I'll start off by admitting that I'm probably on the pinned list of people who should not own a Gen1. I started noticing that I had no heat in my '02. I added coolant to the overflow and the radiator. Puddles formed on the ground both sides under the radiator. I had a good shop verify the leak(s) and they recommended replacing the radiator/condenser at about $900. First question: should a shop that is familiar with the Prius do this job or can any shop handle it? I know it gets complicated with the inverter involved and the bleeding procedure. I also checked the inverter coolant reservoir and there was no movement. I reached down an felt the pump and it seemed to be working (it was vibrating). Second question: Could low coolant level make it so there is no turbulence in the reservoir even with the pump working? Thanks in advance for your help!
The inverter coolant is separate system from the radiator coolant, so there is nothing special about replacing the radiator in the gen1 prius. $900 is crazy, I need to become a mechanic...
On the other hand, Gen 1 integrated the engine radiator with the A/C condenser, which throws an extra twist in the story, and the part alone is $329 list.
And so they do! Though not really different than a normal car to replace, but will have to de/recharge the a/c to break the lines. I just looked at the one I removed when doing the engine swap on the blue car. Disappointing, because I wanted to use all of the A/C system for my motorhome project to get 12v a/c. I wonder if the same as an Echo? I would assume the connectors to the a/c condensor are the same? Just checked, the Echo has separate rad and condensor ($50 ea on rock auto). Has the same compressor as the prius, or might be the yaris. If the op want to buy this radiator I sell it for $100 plus shipping since I can't seem to use it now..although maybe use the radiator part of it for something too on the motorhome..hmm
