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Combination meter failure - is the dealership trying to scam me?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Athey, Nov 18, 2024 at 9:22 PM.

  1. Athey

    Athey New Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Hey all - my ‘07 Prius has had the problem where the dash doesn’t turn on, and the car doesn’t want to turn off, requiring me to unplug the battery to reset the car.
    It happens maybe once or twice a month, and it’s been happening for years.
    I’ve taken it to the dealership at least once a year for four years and they’ve never been able to figure out what was wrong, because I’ve never managed to bring it in when it’s in this stupid state.

    Thankd to this forum, I found that this is apparently common, and caused by a ‘
    Combination meter failure’, which the internet has told me can be fixed by replacing a capacitor.

    I took it in today with this information in hand.
    They just called me saying that they confirmed that the combination meter is bad and that it’s going to cost $3200 to replace, and will take 3 weeks because they need to order the part.

    my friend who had this problem said that she did the repair herself and the biggest hassle was prying the whole front dash off to get access to the capacitor.

    Is the dealership full of shit and just trying to cheat me by replacing a bigger part than necessary?

    This dealership has a history of shady shit. I just don’t have anywhere better to go.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Athey, Nov 18, 2024 at 9:22 PM
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    No, the dealer solution involves removing the failed printed circuit board (PCB) which is called the Combination Meter (CM), programming the new CM with your odometer reading, and installing the new CM into the car. This is the only official repair a dealer can do and costs because they install a new part.

    What your friend did is quite common and it is what we recommend people do to fix this problem because the cost is significantly lower. There is a place in Texas that will either repair your CM or swap your old CM with one they have repaired. With this option, they also program the CM they supply with your odometer reading.

    I would ask your friend if she could help you do the repair yourself, being that it is the most economical option.
     
    #2 dolj, Nov 18, 2024 at 11:40 PM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    2009 Prius
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    Base
    Ripping off the dash top is a 40-minute job on a bad day here most people will break the air vents which are now available for $69 on Amazon and they fit so be prepared for that or you'll be driving around with just the black vent stuck in the ductwork and the gray silver trim piece in the trash which can work too but it's kind of a pain that's about it there's nothing to getting the dash top off at all other than the trim you have to remove around the small windows and that sort of thing now that your friends done it once it'll take her about 44 minutes to rip it off of your car and once you see it done what you'll never need to do it again probably you'll be able to do it too And yes the dealer is correct who messes with the dealer nobody in their right mind like been mentioned above I got the Texas hybrids unit in a car here never looked back I removed the little speaker off the back of the board before I install it now I have no warning buzzers bells whistles nothing it's a quiet car all the lights work but my seat belt doesn't beep at me the whole time I'm getting in the car and getting out the driveway etc etc It's dead silent inside I like it very much
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Nov 19, 2024 at 8:20 AM
  4. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    Touring
    the stealership is always your last option, not the first.. I still have lots of capacitors in my desk because you buy these in bulk in Amazon for $10. If you know how to solder then it will be a very cheap fix..
     
    #4 highmilesgarage, Nov 19, 2024 at 8:43 AM
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