Junction block fuse blown in 2010 Prius V

So... have a 2010 Prius V, about 80,000 miles.

Tried to start it this morning and got a "Check Hybrid System". No start. Brought it to the local Toyota mega dealer here in Lakeland, FL. (They were pretty organized and on things, so I was pretty impressed.)

Anyway, just got a call back and it's a junction block fuse that was blown.

Questions I have are 1) What is this a fuse for? The actual hybrid battery? 2) Where is it located, and 3) (the EE in me) Doesn't something usually cause this fuse to blow?

Dealer will attempt to replace fuse and drive it around to see if it's fixed, but something typically causes fuses to blow.

Anyone else have this happen, and what was the cause/fix?

Thanks

 

Yep, there were two codes, both pointing to the hybrid battery system (the HV battery, not the 12V one.) Said the 12V battery voltage looked OK.

 

OK, here's what they replaced. It took them a week to figure it out and fix it.

G92Z0-47011 Block Assy, HV BA (that looks expensive)
90069-08011 Ring, O
90068-14010 Ring, O
04899-47021 Transistor Kit, P
04899-47050 Plug Kit, Inverter (this looks expensive too)
08887-02809 Grease X 23 7884
90430-A0003 Gasket
08826-00100 Seal Packing

It's running OK now. No idea how much this would have cost out of pocket, Toyotacare picked up 100%, including my rental for the week. Glad I have my Gen III back!

 

From what I was told:

1. They tried replacing this Junction block fuse assembly on the HV battery first, as they thought it was why the HV system wasn't operating.
2. Fired it up and promptly blew the new junction block fuse assembly (dealer cost looks like $293.01 and $138.42 dealer labor cost)
3. Replaced the "transistor kit", which I think is the guts inside the inverter that powers the HV stuff. This was a pretty expensive part, plus they had all the ancillary stuff like orings and stuff they had to replace at the same time, since they were taking the Inverter apart.
4. Put a new Junction block assembly on (this is #3 for those keeping track)
5. Car now runs

From what I was told, this "transistor kit" was also called the IPM, or brains of the inverter.

 

Yep, they did the IPM update back in February, the dealer told me. So, obviously it wasn't enough to keep the IPM from dying.

 

I emailed Toyota about this (on my 2010), because I saw others talking about a 15 year extended warranty on the IPM. so, I emailed Toyota about it. Here is what I received:

"Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We are sorry to hear that you were required to replace the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) on your 2010 Prius.

We have checked your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) XXXXXXXXXXXXX, and determined that your 2010 Prius is involved in the following Customer Support Program (CSP) or warranty enhancement:

CSP ZE3
Certain 2010 -2014 Model Year Prius Vehicles Extension of Warranty Coverage to the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).

Notification of this warranty enhancement program was sent to vehicle owners beginning in Late August of 2014. As you noted, the warranty enhancement extends the warranty to 15 years from the date of first use with no mileage limitations. Should you have any concerns in the future, and your vehicle still falls within the parameters of this warranty enhancement, you need only reference the CSP number (ZE3) provided.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us."

 

There's a recall. Use that code I posted a coupe messages up. It should be covered 100%.

 

Yep.