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Intelligent Power Module issue, as well as head gasket?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Saeval, Apr 20, 2021.

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  1. Saeval

    Saeval New Member

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    So, I bought my 2012 Prius V (123k as is, no warranty, but healthy service record) in January, and needed coolant for it in February. Then I needed it last week and started to read head gasket horror stories. I'm relatively certain I have at least a minor head gasket issue, and hopefully not a major one. Yesterday my IPM failed me, I wasn't sure that was what it was, but I brought it to the dealership and they said it is the issue that brought me in and covered under a special warranty.

    They plan on fixing the IPM, but say they can't look at anything else until that is done. Is this a case of worse being done twice? I have -no- idea what needs doing for the IPM replacement, but they say it takes 5 hours to do. If they have to lift the engine out... why do it twice?

    Do I have a leg to stand on trying to get them to replace the head gasket during the IPM fix? Hell, does the busted IPM potentially lead to head gasket problems? I'm trying to get the car out of there without a 3-6k problem still present, ideally at a lower price point.
     
    #1 Saeval, Apr 20, 2021
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  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The engine stays in for an inverter fix. No, there is no correlation between the head gasket and inverter.

    The 2012-13 v are problematic to say the least. I would suggest there is no minor head gasket leak, it can quickly escalate to engine replacement. Ideally you need to know if the engine burns oil to determine the best path forward. Dealers will usually suggest a rebuilt replacement engine to ensure a quality long lasting repair. Changing the head gasket independently is the most cost effective solution which may still be an option.

    I wish people would read the forums first but no one expects a Toyota to be a lemon.
     
    #2 rjparker, Apr 20, 2021
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  3. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    +1

    It’s either a problem, or it won’t matter anymore.
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 cnc97, Apr 21, 2021
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  4. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    That's pretty low miles. Don't drive it unless you have to until HG replaced.
    I have been through all of this... next will be the big battery, water pump then brake failure.
    Now the real pain begins......
     
    #4 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  5. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    what is that?
     
    #5 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  6. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    My replacement pump and master went out last night. Got all the correct codes for new system.
    This will be the third including the original pump and master cylinder.
     
    #6 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  7. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Get invertor fixed then replace head gasket yourself... (not easy) I've done it.... I would rather install a new motor than do the head gasket again. You can get japan engines for $1000
    Does the car use any oil?
     
    #7 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  8. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    So Toyota is fixing it free this time? The one time a brake by wire system failure is good.
     
    #8 rjparker, Apr 21, 2021
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  9. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    That was my number 1 piston 3 years ago when my head gasket failed.
     
    #9 cnc97, Apr 21, 2021
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  10. Saeval

    Saeval New Member

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    They are fixing the IPM today, and hopefully finishing the diagnostic as well. As I said, more than likely there is a head gasket issue. As I've put coolant in it twice in 4 months. I'm not seeing coolant leaking anywhere, so that leads me to believe it's sloshing around somewhere it shouldn't be... which is very bad.

    I should be looking at around 2k to replace the head gasket itself? If I need a new engine, assuming i can find a used one for somewhere in the 500-1500 range, what labor cost is considered fair? I'm in the southbay/los angeles area.
     
    #10 Saeval, Apr 21, 2021
  11. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Took it in this morning and lady tells me it's not covered. To many miles.
    Says sorry it's going to cost $4400.
    I went to my car bewildered and thought no way and went back inside and talked to a guy he looks it up and says sure it's covered.
    Left and the lady called and said all covered done by end of next week.
    I told her boss and he acted like he wasn't suprised. ....
    Same thing happened when the inverter went out but I was in Iowa 1100 miles from home.
     
    #11 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2021
  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Its amazing how uninformed some of those service advisors are. Or pretend to be since they get commission.
     
    #12 rjparker, Apr 21, 2021
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  13. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    20210420_194900.jpg
     
    #13 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Doesn’t mean much; the head gaskets are failing in droves, and Toyota’s got their head in the sand.
     
    #14 Mendel Leisk, Apr 21, 2021
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  15. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I bought 2 complete used systems. One from Lexus 200 other from 2013 Prius v.
    I wish I would have put the Lexus one in but went with the v unit.....now I have a extra pump and master.
    I guess I'll just keep it.....these can go bad or run all of the time and might not throw a code needed for replacement.
    what a hassle. If it takes till next Friday that mean this car will have spent 18 days in 2 different dealerships for inverter and brakes.
     
    #15 Tim Jones, Apr 21, 2021
  16. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Their description for C1252 is "Brake Booster Pump Motor On Time Abnormally Long." I believe it has to run for ~5 minutes to throw that code even though normal pump times are five to ten seconds.

    It seems we deduced the v brake booster assemblies were different than a standard Prius or Lexus based on part numbers and an unsuccessful trial. Possibly because of the v's pitch and bounce control.

    I am hoping my second brake booster setup, if it is destined to fail again, codes out before Dec. 31. My car is well over the new 150k mile cutoff which goes into effect in 2022.

    9E8DF6CA-77E5-4E01-8FA0-72F78D455CE6.jpeg
     
    #16 rjparker, Apr 21, 2021
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  17. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    The lexus one is the same as the v...... same everything drive train........sure looks a lot better though.
     
    #17 Tim Jones, Apr 22, 2021
  18. Saeval

    Saeval New Member

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    Hey all, so I just received this message from Toyota:

    Good morning Mr. Ziello, the tech installed the IPM module and the engine is running. He did perform an inspection and he did find that there is a coolant leaking. tech pressure test the system and found sings of a leak between the cylinder head and the block, he is recommending to perform a tear down by removing the cylinder head and inspect the condition of the head and the block. estimate for the tear down is (2389.45). will it be Ok to proceed with the recommended inspection?

    --Jose Hernandez DCH Toyota of Torrance

    From what I'm reading that's literally just to check? that's not even touching the cost of the repair? I understand a tear down is well, a lot of work... but it seems pretty clear what the issue is? any insight would be helpful.
     
    #18 Saeval, Apr 26, 2021
  19. Saeval

    Saeval New Member

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    further talks with Toyota, they are saying they do not believe the leak is pooling in the cylinder as there are no misfires, but they need to do a teardown to verify the leak location, condition of the block etc. They claim 3445 total if they need to replace the head gasket, which they assume they do need to do.
     
    #19 Saeval, Apr 26, 2021
  20. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Crazy.......................... these cars are not worth it.
     
    #20 Tim Jones, Apr 26, 2021
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