Coolant question

This highly recommended shop isn't that great. There is air in the system that needs to be burped out. I would just bring it back and let them mess with it.....

I also didn't know there were 2 coolant valves that pertain to P1121

 

If you are capable and willing, I'd just drain all the coolant and refill with the proper stuff. After you do it once or twice and understand what you are doing, it's an easy job.

 

Don't drain it as the fluid is new, just bleed the air out

 

He's got one gallon of Toyota fluid now, what's needed for both circuits, two more?

It's a bit of a mess, mystery fluid, air pockets. Toyota is picky about fluid; they recommend to use the Toyota fluid specd in Owners Manual, or an alternative IF it's in compliance with...., and they go on for some length.

I read for a bit, then say you know what, think I'll use the Toyota fluid.

If it was me, at this juncture, I'd go the Richy Rich route: get a quote from a Toyota dealership to change coolant in both circuits. Considering the unknown fluid in there, maybe a flush as well for piece of mind. Bring the gallon of Toyota fluid along, to be used. Also any invoices from the other place, might be helpful.

 

Oh I missed the part the coolant is green. Well definitely get rid of that stuff

 

TOO FUNNY. Comedy of errors. Sounds like another case of a conventional repair shop learning about a hybrid at the owners expense?

Highly recommended by ... (spouse of the shop owner, cousin of the shop owner, cousin of the mechanic employed by the shop, owner of the building, co-owner of the shop, someone who is dating the owner/mechanic at said shop, ...)?

These are all the pumps (plural) and valve (singular) associated with cooling the engine and inverter:

1 3-way valve,
1 CHRS (coolant Heat Recovery System) pump (electrical),
1 inverter pump (electrical),
1 conventional engine water pump (belt driven)​

So, what mystery valve did recommended shop replace? And what was their justification for this mystery replacement? How do they know this (dinner payment/)second part was defective?

 

Add to that list:
1 cabin heater core pump (electrical) whose purpose is to circulate engine coolant when the engine is off during normal hybrid operation

 

I agree, I'd not want to take it back to them either. I do like the suggestion that you take the car to have Toyota drain and refill the coolant loop, then seek reimbursement from the FNG -- I would also tell them ahead of time that they messed it up, that you will be getting it rectified at Toyota and seeking reimbursement. Also, would be keen to hear what was the other valve that was replaced.

If you would like to have a go at DIY, here is a thread (see post #22 ff):

Changing engine coolant | post #22 | Prius Chat

As regards flushing, I'd feel like it was necessary and one of the contributors to the above thread recommended using 100% anti-freeze as well as Patrick cautioning against using just water. See the thread for the rationale and details.

In any case, I would be feeding back to the FNG that they messed up and how.

Hope it all ends well.

 

the color of the coolant is just dye; as long as the shop used coolant which says its ok for Toyota on the label, you should be ok in that respect. I would want to take it back to the shop and politely point out that the tech was either lazy or ignorant because he didn't properly bleed the air out of the system. also get them to show you the coolant which they used and read the label to be sure its ok for your car. don't take their word, read the label. if they used bulk or wrong coolant, than they need to drain it and refill (and properly bleed it this time) with Toyota SLLC, for free. when you pickup the car, check the reservoir to verify its full so you don't have to go back again.