Recently my 2012 Prius C went into permanent limp mode when accelerating. I pressed on the gas when it turned green and the car started moving and then stopped accelerating. I was able to restart it and move it 100 ft to a gas station but it wouldn't start again. I scanned it with a Bluetooth OBD2 reader and it only showed P0A94. I googled that and it looks to be a failed inverter. I had the car towed to a repair shop and I'm waiting for a diagnostic. I had been having problems starting the car prior. When I got in and pressed the brake down I would have to wait for the 5 second motor noise to stop before pressing the start button. I tested the 12v battery and it was bad so I replaced it with a EverStart Platinum AGM Automotive Battery, Group Size S46B24R 12 Volt, 410 CCA from Walmart. After that I had no problem starting it. I went to Toyota and they said the inverter wasnt under warranty. The inverter assembly is $2500 in parts and the labor is $400. I figured to find a used inverter from a dismantler. Can anyone tell me what year inverter I can get? I was told by Toyota there wasn't any revisions but maybe an inverter from a gen 4 Prius C would work?
I am pretty sure there was a recall on the inverters for 2012 and 2013. Not sure what other years would work in the 2012 if you are going with a used one, although I believe the dealer is correct in that the hybrid system hasn't changed over the years. Also, since some dealers are reluctant to do warranty repairs, it wouldn't hurt to run your VIN at another if you have one nearby. Maybe it actually is covered. Or you can enter your VIN here: Lookup Safety Recalls & Service Campaigns
Thanks. I looked up the recalls and called Toyota Customer Advocate line. Both said there wasn't a recall. I belive this cars battery just ran out of warranty because I think k it's 10 years. The mechanic I sent the car to said he thinks the hybrid battery is dead. He said he doesn't have the correct equipment, like Toyota does, to fully diagnose the problem. He's quoting $1800 parts for a used battery. Parts and labor for the inverter is under $800. I'm going to search how to diagnose a failed battery under these conditions.
This article would seem to indicate a recall of some kind: 2012 Toyota Prius C Problems Include Major Hybrid Inverter Failures and Burnt-out Headlights - VehicleHistory Here's another one, but it's not clear which years and models are effected: Toyota Announces 3rd Prius Recall to Address Inverter Failures Either way, your mechanic has quoted you some decent pricing once you figure out the exact problem.
Thanks. I don't believe a battery will just stop unless a cable was disconnected or it exploded. If it is the battery, I would rather dismantle it and replace the cells myself that come with a longer warranty. Who knows what condition a used battery is in. I'm going to start calling dismantlers for a used Inverter assembly.
Did they actually diagnose your problem as an inverter fail? If not you could be guessing. I have only seen customer service programs for the Prius hatchback and the Prius v wagon which essentially use the same inverter from a hardware standpoint. The c is a different part. I would do a little online dealer parts shopping to verify the inverter you need and then determine what years may be the same. Software will make a difference as well so rely on the specific part number. Also be aware salvage yards don’t always get year compatibility right in their ads. There is a separate class action settlement but it apparently not for the c. Typical inverter csp from Toyota
If it does turn out to be the battery, and you want to consider a reasonable alternative to the DIY job: https://greenbeanbattery.com/toyota-prius-c-2012-2019-hybrid-battery-replacement/
You having problems starting the car earlier might be a sign of a bad 12 V battery, an inverter does not fails like that. Either the IGBT's are burnt or they are not, there is no in between for the inverter to stop working and suddenly start working, unless it is overheating. Turn the car on and open the good, touch one of the inverter coolant hoses and feel if it's vibrating or not, this is to check if the inverter coolant pump is working, if it is not then the inverter will overheat and get damaged.
