This is a new TSB that was released on Wed. 4-20-05. Some customers with 2004 or 2005 model year Prius vehicles may experience an internal inverter coolant leak resulting in a M.I.L. “ON†condition with DTC P3009 and Information Codes 526 and 614 (inverter/converter assembly). The inverter/converter assembly has been improved to prevent this condition. I have only seen this code one time. I don't think we as a large group of Prius Owners will see very many of these inverters going out. Rick have you had the opportunity to replace one yet. The first one took half the day. So your dealers won't want to do this TSB unless it has to be done. The second time I had one off was to replace a Brake Actuator. So I'm hoping the next one I have to do I can do it in 2hrs.
Thanks for the info Kyle. What should we look for to see if we should have this TSB done? Will there be a warning light (or is that too late?) or will we see inverter coolant on the ground? I'm not too worried about my Prius as I know Toyota makes good products but I also don't want any extra trouble in the future (especially once I'm out of warranty). Is this the kina thing we should do (if we don't mind bringing in our cars and waiting) or is a more of a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'? thanks again, Peter B
First thing is to look at the TSB and see if your VIN number is before the ones listed. If it is you MAY be affected.
Wait till your MIL and HV warning Lights before you even call your dealer. This is a one in a 1000 of the vehicles that fall in the vin range. Like I said I have only seen one and some dealers have never seen any. If the problem gets worse than Toyota makes a SSC and sends everyone involved a letter. This is good information for the dealers that have never seen this. Please don't call your dealers.
According to the document all 2004 vehicles are affected. I have an '04. That's why I wonder if Toyota will replace all the '04 inverters? Or only if a customer asks/has a problem? Kyle.. what is the 'MIL' and 'HV' lights? Is 'MIL' the Master caution light (red triangle of death?). -Peter B
i guess i've got 82months/90,000 miles to see if this will happen to me. wouldnt want to fix what's not broken...
Peter, As Kyle stated, they'll only replace/repair if there is a problem. It seems to be a rare issue and they want to let the techs know it exists and what to do if there is a problem. If you get a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)/CEL (Check Engine Light) go in and have your car checked...a specific DTC (Diagnostic Tester Code) will be generated if this is the problem.
Hi Kyle, good to see you still around, :lol: . I just saw this TSB this week also. I have never had to replace an inverter yet in any year Prius. I have had a couple off for other reasons, mostly for our body shop. Heater hose leak, drivetrain removal for frame repair, etc. I don't believe we will see a lot either. I would just not worry about it and if the Malfunction lights come on and it was for this code, at least the techs have a heads up as to what caused it/where to go in repair. As the TSB starts out, " Some customers...." . Also thanks Evan, for covering for us with answers when we are slow to repond,
Thanks guys. Good to know... just in case I ever have inverter problems. (or see coolant puddles under my car) With Toyota I feel pretty good... but it's still a car. I've had enough to know that anything can and will happen. -Peter B
