Prius inverted cooling system malfunction?

You do not state where you are but the items you have listed look like dealer ripoffs. The only drive belt on the car can be bought for if your in the US $15 and the water pump assuming it's the engine pump can be bought aftermarket for $35.

If the dealer fitted the pump he had to take off the drive belt to fit it so there should have been no labour charge. Both items could have been fitted at your local garage as they are no different to any other vehicle for no more than $200 plus parts $50.

The water control valve is more expensive and is a Toyota only part.

If the water pump was the inverter coolant pump this should have been free of charge.

John (Britprius)

 

Captain, please put your location in your profile. It is possible there is an independent hybrid shop nearby, that can do these sorts of repairs for a reasonable cost. The dealers are not in the business of selling cars now. They make their profits from fixing them at inflated prices, and offering unnecessary services. These forums are all about helping folks with problems before they go to the dealer.

If you want metering, investigate the Torque app for Android, Priidash software, or the mini VCI on eBay.

 

If you meant inverter cooling pump. I just had mine done on a recall -no charge. If you meant timing belt that's pretty good. There have been some other recalls on that model they should have told you about.

 

I think OP was referring to the water pump drive belt, which very likely did not require changing at 75K, and if it was done as part of the engine coolant pump replacement, that was high even for dealer rates. Note that there is no timing belt in the Prius, but a timing chain which is internal to the engine.

 

I doubt the OP owns a Prius. But if he does, he's the stealership's perfect customer - totally clueless!

 

Yes, for sure. The belt is not difficult. Note that there are two coolant loops in the Prius, one for the engine, which is driven by the serpentine belt, and the other for the inverter/transaxle which has a 12V pump (subject of the recent safety recall). No connection between them.

 

I posted my own thread on this problem a week ago. I have been getting a code for the coolant thermos pump, valve, or sensor for two months. Pump sometimes LOUD after turning off engine. Dealers refused an estimate before tearing into the engine bay. I thought the valve was sticking so I bought a can of water pump lubricant. It seems to have worked: The check engine light is out and the pump is quiet. Cost $3 at Autozone. I saw zero downside in giving it a try. Here's the info on what I used:

Bars Leaks anti-rust and water pump lube is a liquid water soluble oil that protects the metal surfaces inside the cooling system along with lubricating the thermostat and water pump seal.

• Protects cooling system
• Compatible with all brands of anti-freeze
• Fast easy & safe to use
• Thermostat lubricant
• Rust inhibitor

 

I have the same issue with a p1150 dtc code indicating coolant sensor problem. Did the Barr's cause your radiator coolant any issues like congealing or gumming up the system? I am ready to take the plunge as my dealer also refuses to give me an estimate without major expense. Thanks.