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Overheating / coolant cap leak

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by RobertK555, Dec 3, 2019.

  1. RobertK555

    RobertK555 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2019
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    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    So my overheating light came on recently and I checked the reservoir on the right side and it was low, there was residual link coolant dried up around the cap, so I filled it up. (note: there was a coppery residue built up inside the cap as well as fleck of copper in the pinkish areas of dried coolant outside the tank)

    Drove it the next day and it was fine going to school then on the way home the light came on again. The reservoir was low again and steam was coming out over the cap overflow valve and there was coolants sprayed around that area.

    Is this just a bad cap or possibly some other problem?

    I have a video but my account is new and can’t post the link in the thread.
     
    #1 RobertK555, Dec 3, 2019
  2. Profanas

    Profanas Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
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    Location:
    Lithuania
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius+ MPV
    Model:
    III
    Engine Gasket? or water pump not working?
     
    #2 Profanas, Dec 4, 2019
  3. RobertK555

    RobertK555 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2019
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    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    Not sure, how do I check either of these?
     
    #3 RobertK555, Dec 4, 2019
  4. RobertK555

    RobertK555 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2019
    4
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    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    FOLLOW UP: Check engine light came on, the following code came up: P0117
     
    #4 RobertK555, Dec 8, 2019
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
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    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    P0117 tells me your engine coolant became very, very hot. Stop driving your car until you figure out the cause of the coolant loss.
     
    #5 The Critic, Dec 9, 2019
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  6. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Sanford, NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    What does your exhaust tailpipe inside look like? The oil? How many miles on the car? Has the EGR system ever been cleaned or replaced?

    A common problem is head gasket failure. Common diagnostic step is remove spark plugs and inspect their color. If they are different, then you have where the anti-freeze is going. $$$ if true. Get quote R&R head gasket, refill with anti-freeze

    Fill with water. Let warm up so thermostat opens. Carefully remove radiator cap. See what is happening. If no movement, then maybe water pump.

    Another test is pressure test the cooling system. Any radiator shop.

    Driving it like this could destroy the engine. Bearings, head warpage....
     
    #6 mikefocke, Dec 9, 2019
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