I have a 2003 Toyota Prius, 192,000 miles. It's fine but every summer for the past four years it overheats and dies. Once it cools off, it runs fine and runs. I finally found a good mechanic and he says it needs a new inverter cooling pump but its an old car and he's not sure if the inverter will be okay. His advice is to just to get rid of the car. I love this car so if I can keep it, that would be great. Has anyone replaced the cooling pump and had the car keep going just fine? Or could this have severely damaged the inverter? Also, what could I expect to pay for this repair?
Cara, I would not necessarily let a repair guy tell you to get rid of the car.... there are a lot of independent mechanics and even DIY guys around the area who are willing to help women on the side. Do your research, find out what needs to be done so you understand exactly what is the problem. You can buy new, reconditioned, used parts to service your Prius all over the USA, and do it yourself or hire someone for the job. Once you know what’s involved, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate the repairs..... you can always take it to an authorized hybrid shop, or dealer.
the inverter pump may solve the problem. if you need an inverter, there would be trouble codes present. if he has the right equipment, he can read them and make a proper diagnosis. short of that, even if you need an inverter, ask him to look around for a salvage unit or eBay. georgia may be a little more difficult than LA, idk.
I’ve seen used inverters on eBay for about $300 with warranty. The world doesn’t come to an end at that price for a Prius. They are built to last for a couple of hundred thousand miles.
Based on what I have seen on the 2001, I would guess that Toyota put in thermal sensors to shut things down before the inverter or FPGA plates got hot enough to damage things. Sounds like what is happening on your car, so it's probably ok.
Hey Cara, I'm in TN and my boyfriend lives in GA! Anyway I hope you get your Prius fixed, I love those first generations. Almost becoming a rare collectors car hopefully it's just the coolant pump for the inverter, if so that's not a bad job, heck you could probably do it your self!
I once reversed the polarity while boosting the battery, in a moment of confusion, and the 100 amp fuse protected the inverter. While I had done this procedure several times previously, we often are distracted and little things slip by us and Oooops!!! Toyota engineers built this vehicle to ensure stability and long term drivability for a reason. Not much you can do to harm it, other than drive the wheels off the vehicle so that it eventually passes from old age and accumulated miles. The car loves loves loves to be driven! Mine still hums perfectly along even on inclines into the Palm Springs area while the hybrid and gas motor work effortlessly powering itself easily past other trucks and vehicles. Cara, just take your time and read thoroughly through suggestions here on Prius Chat. Be aware some of the contributors are not 1st Gen owners so they don’t speak from first-hand working knowledge. And please try not to get discouraged by others elsewhere or by comments here. I’d encourage you to find an authorized hybrid repair shop in your local area and simply stop in and chat from time to time, even if you get your tires checked for air pressure and chat them up for some basic questions as you begin to seek answers. That would be a great way to learn more about your vehicle. It would be a good connection for you too for when the time comes.. Let Prius Chat be your guide. If you have a can-do and motivated attitude, anything is possible, Cara. I wish you many happy miles as I have had with my 2002 Prius - one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
Well I got it fixed and the inverter seems to be fine. Looks like this car will keep going for a bit more! Thanks guys for your help. I appreciated the input.
