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Inverter Failure 2013 v no ready light many lightson

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Tim Jones, Jul 20, 2018.

  1. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Here are a few more data points. The inverter reflash versions, apparently called calibrations, and more questions about using techstream to id the inverter to the network. Some ecus require the vehicle’s vin and immobolizer numbers be written to function. This is not clear in the instructions for the inverter’s ecu although a reflash is part of the procedure. I would check with a dealer and find out if an inverter can just be swapped or a techstream update is essential. Firmware update https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCRIT-15V449-7373.pdf

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    And
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  2. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Some questions, unrelated to what you are doing right at the moment...

    But did you buy this vehicle used?
    Did you buy it used from a Toyota Dealer?
    Did you take it to a Toyota Dealer sometime between the problems today, and first purchase?

    If you bought it from a Toyota Dealer, the reflash should of been done before it was sold to you. Then you would have the extended warranty.
    If before all this happened you took it to a Toyota dealer and service department for regular or routine service, IMO they should of recognized the reflash wasn't done.
    If they can tell you today, with assurance that the reflash was NOT done, so you don't qualify for warranty coverage, they should of been able to recognize that same thing BEFORE all this happened and done the reflash.

    With 194,000 miles on the vehicle, it's a hard argument to win, but it's a shame the reflash wasn't done by previous ownership or before it was sold to you.
    Toyota might of said you were out of luck anyway, but I would of at least gave it a shot.

    Good Luck from here.
     
  3. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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  4. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I bought the car from a private party.
    I was already a toyota member and added the prius to my list of vehicles. I searched the service records yesterday and the prius has had the inverter update even thought the local dealer said it wasn't done.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Having the inverter update solves nothing if the power transistors have already been damaged but have not failed yet. In fact there is a California dealer trying to sue Toyota for this very reason, eg alleging they did not step up and simply replace the inverters rather than try a cheap reflash to reduce the peak loads. Reason: cars failing in unsafe locations such as on the freeway with virtually no warning to the driver when it was predictable the inverters would fail based on accumulated runtime (eg high mileage) at the time of the recall.
     
  6. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I'm trying to figure out if it's under warranty since it had the firmware update.
    Thanks
     
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  7. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Gets me how the dealer in Ames Iowa said it didn't have the update even though the service records clearly show it did in 2016.
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    That sounds promising.
     
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I think I would make sure the battery service plug was engaged properly. Some have pulled this and did not put it back properly, apparently with a final slide motion that actually engages it. While I was at the plug, I might try to ohm out the fuse in the plug assembly. With those good, I would take it to a dealer. If a warranty inverter is still possible they would know. If firmware and vin downloads are needed, there are few other options. Realize that some service advisors do not have a detailed working knowledge of hybrid sytems as they do not see that many failures and their tech goes by Toyota’s detailed step by step procedures using Techstream diagnostics. If it is something in the battery or wiring, then they could diagnose it and at least point you in the correct direction. However, if you absolutely do not want to tow it to the dealer, you could still go down without the car and perhaps answer some of the questions if you are lucky.
     
  10. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    This is great information.... Thanks so much........... I'm recovering from Liver Cancer and on a bit of a limited income.... but getting stronger everyday.
     
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sorry to hear, all the best!(y)
     
  12. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Good news.... The toyota dealer has agreed to give me a new inverter.

    This never would have happened without the help I received on here... I had to take the info received here into the dealership....special thanks to rjparker..... I will buy you a cup of coffee when I'm back in Texas!

    THANKS!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
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  13. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Great to hear!
     
  14. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    And THANK YOU Air_Boss...... i really appreciate it...........

    THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Tim
     
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  15. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Glad to hear this worked out in this instance, but what this instance also suggests is the IMG firmware TSB re-flash either did not completely solve the problem, or damage done prior to the reflash eventually manifested as a total inverter failure. Bears watching.
     
  16. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Hope everything works out with your health and your car. We don't need any extra aggravations in our lives.
     
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  17. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I report back to you on the performance of the vehicle with the new inverter. Firmware update was 165,000 miles, went out at 196,000. If I hadn't come to this site it could have cost way more but I have two used inverters I hope I can send back.
    Thanks again....
     
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  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Maybe closing the barn doors after the horses have bolted?
     
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  19. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Perhaps that's why the warranty was extended -- to cover the eventuality of pre-flash damage later manifesting as failure.
     
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  20. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    A shame I went through all of this. Maybe the dealership will be more aware of this now .