Recall Alert-2004-2007 Inverter Water Pump

That sounds like the coolant heat storage pump, especially if it increases in intensity in colder weather. There is another TSB out for that. It is replaceable under the drive train warranty if you're still under 60K miles AND the dealer can replicate the sound and verify the source. See this for more.

 

When you mean "turn off the engine", do you mean pressing power to turn off the car? If so, it's likely the CHS pump. There's a TSB at http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-...-you-have-squeaky-chs-water-pump-new-tsb.html. It also lists how long the warranty coverage for this is.

I got my squealing CHS pump replaced long ago via this TSB.

 

No, the whole inspec and coolant was free.

 

thanks to all who replied: other than the noise continuing, will anything bad happen if I don't try to fix it?

 

No.

 

Well, if you're still under warranty, I'd get it fixed, since it'd be free. If it's a bearing going bad, well, I think it it could eventually bind, at which point you'll likely be out of warranty and have to pay for it out of pocket.

If nothing else, at least when it comes time to sell your Prius, it'd be one less thing wrong that potential buyers might notice (assuming the replacement isn't squealing too).

 

Which dealer? Maita?

 

Roseville.

 

In Canada they won't replace a squealing coolant transfer pump. Pearl's has been squealing for two years now, but still works. It's embarrassing but doesn't seem to cause any real problem.

 

The later sentence is impossible.

I haven't experienced this incident but some knowledge and logic might help here:

I'm not sure how the car was configured to react to such incidents but the Toyota's HSD being a full hybrid, it cannot turn off the electrical part of the motor train and keep running on the ICE only (unlike Honda's IMA, which would probably keep running...) If the inverter is completely turned off (hence the two electrical motors), the ICE would spin freely and no power at all would be fed to the wheels. Put simply, the inverter and the two motors are your transmission. If one of them fail, you cannot move the car.

If the pump fails and the car still allows you to drive the car, then the inverter and electrical motors are still doing their work, but are then not cooled down and the inverter might fail after some time from the high heat (K$ repairs) (a search on PriusChat would lead to such real life case). The computer might try to alleviate this by using the inverter more lightly (keeping the electrical flow/conversion at a minimum), making the car less efficient, hence a higher gas consumption.

 

Had mine done yesterday at Riverside Toyota here in Tulsa. At that time they had 5 pumps in stock. Also went ahead and let them do the pedal cut off. They did a good job and of course all was at no charge. Heck they even washed and vacuumed out the car for free. And I didn't even buy the car there.

 

Just called Rockland Toyota in NY, the guy hadn't heard about the recall at all and when I explained it to him (kind of a weird situation) and asked how much it would be to also replace the engine coolant he said that they were on the same system and replacing the inverter would thus replace the engine.

I thought they were seperate systems...

 

They are.

 

They are seperate systems. Also keep in mind the person at the counter or answering the phone is not a mechanic themselves and probably doesn't know the systems as well as the actual mechanics. That being said, the person I spoke with did seem to understand the water pump issue with the Prius's and knew that the capacity of the inverter system is larger than what is normally just drained doing this special service campaign. I don't know the official capacity of the entire inverter cooling system, but I could have sworn I read it on here at one point. I for one would just assume have all the fluid replaced and get the contaminants out of there, particularly since the inverter cooling system is mission critical and doesn't have a traditional temp gauge on the dash (until it's already overheated). I'll gladly spend a few extra bucks to flush the system.

 

After reading about the recall on Prius Chat I wanted to know if I would be reimbursed for this repair which was done back in April '10.
Here is their email response:

Dear Mr. Yeager-Stiver,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We apologize for the inconvenience and added expense you experienced in this matter.

The warranty for the water pump is 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date of first use for your vehicle. Based on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) you provided, JTDKB20Uxxx, your vehicle was no longer under warranty at the time of repair and we do not show any Special Service Campaigns or recalls on this vehicle for the condition described. Once a vehicle is beyond the warranty parameters, responsibility for the cost of repair falls upon the vehicle owner.

If in the future a Special Service Campaign (SSC) or recall is issued that would cover your specific concern, Toyota would review your repairs for reimbursement at that time.

We again apologize for the inconvenience and expense this has caused you.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #.

Renee Toussaint
Toyota Customer Experience
===
After calling the 1-800 number (1-800-331-4331) I was told there is a voluntary repair job for a limited time and I can have the job "re-done," or if I choose to be reimbursed I can submit materials for a judgement once I visit a dealership and have them clear my VIN in their computer system and then mail the following:

Submit repair order
Submit proof of ownership – registration copy
Submit proof of payment of the invoice – copy of credit card receipt, monthly statement
Go to dealer to clear the system showing work was done - submit this paperwork as well

6-8 weeks later I will be informed of their decision, but the operator would not confirm I would be reimbursed.

 

There is a Toyota site where you can punch in you VIN yourself (don't have it handy now, but it has been posted in a thread on Priuschat - that is where I found it) and see if your car is eligible to have the pump replaced. Your car should be covered because 2004 to early 2007 models are included.

 

Got a call a few days ago from toyota, they said I can get the refund despite the fact that I got rid of the car. Called the 800 number, talked a few people, got all my paperwork sent in to them, and should now be receiving $732 check in 10-12 weeks. Mod money for my MINI!

RIGHTEOUS!:thumb:

 

Nice!

I made the call, service rep here is very good and she was right on top of it all, knew right away what it was about. Had to order the pump tho so we'll schedule when they have it in. I just have to remember to remove my grill blocking before going in! Don't want to hear grumblings about that later.

- D

 

I had to replace the water pump and drive (serpentine?) belt in September, at approximately 115K miles. I don't see the word "inverter" anywhere on the invoice, however... how can I tell if it's the same thing as the inverter water pump that's being discussed here?

My car is indeed affected by this campaign (per the MyToyota site), so that much at least is clear. :yuck:

Thanx!