Just had my 2012 Prius V towed to Toyota. They diagnosed bad purge valve. What would be involved with the job. They are charging $800 which seems ridiculous unless there is something I’m missing. Does it really need computer reprogramming?
Having no clue what the “purge valve” is, I looked it up. One of the first hits says replacement cost should be a lot less: Toyota Prius Purge Valve Replacement Cost Estimate
The Repair Manual (more info) doesn’t mention reprogramming, but if the problem is the one described in service bulletin T-SB-0041-15, “MIL ‘ON’ DTC P0A0F, P3190, P3191, P0171 Due to Purge VSV Vacuum Line Separation” (PDF), June 30, 2015, then the engine control module (ECM) should indeed be reprogrammed when the vacuum switching valve assembly is replaced. The list price for the valve assembly, part number 25860-37020, is $99.36; see catalog Figure 17-08, Vacuum Piping. Toyota dealers can get the ECM software at no cost; anyone else would need a Professional Diagnostic subscription to techinfo.toyota.com, from $65. In general, no other parts should be needed. To remove and replace the valve assembly and reprogram the ECM, the bulletin allows 0.8 labor hours. For just removal and replacement of the valve assembly, without any reprogramming, one edition of Toyota’s Flat Rate Manual allows 0.4 labor hours (operation number 178011; ZVW41 series). Your state law gives you the right to a written estimate; feel free to ask the dealer to explain what parts and labor are included in their price.
Attached is T-SB-0041-15. https://parts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-vacuum-switching-valve-assembly-2586037020?c=Zz1lbWlzc2lvbi1zeXN0ZW0mcz1lbWlzc2lvbi1jb21wb25lbnRzJmw9MTImbj1Bc3NlbWJsaWVzIFBhZ2UmYT10b3lvdGEmbz1wcml1cy12Jnk9MjAxMiZ0PXR3byZlPTEtOGwtbDQtZWxlY3RyaWMtZ2Fz Check out grommitoo's excruciating experience with this issue. My Prius dead again, with techstream this time. | PriusChat
Look at the following thead: My Prius dead again, with techstream this time. | PriusChat If the hoses to the PCV valve and the Evap system where blown off by a backfire, then there is a TSB that covers it. Part of the TSB is to replace the Evap Valve which may have been damaged by the backfire. The important part of the TSB is a software patch to prevent backfires. You might get this for free if you have less than 80K miles. If you live in a CARB state, the mileage cutoff is a lot higher. $800 is about what I paid (yes that is obscene). The TSB is covered by the secret warranty that the dealer won't talk about unless you bring it up. At 105k in a non-CARB state, I was not covered.
I talked to the service manager at my dealer. As a preemptive measure, they are going to do the software update alone for me. They stated that the software might have been upgraded since 2015 with other recalls, but they could not confirm it. Since they were very busy, I will go back in January for them to hook it up to Techstream and upgrade it, even if it may have been with the recall. Anyway, it would be a lot cheaper than if the system had failed in the future. Peace of mine is worth the cost.
I had the software update done today. It was only $90, That was cheap compared to the damage, hassle and cost to repair this issue.
Did you happen to see in Techstream what your software calibration ID was before and after the update?
If you own a 2010 Prius, as your profile shows, you may also be affected by this possible time bomb. I have again, attached a copy of the T-SB. The technician stated the ID was the previous software version that was installed in the car at the factory. He said that he installed the updated version specified in the T-SB, which I believe is installed in all Prius v's, 2014 and up.
Is "software calibration ID" what Toyota calls the software update version? That explains the cryptic comment I got from the Service manager about: "You could replace the urge valve yourself and then perform a re-calibration". He then gave me his card, which had a part number on the back. I guess he assumed I understood that "Re-Calibration" meant "Software update", because I had mentioned I had techstream.
Your profile appears to be a 2010. The T-SB covers all Gen 3 from 2010-2013 and all Prius v's from 2012-2013. And, the dealers usually don't stock the evap valve that will be destroyed of the issue occur. That's at least a two day repair - more over a weekend. At the very least, all 10-13 Gen 3's and 12-13 v's should print the T-SB and put a copy of it in the glove compartment. The 2014 and up model years already have the upgraded software installed at the factory.
Do you happen to have the TSB handy? I'm pretty sure I have this issue and they keep telling me there is no warranty even though I'm in CALIFORNIA 15year/150K miles for emissions... I towed the car in '12 Plug In 97k miles my screen said Check hybrid system stop vehicle in safe place. They did level 3 Diagnostic I have nothing to check for codes. Charged me $175 and said it was a disconnected hose from a clamp that fell off I asked how did it fall off they said they didnt know but they put it back and then next day MIL ON again. left the car there over the weekend Free level 3 diagnostic since the previous was clearly a lie and I got the following "quote" for the work. He told me over the phone $675 I asked for a written quote and he sent me an email ( I uploaded screenshot ) What can I do here?
I've attached a copy of the TSB for your information. Yes, according to the TSB, you are covered. It's amazing how ill informed the so-called experts are.
Thanks! What's the best way to approach this? Should I walk in with paperwork in hand or call the service manager. The service advisor is so incompetent that I'd really love to not deal with them at all anymore.
