced to pay for 2006-2009 Prius headlight repairs | PriusChat with the source being Toyota Prius HID Headlight Class Action Settlement - Consumer Class Action Attorneys - Girard Gibbs LLP. Although this might end up being moot (and you're nowhere near California), the labor charge for the lights is a bit high, I think. See http://lusciousgarage.com/blog/2010/01/.

As for water pumps, besides the two, there's actually at least one more: the CHS (coolant heat storage) pump which moves coolant into and out of the thermos.

I don't know how much they gave you on the pro-rated 12 volt battery cost, but if it were $0, $197.51 for parts and labor is fairly good. The dumb AGM 12 volt in the Prius is not cheap. For kicks, I recall asking for a quote from my local dealer for parts + labor and IIRC, it was somewhere north of $230.

edit: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-.../69969-water-pump-replacement.html#post986556 mentions there are a total of four water pumps in the 2nd gen Prius.

 

Yes, add the passenger heater coil coolant pump.

Jeffd

 

you knock out the hids under the class action reimbursement and things are really looking up!:cheer2:

 

btw, were your headlites not working?

 

I question the warranty on the 12v battery. Did the dealer install one other than the standard Toyota battery? The Toyota battery has a 1 year no mileage warranty.

 

I would have expected the engine coolant pump replacement to be covered under the 5 year, 60K mile powertrain warranty. Good to see you were not charged for that. I would not have expected that pump to fail at 19K miles. BTW there are a total of four coolant pumps: engine coolant pump, heater core coolant pump (which circulates coolant when the gasoline engine is turned off), coolant heat recovery system pump (which makes the funny noise when you first start up and turn off the car), and the inverter/transaxle coolant pump.

It is to be expected that the 12V battery would fail especially with such light usage, 6K miles per year. If you wish to make your next battery last longer, you either need to drive at least 2x the miles you are currently driving, or else invest in a battery charger (and fully charge the battery overnight, 2x per month) or a battery tender (which requires regular usage.)

Synthetic oil is not controversial, and there's nothing wrong with your choice. However if you are concerned about your auto maintenance costs you can save some money by using regular oil instead. I use brand-name full synthetic oil, whatever happens to be on sale at Walmart.

 

Hi Susanne101. I've got a quick question re- the battery. Did your battery ever fail to start the car (fail to make "ready" when you pushed the start button) or did it ever need jump starting?

 

Quick question - was one or both of the HID headlamps malfunctioning? If not, why on earth would they replace them?

another question - do you by any chance use your HIDs when not necessary? I ask because I have seen a number of 2nd gen owners driving in broad daylight with HID's glaring away (they are bright and the fog lamps tell me they have HIDs)

Toyota clearly states in their $150/bulb price reduction letter ...

'Avoid excessive on/off cycles of the HID headlamps as this can shorten their life'

Over half of your bill was for the HID's. I had a 2009 with HID's, and they were bright and cool and all, but, man, $442 for a pair of headlights is just not what I call cost effective on any car, anywhere. I mean, at that price, it is something you would maybe stomach replacing every 10 years or more, minimum time. I'll stick with halogens, TYVM. Sure, they have a campaign to reimburse now, but what will be available for an 8 year old Prius with a bad HID?

Sure, can get $99 / HID somewhere, but apparently need to have some skills to replace oneself, or what, remove the bumper? Not happening.

Obviously the HIDs are lame, Toyota dropped them like hot potatoes in the 3rd gen. But will the LED's be cost effective?

 

2006-2009 Prius owners, rejoice! You finally have a class-action lawsuit that you can get behind and it doesn't involve the name James Sikes. Toyota has finally been legally compelled to provide free warranty extensions and cash reimbursements for owners of 2006-2009 Prius models that suffer from premature failure of their HID headlights. This is an issue that has been posted on PriusChat since 2006, and up to this point Toyota has refused to offer any assistance other than giving "deals" on the repairs, knocking the price down from $300/bulb to $150. Sometimes they were even nice enough to offer "good will" gestures and pay for the repairs if you complained loudly enough.

Here are some details on the settlement and what they mean for you as an owner of a 2006-2009 Prius with the optional HID headlights.

The settlement will provide for:

• A free warranty extension for HID headlight bulb and electronic control units (through the earlier of 5 years and 50,000 miles); and

• Cash reimbursements to many class members who paid for headlight repairs.

More details and FAQs are provided below, but here is the long and short of it: If you've ever had any troubles with your HID headlights in your 2006-2009 Prius, take it into the dealership and have it documented, especially if you are still within 5 years/50k miles of the original purchase. Unfortunately, Toyota has not been helpful to Prius owners regarding this widespread issue and has turned a blind eye to their owners for 5 years so you will need to be vigilant and not expect Toyota to keep your best interests at heart.

Class members are defined as:
All purchasers and/or lessees of any 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2009 model year Toyota Prius vehicle originally factory equipped with genuine high intensity discharge (“HID”) headlights who reside in the United States.
Benefits:
(1) Warranty Extension
Beginning on February 9, 2011, Toyota will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover repairs and replacements of HID bulbs and HID electronic control units (ECUs). This means class members can take their 2006-2009 Prius to any Toyota dealership for free repairs under warranty of those parts until 5 years or 50,000 miles pass from the car’s original purchase or lease date. This warranty extension is subject to the terms in class members’ Owner’s Warranty Information booklet.
If your Prius will already be beyond 5 years or 50,000 miles by February 9, 2011, warranty coverage may be available in limited circumstances (see below).

(2) Cash Reimbursements
Class members who spent money on an HID bulb or HID electronic control unit (ECU) repair for their 2006-2009 Prius should save their receipts and be ready to file their claim when they receive the Settlement Notice in February.
HID Bulbs
Class members who spent money replacing HID bulbs will be eligible to submit a claim for reimbursement of their costs. For vehicles within 5 years and 50,000 miles of the original purchase or lease date at the time of repair, full reimbursement will be provided for valid claims. For vehicles outside either 5 years or 50,000 miles at the time of repair, reimbursements will be provided for claims on a case-by-case basis.
The deadline to mail in your claim will be May 10, 2011.
HID Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
Class members who spent money replacing an electronic control unit (ECU) before February 9, 2011, will be eligible to submit a claim for full reimbursement (including parts and labor). Instructions on how to submit a claim for reimbursement will be listed in the Settlement Notice which will be mailed to class members and posted here by mid-February.

The deadline to mail your claim will be May 10, 2011.

What to do now
NOW: Save your HID headlight repair receipts and related documents (including any estimates or diagnostics). Repair receipts will be required for submitting a claim. If you no longer have these documents, you should contact your mechanic to see if you can obtain copies.
To learn more about the settlement or to receive periodic email updates on the settlement’s progress, please fill out the form on the right.
IN FEBRUARY: Review the Settlement Notice that will be mailed to class members and posted here. The Settlement Notice provides detailed information about the settlement, your rights, and how to claim reimbursements.
FAQs:

1. What is the HID Headlight Advisory?

According to the lawsuits, the HID headlights in the 2006-2009 Prius vehicles can begin to shut off without warning. The headlights may appear to be working when the car is first started and may even work again on the next trip.
It is important to monitor your headlights and to go a dealership or mechanic as soon as you notice one of your bulbs flicking or occasionally shutting off. By monitoring your headlights and taking prompt action once you notice the problem, you will significantly reduce the chance that both lights will go out at the same time.
Toyota began installing new HID bulbs in early 2008 that statistically appear to perform better, thus alleviating the frequency of the flickering and shut offs. However, Toyota has indicated that intermittent operation of HID headlights is a sign that the HID headlight bulbs are reaching the end of their useful life, so you should continue to monitor the headlights in the future.
2. Is there a deadline to mail claims for reimbursements?

Yes. Class members who wish to be reimbursed for past headlight repairs must submit a claim form by May 10, 2011. All the information needed for submitting a claim will be posted here and mailed to class members by mid-February.
3. I think the HID bulbs are too expensive – is any help available?

Beginning in December 2009, Toyota announced an HID Headlight Customer Support Program. Through the Program, Toyota announced it was lowering the price of the HID bulbs from the previous price of $300 per bulb to the new price of $150 per bulb. The letter announcing the Program also provided for limited reimbursements. Those who have already received reimbursements through the Program can submit a claim under this settlement but will not be “double” reimbursed for any repair expenses.

4. Can I claim reimbursements for multiple headlight repairs?

Yes.

5. Can I be reimbursed even if I went to an independent mechanic or if I didn't use Toyota parts?

Yes.

6. I replaced an HID bulb after 5 years or 50,000 miles. Can I still submit a claim for reimbursement?

Yes, you are likely eligible to submit a claim and we highly recommend that you do so.
First, class members who paid to replace an HID bulb outside of 5 years or 50,000 miles, but who have proof that the same bulb began having problems within 5 years and 50,000 miles, will be able to claim a full reimbursement. They should submit the proof along with their claim and repair receipt.
Second, class members who paid to replace an HID bulb outside of 5 years or 50,000 miles, but do not have that type of proof, should still submit a claim for reimbursement. These claims will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the following:

• • the cost of the headlight repairs,
  • the date and mileage of the headlight repairs,
  • the date and mileage the headlight issues began,
  • any previous headlight issues or repairs, and
  • whether you use your headlights during the day or usually only at night.

On the Claim Form, which will be mailed and posted here by mid-February, there will be an opportunity to provide this information and anything else you think is important when you submit your claim. Class members will then be notified by mail of the amount, if any, of their reimbursement and their options for accepting or challenging the reimbursement amount.
Note: HID electronic control unit (ECU) repairs do not have the same 5 year / 50,000 mile limitation.

7. Can I take advantage of the extended warranty if my Prius is outside 5 years or 50,000 miles?

If your vehicle is outside the 5 years or 50,000 mile warranty period, but you can provide proof that the headlight problem began within 5 years and 50,000 miles, you will be entitled to warranty repairs. One example of proof would be to present a repair estimate done within the 5 year and 50,000 mile period.
8. What if my headlights have not gone out?

Although the headlights on some 2006-2009 Prius vehicles have not gone out, we encourage all class members to diligently monitor their headlights for flickering or turning off intermittently. Toyota has indicated that intermittent operation of HID headlights is a sign that the HID headlight bulbs are reaching the end of their useful life, so you should continue to monitor the headlights in the future.

9. Is my Prius covered by the settlement?

The settlement covers 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 model year Toyota Prius vehicles originally factory equipped with genuine high intensity discharge (HID) headlights in the United States.

10. Does this settlement cover only 2006-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles?

Yes. The court-approved settlement can only provide assistance for the types of vehicles that were at issue in this case. Only the 2006-2009 Prius vehicles were listed in the complaint. Owners of other models or model years will not be barred by the settlement from seeking their own relief from Toyota or through other means, but will not be eligible to make a claim under the agreement.

11. What if I don’t receive Settlement Notice in the mail?

The Settlement Notice and Claim Form will both be posted here once they are mailed to class members.
[Source Girard Gibbs LLP via the PriusChat Forums]

Tagged: Prius, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, Class-Action, Headlights, HID, Lawsuit, Toyota

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