My wife's Prius freaked out last night (Its the inverter)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Apr 13 2006, 11:35 AM) [snapback]239262[/snapback]</div>

This is typical of many computer systems: it's very difficult to program soft-failure or partial-failure modes. The NASA folks know how to do this for their space probes, but those of us in conventional industry never do.

With the proper system sensors, more accurate failure information could be obtained---giving the computer(s) the ability to do something good with whatever's still working. The Prius would need a bunch of sensors at probable failure points (who predicts these?) and then the appropriate "recovery" hardware: software-controlled switches, breakers, disconnects, etc. With this equipment, the computer could sense the failing components and re-route or disconnect subsystems to keep running.

The car would unfortunately cost as much as a moon mission...

 

The inverter has everything to with *getting* the engine running,
though, as well as getting its output sent to the right place. But
the inverter tends to have a little trouble performing this function
with glycol sloshin' around over all the control electronics...
.
What do they do with the *old* inverters, I wonder?
.
_H*

 

they send 'em back to HQ and take them apart.

kaizen- constant self improvement. that word is hammered into the heads of anyone going through tech certification, i've seen nearly all the modules DH has done.

 

As my '02 Prius just passed 70K miles, and in a few years my 100K full extended warranty will expire, I'm surprised that most people concerned with Prius longevity worry primarily about the costs of battery replacement. While that is the more likely hybrid component to "wear out" and it is currently costly, we've seen other component failures in this forum like MFD replacement ($2000) and inverter replacement ($4000 + labor) which are going to be really painful when they happen out of warranty, albeit hopefully rarely.

 

they do have an out of warranty exchange program for the MFD, anyone who paid more than ~$400 got ripped off by a greedy dealer.

an inverter, however, is definitely something you don't want to have fail on you.

 

kaizen -- granted, and a cool idea, but I just wish the process was
a little more *visible* to the customer base / public. There's a
bunch of good input coming from all over that Toyota could really
benefit from, but it's like throwing noodles at a concrete wall.
.
_H*

 

Guess it is another good reason not to do the battery mode. Warranty is so important if the inverter is that expensive.

 

Hopefully she won't need it but if she makes it to I-81 and has trouble, I can recommend the service dept of Shelor Toyota off exit 118 in Christiansburg. I took my car there while I was in school and they gave me a straight answer, and a fair deal. I'm sure they would have a Prius tech there. Can't say I recommend the Days Inn or Howard Johnson near it though. There is a good part of the area on the NC/VA border on 77 that has shoddy cell reception (Verizon)....but there is usually plenty of traffic and police presence.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Apr 17 2006, 01:53 PM) [snapback]241174[/snapback]</div>

Here's my question. I'm a new Prius owner, and admit I'm a worrywart. I've been slowly reading the owner's manual and stopped when I got to page 25 which warns that the smart function or the wireless remote control feature may not operate properly "when facilities issuing strong electromagnetic waves such as TV towers, electric power stations, broadcasting stations are nearby" (or when another person is operating a wireless remote control function on another vehicle near your vehicle). What would happen if this type of interference occurs? Will it cause a car to haywire (like during your wife's trip), could it only affect the ability to start the car? Could it "stop" the hybrid system for a car already driving? Any thoughts anyone?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Ginger @ Apr 18 2006, 05:11 AM) [snapback]241399[/snapback]</div>

You can always use the mechanical key and put the fob into the ignition slot if the smart key system has troubles (or if the battery goes dead). Everything that's important to the car's operation is hardwired and the em waves won't hurt that any more than any other car. No worries!

[edit] Once the car has started, even if you take the key out of the car and move it, it will keep running. It may give you some angry beeps, but it will keep running until you turn it off when using the SKS system

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Apr 17 2006, 07:53 PM) [snapback]241174[/snapback]</div>

so DH was looking through the inverter section of the repair manuals... turns out half the inverter code descriptions come up as "toyota proprietary information"

so even their techs aren't clued in. probably not even the tech assist center. and in most cases they say to inspect everything outside the inverter, and if everything else is okay just replace the inverter. apparently there's some stuff noone is supposed to know there... :huh:

same for the generator. hmm.

 

Thanks Marlin and PriusBlue, I'll sleep better tonight and worry less tomorrow.