2006 Prius main hybrid battery being replaced (under warranty) after inverter pump failure

My 2006 Prius (72k miles) died without warning while driving on local interstate two weeks ago. No warning lights, just black console, no power at all. Thankfully I was in the right lane and was able to glide it over to the shoulder safely. Had AAA tow to my local shop that I use. After replacing the (very expensive) 12-volt battery, they found blown fuse, replaced it, then the auxiliary water pump (inverter pump) started to smoke. It was bad and had to be replaced. Found out later (from searching this site) that this was a recalled part, definitely have to log on here more.

Last couple of days have noticed that the battery meter is showing low when I start the car, and meter goes from full to low & vice versa very quickly. Other than that, no warning lights until this morning, when a slew of them came on all at once (red triangle, check engine, VSC, tire pressure). Pulled over and, per the manual, found that it's not safe to drive in this condition. AAA came to my rescue again, and dealer says main hybrid battery has to be replaced. Will take a day to get part, giving me a loaner in the mean time.

My main question is whether there's anything else I should be concerned about going wrong after these failures, that I should have them check while they have it? I'm not a car person, a friend told me that running with a bad battery (normal cars, not necessarily hybrids) can cause strain on other related parts, for instance the alternator may go soon after.

Am I wrong in thinking that these are all related? That the bad inverter pump caused the 12-volt battery to die, as well as (maybe) the problem with the hybrid battery?

Thanks!

 

Seilerts & UART, thanks for your replies. Wow, I'm not a big believer in coincidence, but I trust your expertise and I trust my local shop (that they didn't swap it out, haha). The dealer tech also said they were unrelated.

As things stand now, the hybrid battery is on backorder, will take 3-5 days starting after the holiday weekend for it to come in.

I told the dealer the backorder was a conspiracy to try to give me new car fever. They have me driving a new Rav4 in the meantime. Love the added height on the road and it drives smooth & fast, but I miss my gas mileage (I can see the gage move, practically), my backup camera, and my RFID key.

 

Hi Bisco, sorry it took me a while to get back. In NE Florida, flat & hot. Good news is, having no issues after battery replacement, have had it back about a week now.