Won't start, "check hybrid system" on Gen III

The question may be that now that Toyota has replaced the IPM transistors under warranty then what is the warranty of the new IPM. They may or may not warrant the replacement IPM for the extended 15 years.

I would certainly ask so you will know for sure.

 

This happened to me a couple of months ago. My 2012 Prius IV with 64k miles on it suddenly lost power in the middle of a left turn on a busy road! Fortunately, the car was able to limp through the turn and make it to the side of the road. I got the "check hybrid system" indicator and the car would not move faster than about 5 mph. I knew it wasn't the battery because it would power up, it just wouldn't drive normally. I had it towed to the dealer who confirmed that it was the transistor kit within the IPM. Thankfully, the part was still under warranty! The downside was, my dealer didn't have the kit in stock and neither did any local dealer so the part had to be ordered. It was backordered and took about 2-1/2 weeks to come in!
Fortunately, they gave me a free rental (a Corolla) which made me visit the gas station more often than I'm used to but I was thankful to have a car during the intrim. Siince I bought the Prius, I've only taken it to the dealer for service. I don't remember my car being recalled.

 

Here's the recall document. They did a software re-flash to lower current to the IPM under heavy throttle. With the original software spec, current under heavy load was such that it was cracking leads to the 3 capacitors within the transistor pack. When this happens, the car goes instant limp-mode, as you experienced. If you didn't do the re-flash prior to your IPM failure, they will have done it when they did the repair.

 

Thanks...good to know.

 

ouch! sorry to hear, how bad are her injuries?

 

Sorry about her injuries!

 

bummer. all the best to you and her!