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This Idiot Reversed the Polarity on Jumper Cables

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dr_dan, May 7, 2017.

  1. dr_dan

    dr_dan New Member

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    I know, I know, I'm an idiot. Even saw a thread about not messing this up and still somehow crossed the wires (didn't help that the red/black caps on my other vehicle had fallen off, but still. Getting the car towed tomorrow to a shop, but I can't find one that is willing to replace the inverter with a used one if it's shot, which seems like a distinct possibility based on my research. All the shops are willing to check and replace fuses/fusible if needed. I just don't have the time to do a precise diagnosis (checking/changing all the fuses).

    So, how hard would it be to replace just the guts of the inverter with a used one if needed once all blown fuses are replaced? Will I need to do any configuration/programming after it's installed? Anyone have any links out (tried to search) on how to do this on my own? Really don't want to put however much the dealer will charge into this.

    I'm in Indianapolis if it helps with recommending a shop.

    Thanks!
     
  2. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Sorry but if you need shop to check fuses I don’t think you can change the inverter. Replacing the inverter is also lot more time consuming than just checking the fuses so if you didn’t have time to check the fuses you won’t have time to change the inverter either.

    I don’t know any shops around there. Don’t you know anybody that could do that? If I was there I would do it for you.
     
  3. dr_dan

    dr_dan New Member

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    Three Touring
    Thanks, not aware of any friends who have worked on a hybrid before but I'll ask around. The car is a bit of a drive from my house and I just don't have the time to go back and forth to test everything and fix. Might just have it taken to the shop, check fuses and then sell if it'll be too pricey to fix. Really bummed.
     
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you are lucky only the DC/DC fusible link has blown (and maybe a handful of small fuses) and the inverter is OK.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  5. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Dr Dan,
    It is likely to be a fuse blown.
    Still a fussy job to do.

    But even if you need an inverter, I would have to believe there is someone in the area who would be able to put one in. I'd say cross that bridge when you get to it. I have a couple of ideas. For example, call a local wrecking and see if they have sold a used hybrid parts to any shops in the area. Look at small dealerships in the area that sell hybrids and see if they are willing to put in a used inverter for you.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  6. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Sometimes the wrecking places themselves can do the work. I mean they have to have some knowledge to pull one out without damaging it.

    Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

    Best of luck and hope it's not necessary after all.