inverter failure causing MFD to not connect to AC?

i have a 2007 prius, with 91k miles. during the summer i began to experience intermittent issues with the MFD displaying "check connection to air conditioner" when climate button pressed. I waited for a while to get it fixed as it's expensive, however it's in the shop now. I jsut talked to the dealer and they are telling me that the issue is NOT with the MFD (like the 2004 MFDs), however the INVERTER is bad, causing this issue. I have had no other issues with the car, mileage, etc has all been completely normal. they're quoting me 1 to 1.5k for the inverter repair. any idea if this sounds right? i'm confused as to how the inverter failure could affect ONLY the connection to the heat/AC? help? (i havent given the final go-ahead to replace the inverter, hoping you all can weigh in first. please let me know if any additional details are needed.

 

1. i assume so. when the connection was being lost intermittently, it wold always come on whenever connection was there (it seemed to me that the issue i was having was very similar to the 2004 MFD issue where a loose/cracked solder joint on one of the MFD boards was the culprit, but i've been told that the MDF was updated and 2007 shouldnt share this weakness)

2. no warning lights, no change in anything other than not being able to connect to climate control, and the MAP button and climate control buttons on the steering wheel does not work (though the voice control one right in between does)

if they do replace the inverter, hopefully it will be covered under warranty as it's at 91k miles. i just think that it doesn't fit the symptoms, but i could be wrong.

 

i spoke with the dealer again today. tech is not in today, so no progress on my car. awesome. i was about to speak with someone who told me that the error code my car is giving is P3108 LOST COMMUNICATION WITH A/C SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. and that the issue is with the A/C inverter. is this different than the hybrid drivetrain system inverter? or just a subcomponent of the inverter"black box?"

 

i would hope then that since it appears this must be replaced as a unit, it will be covered under warranty.

 

Boo! Was updated today that it is not the inverter, it is the AC ECU, a 850$ fix including labor(not covered under warranty), and part should be ordered/installed by close of buisiness Wednesday. Unfortunately we had a death in the family Sunday so I have to take them at their word and have it fixed. Am I getting hosed or is this an ok quote?

 

Well that's too bad, between packing and dealing with a death in the family (wake, funeral, etc) I have no time to do it myself so looks like the dealer is going to make some coin off of me.