2013 Persona: I think my inverter died. (P0A7A / P0A94)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Keith Elkin, Jun 21, 2018.

  1. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2013
    116
    32
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I was driving today stopped at a light, and when I went to accelerate the car it jerked and went into failsafe mode. I limped home and scanned the codes and it returned P0A7A and P0A94. From what I read on these forums, it sounds like the bad inverter problem. I did have the car software update recall performed years ago for the inverter. The car has 115K miles on it, and is no longer under warranty. I did purchase a 125K warranty but it expired 2 months ago of course...

    Is there any scenario where the inverter could go and it not be covered by the recall? I'm trying to prepare myself for what they're going to try and charge me for tomorrow.
     
    #1 Keith Elkin, Jun 21, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    111,166
    50,601
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think there is, and consider a salvage inverter if you need one. installation is straight forward.
    have you checked the pump?
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 21, 2018
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Did you check the date for the warranty coverage under the recall?
     
    #3 JimN, Jun 21, 2018
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,623
    3,800
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    DUDE!!!

    After it cools down, it might run again if it's a heat issue. With the car on (ready) and in P, check the pump for vibration and inverter coolant tank for movement/turbulence. If none, the pump could be out which is a relative cheap repair (fingers crossed).
     
    #4 fotomoto, Jun 21, 2018
  5. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2013
    116
    32
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I haven't checked the pump yet, I need to familiarize myself with where it is. I did turn the car back on now (4 hours later about) and it still has the same codes and is in failsafe mode. I'm not clearing them since I want the dealer to see them. After doing more research, it really sounds like this is the warranty issue... If not, anyone know of a good source to purchase a refurb?

    Also, the dealer is 4.5 miles away. Is it safe to drive the car in failsafe mode with a failed inverter that far?
     
    #5 Keith Elkin, Jun 21, 2018
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,960
    39,991
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Just see what the dealership says, mention "Toyota" and "goodwill" frequently, the diagnostic at least should be to expensive, say $100~. What with this being a known issue, subject of a recall, "goodwill" may have some traction.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jun 21, 2018
  7. xerox6135

    xerox6135 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2012
    170
    93
    0
    Location:
    michigan
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Its covered for 15 years unlimited mileage if I remember correctly.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 xerox6135, Jun 21, 2018
    Mendel Leisk, Raytheeagle and m.wynn like this.
  8. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2013
    684
    1,229
    0
    Location:
    Queensbury, NY
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    P0A94 - ZE3 warranty criteria code. New IPM will be on Toyota, don't let an ignorant or malicious intent dealer tell you otherwise(y). Drive it in for sure if it will move, just go easy.
     
    #8 m.wynn, Jun 21, 2018
    Raytheeagle and Mendel Leisk like this.
  9. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2013
    116
    32
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Thank you all, I’ll go that route tomorrow. Am I pushing it by asking for a courtesy car if I get them to acknowledge it’s warranty issue and the repair will take more than a day?


    iPad ?
     
    #9 Keith Elkin, Jun 21, 2018
  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,343
    4,140
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Wont hurt to ask, if they throw it on tab for toyota to cover, thats like extra topping on the cake for ya.
     
    #10 Grit, Jun 21, 2018
  11. Keith Elkin

    Keith Elkin Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2013
    116
    32
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Just to update everyone:
    It was the inverter that died, it was covered by the recall and replaced for free. I even got a free inverter coolant flush as part of it. They drove me home so no rental needed, and fixed it all in a day. Great service!

    SM-G965U ?
     
    #11 Keith Elkin, Jun 22, 2018
    Mrs.Diamond, RMB, bisco and 6 others like this.
  12. Lones g

    Lones g Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2017
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    Flint mi
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Good to hear the inverter,it's covered by a 15 year unlimited mileage.
     
    #12 Lones g, Jun 23, 2018
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)