Went to start my Prius and got the check hybrid system warning. Car would only drive with gas engine and electric stayed off. Dealer told me it's the inverter and quoted me $3500 for repair, which I don't find worth it. I don't know of any independent repair shops in the Boston area that could put in a used inverter for cheaper. I would like to sell the car, but am unsure what a fair price would be. It has 170k miles, and has been working perfectly otherwise. Battery has been fine. Any pricing suggestions?
There's a recall on early Gen3 inverters so you can have it fixed for free... You might want to find a dealership that will do that.
There’s a miles and/or months limitation, might be why they declined it; did they say anything? If not I would ask. And try talking to toyota corporate: they might do a “good will”, say cover half. FWIW $3500 doesn’t sound too far out of line (yeah I know, but I mean: I can drop that kind of $’s at the dentist...). How’s the car otherwise? Have you dealt with the EGR? Heard of it?
Only if you're suspicious that a dealership might lie. I left it in my last 2010 work Prius, but I seem to remember something about letters from the mothership about a Prius warranty enhancement for "my" work cars. A very brief search in the Googles confirmed what I remembered about it..... ".....Even though Toyota says defective inverters are safe as long as they enter limp-home, it has extended the warranty on 2010 to 2014 models. Owners with failed inverters can get a free replacement for up to 15 years with no mileage limit." After second recall, Toyota Prius electrical system is still overheating - Los Angeles Times. Not sure if it applies to your G3 or even why "my" two G3's got the enhancement....mostly because I neither own nor maintain these cars, so I don't have an incentive to remember.....or? NOT "remember"..... YOUR mileage......may vary.
Could try this recall which is basically the inverter software update but includes: "Any authorized Toyota dealer will perform a software update to the Motor Generator ECU and Power Management ECU at No Charge to you. Additionally, if the vehicle has the condition present the inverter assembly will be replaced prior to the software updates." https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/staticcontent/en/techinfo/html/prelogin/docs/cp/e0etofaq.pdf
My friend recently had his $3000 inverter replaced for free on this 2011 with 150k. He printed out the 15 year unlimited mile warranty page and gave it to them. They fixed it right up with 0 cost to him.
2010 Prius in Australia. The inverter recently died and Toyota wanted $5k to replace. After extensive research decided to source a second hand newer model online. Managed to find one out of an Auris (UK car) Original: G9200 47140 Replaced by: G900 47190 Took around 8 hours to remove and replace, all working fine now. Of course only time will tell.
