replacing inverter on Prius 2004
 

Hi,

The inverter of my prius is damaged, as per Toyota, and need to be replaced.

Supposedly because the battery was charged with wrong polarity. I towed it to the shop when my car did not start, and the fuse was blew up at the time. They replaced both fuse and battery. About 24h later, my car was not working fine and I brought it back; they then told me the inverter was to be replaced.

Does the story makes sense ? it would imply somebody in my family charged with wrong polarity and did not tell me... hum hum...

Anyway, if I buy the part on eBay, is it reasonnable for me to do it myself ? what documentation would I need, and approximate labor time ?

Thanks !

If you can still drive it, the inverter is most likely fine.

Thanks for your help !

Strange the dealership saying so ? they would have to be very very confused.

So here are the symptoms:
- car works fine
- battery recharges when the car moves
- there is a big red !! sign. This sign signifies that something is WRONG.
- the battrey is not getting charged (from the screen picture) when the car is not moving eg at a red light

Use a Scangauge to check the error code.

code is P0A08-DC - DC inverter status.

Try asking on Priuschat.

Before you do anything, check the voltage of the 12V battery in the back of the car. It should read 12.4 and above with the car off and 13.8 or so with the "ready" symbol on. If it's showing anything in the 11V range or lower it may be shot although it may be just low on electrolyte.

These often die on the Prius and can cause all kinds of strange error messages. The 12 volt battery can be replaced with a non Toyota battery more cheaply from an auto parts supplier. The fact that the car runs means that the 12V system is getting power from the DC-DC converter. If you can clear the code with your scanguage do that and see if it happens again.

The dealership blaming you without evidence is a nasty tactic. There are many cases of the dealership just throwing parts at a problem without diagnosing properly. They like to sell you their expensive parts.

Please go to Prius chat where there are many expert people who can help you. PriusChat Forums