2nd time in a month for Master Warning Light & more

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DIG, Dec 16, 2013.

  1. DIG

    DIG Junior Member

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    The first time this happened was at the end of Thanksgiving, over the river and through traffic, evening. Our mechanic found a tiny leak and that seemed to fix it, until yesterday when it happened again. You lose the temperature reading, and half the screen along with several yellow indicator symbols across the dashboard. Terrifying. But our mechanic assures us it is safe to drive the car and that we may need a new thermostat.

    Has this happened to anybody here? And was it indeed the thermostat? Our mechanic is not back until Tuesday and we want to drive the car tomorrow.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 DIG, Dec 16, 2013
  2. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    A picture of the problem would help, but this does not sound like a thermostat issue. Is the screen you are talking about the speedo display or the MFD in the middle of the dash.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #2 Britprius, Dec 16, 2013
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. You need to check all engine compartment fluids now, before the car is driven again. Especially check the engine radiator overflow tank and the inverter coolant reservoir. Both fluids should be pink in color and the fluid level should be at the top mark. If necessary, replenish with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant.

    2. It is hard to say what the problem is without knowing a) where the leak was and b) whether a leak still is the current problem or not.

    3. The "several yellow indicator symbols" are very key in determining what the car's problem is. So I suggest you post a sharp photo of them. Good luck.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Dec 16, 2013
  4. DIG

    DIG Junior Member

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    Thanks for your replies. Apparently it is the water pump, which is a common problem for some as Toyota offered up a recall, which we didn't hear about. This happened on Thanksgiving when there was an extended warranty in place and expired November 30, 2013. I'm hoping the Toyota dealership will honor it still as it's close to $400 to replace and we only have 55,000 miles on the car. Plus it first happened before 11/30. Two times in total.

    Btw, all the lights went out after taking the car to the car wash. Now we're in limbo. And Christmas driving is around the corner. :(
     
    #4 DIG, Dec 20, 2013
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is it the inverter coolant pump?
     
    #5 bisco, Dec 20, 2013
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    My 07 with 70,ooo miles was not one of the cars covered under the Inverter water pump recall so I have the original pump. It seems to be ok.
    Although I have changed the coolant and added some coolant conditioner in that Inverter/Trans coolant loop at 30,000 miles.

    I will probably replace that pump soon as a preemptive repair as its not very expensive. I have seen brand new ones in the box on Ebay for $60. But curious to see if keeping better coolant and more importantly not have coolant in there that has turned abrasive from aluminum corrosion will greatly extend pump life.

    Anyway its a very easy replacement.
     
    #6 edthefox5, Dec 20, 2013
  7. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    There have been two recalls for the inverter pump and the second one is still active. I also believe the hybrid components are guaranteed for 8 years 100,000 miles unless you live in a CARB state in which case it's 10 years 150,000 miles. California is a CARB state.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #7 Britprius, Dec 21, 2013
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