CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM - Inverter coolant

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Flaninacupboard, May 24, 2011.

  1. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    I'm interested in some opinions. 1,500 miles ago my car had it's 30k service. Today, i got "CHECK...". At home this evening i checked the inverter coolant reservoir, it was empty. I've added 1L of de-ionised water (which got it to full, and i see turbulence in the fluid) until i can get the correct fluid, but as i say would like some opinions.

    Could the car naturally lose 1L of coolant in that period (assuming the dealer checked it and it was full)?

    Is anyone aware of inverter coolant pumps leaking?

    If the cap on the reservoir was left loose (i don't think it had been turned past the "click") could it evaporate 1L of fluid in 1,500 miles?

    All opinions/experience welcomed!
     
    #1 Flaninacupboard, May 24, 2011
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    The fluid leaves behind pink crusty crystals when it evaporates. Do you have reason to believe that they performed any service to your car that would affect this system, such as an inverter coolant drain/refill or transaxle fluid change? One thing to look at would be the drain plug, in case someone opened that and then failed to torque it properly.
     
    #2 seilerts, May 24, 2011
  3. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    I'm at 47k and my inverter fluid is still at the same level it was when new.

    I did have an issue a month or so ago with a 'check hybrid system' error but this wasn't connected to the inverter.

    Hope you get it sorted out. It does sound suspiciously close to your last service. Did you ask them to change the fluid? At least you're still under warranty.
     
    #3 GrumpyCabbie, May 24, 2011
  4. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    It's going to the dealer tonight for a fluid change and diagnosis on where the fluid went.

    The service schedule says they should have inspected the inverter fluid, but it doesn't get replaced unitl (IIRC) 150k. Transaxle fluid is next service, 40k.

    Where is the drain plug for the inverter fluid?
     
    #4 Flaninacupboard, May 25, 2011
  5. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Inspection is not done at the drain plug. Loss of coolant is not normal.

    They never actually do the transaxle fluid unless you force the issue. I would and then every 60k miles thereafter.

    JeffD
     
    #5 jdenenberg, May 25, 2011
  6. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    It is not possible, in a properly functioning system, to lose that much fluid. Mine is at 41K miles, 21 months old, and has never lost a drop that I can detect.

    My guess, they guy that changed to oil took out the wrong plug lost the coolant and didn't bother to replace it. If it had suddenly developed a bad leak I think you would see it running out.

    Drain plug for the inverter, if I remember correctly, is right under the transaxle, it is beneath the under engine cover but I think you could reach it without removing the cover if you bent the edge of the cover to one side a little. I checked the plug on mine for tightness without removing the cover. The inverter coolant leak TSB attached below does give you some idea where the drain plug is. I don't think that TSB addresses your problem because it would just be a drip now and then.
     

    Attached Files:

    #6 tumbleweed, May 25, 2011
  7. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    Thanks Tumbleweed, that's useful info.

    I did wonder if some fluid has been drained accidentally, but couldn't understand why it wouldn't throw an error until 1,500 miles later. i also wonder if long-term damage could have ocurred because of driving it without the coolant.
     
    #7 Flaninacupboard, May 25, 2011
  8. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    That's good question seems like it would have shown up sooner, they might find some kind of leak.

    I doubt if there was any long term damage, the inverters have over temperature protection and would simply shut down to protect themselves. I would really keep a close eye on the level for a while if they don't find anything leaking, just in case.
     
    #8 tumbleweed, May 25, 2011
  9. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    It's definitely leaking, i had to add another litre of water tonight, and i could observe some fluid underneath the inverter.

    It's at the dealer now and i have an auris. it has a manual gearbox, and the engine runs when you're braking :(
    I'm guessing they won't have a pump in stock, so i wonder how long it will be.
     
    #9 Flaninacupboard, May 25, 2011
  10. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    That's good news, at least you will know it's fixed. You are not the first with a bad inverter coolant pump to post on here, I don't think any of the others mentioned a leak however.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...91057-check-hybrid-system-new-water-pump.html
     
    #10 tumbleweed, May 25, 2011
  11. stefano5777

    stefano5777 Member

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    Flan the dealership across the pond doesn't give you a hassle with your enginer kit and warranty void??
     
    #11 stefano5777, May 25, 2011
  12. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    What kit? ;)
     
    #12 Flaninacupboard, May 25, 2011
  13. stefano5777

    stefano5777 Member

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    Gotcha so where did you mount the plug?I assume not in bumper so under bumper?
     
    #13 stefano5777, May 25, 2011
  14. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    Yep, just under the bumper.
     
    #14 Flaninacupboard, May 25, 2011
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