Recall Alert-2004-2007 Inverter Water Pump

Mine is eligible, but I think I'll wait a while. I just had my inverter coolant replaced at 133,000 a few weeks ago. If they let me go until mid-2011 to have it done, I'll be able to use that as my last planned inverter coolant replacement (my planned "end of life" for my 2006 Prius is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, provided I'm still employed, etc.)

 

I'm a bit late replacing the coolant . . . so hey . . . a bit more bang for the (none) buck!

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I'm just about 100% certain that's correct. When my pump blew in July, all the lights would come on and the power would drop off considerably. The fuel consumption would skyrocket.

I'm just about certain that was the ECU cutting off power to the electric motor and the car going 100% to ICE.

Now... I sure hope I can find the receipts for my DIY in July. D'oh.

 

called my dealer They are waiting for a letter from Toyota. He only heard of it on the news

 

This reminds me of my 2002 Gen I Prius, in which I had to replace the inverter water pump at 120k miles due to overheating problem. No TID or recall, just this:

PG002-06 JUL 06 Hybrid System - Inverter Removal/Installation Precaution

The new pump was an improved design, so it actually ran more efficiently according to my mechanic. Gave the Gen I Prius to my sister-in-law, and it is still running like a champ. I now have a Gen III 2010 model...

 

Me thinks your dealer does not know what he's talking about. The recall is a limited service campaign which Toyota defines as:
Limited Service Campaigns typically have an expiration date and Toyota requests that customers take advantage of this service prior to that date. The described inspection and/or repair will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner provided the Limited Service Campaign has not expired. Please note that expired Limited Service Campaigns are not displayed using this search engine. T
This was taken off the Toyota Owner's page. I also just got off the telephone with Toyota customer service and the rep told me that the recall can and should be done BEFORE the inverter pump bites the big one. I suggest you call coperate at 800.331.4331 and they'll send you a recall letter. Ryan

 

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Just got a call 10 minutes ago from Prius dealer who says they are ordering a bunch and will notify me when it comes in to change it out now.

 

Our 2004 qualifies, and they did not ask me about mileage, so I don't think there are any limitations.

I also asked them if they flushed the entire inverter cooling system and they said no. So as long as they are doing the work, I am going to have them put all new coolant in the inverter system. I will have to pay extra for that part of it, which I'm fine with. Otherwise, they only drain whatever coolant happens to come out when they remove the pump, and they refill that same amount. They won't normally flush the entire system for this campaign.

 

the technical instructions that were posted for LSC A0N clearly say to drain the coolant from the system, replace the pump, and then replace the coolant. the materials section calls for 1.1 liters of TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant.

they're supposed to bleed it afterwards to get all the air out of the system as well.

it sounds to me like your dealer is not following toyota's instructions... what is the total capacity of the inverter coolant system? is it more than 1.1 liters? if it is exactly 1.1 liters, then toyota's instructions say to flush the entire system.

 

okay... but "drain and refill" is definitely different than "replace whatever falls out when i disconnect the pump". it sounds to me like they should be giving you all new coolant as part of this procedure, not just topping you off.

 

Just beware! It seems there is still a shortage of the required pump. I scheduled a replacement at my dealer, with a request to let me know if the pump is in stock--got a call back saying they (the dealer) is at the mercy of Toyota and they don't know when they will have them (this was a/o 11/29/10). Maybe that is why the mailing is not going out until later in December. Thought I would beat the rush, but no luck yet!

 

I had replaced my inverter pump three weeks ago and the coolant. Today I went to the Dealer to apply for my refund and they had to inspect my work, they drained my coolant ( Prestone ) and refilled the system with the SLL. I required the repair bill, the receipt of the pump and proof of ownership (registration) and forwarded all to Toyota Motors USA. Should get refund in 5-6 weeks.

 

Thanks for the post. Can't beleive it! I just replaced the inverter pump myself on Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Victor

 

I know this thread is about the 2004-2007 inverter water pump. Does the 2009 prius have the updated pump? I'll be driving 100 miles a day round trip for my work commute and my 2009 prius has 30,000 miles on it. At what point should I consider changing the inverter water pump. Thanks: Tom.

 

They did the replacement about two years ago. do not know if it was the new pump or not.

 

I called Toyota Customer Experience and they told me to send in my repair paperwork, receipt, and registration and they will refund my repair cost since it was done about 1 month ago. It takes 6-8 weeks to process so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

I phoned my authorized Toyota dealer yesterday (Nov.30th) here in SW Virginia. He hadn't heard of this recall! He said he'd order the pump (none in stock) and would call me back when it came in, which perhaps may take a while...
On a perhaps related topic, does anyone know if the loud shriek I hear often when I turn off the engine is due to this pump? It lasts five or ten seconds and is quite loud and unpleasant a sound. I have a 2006, and no other indication of any problem.