myhybrid

I took it to the local dealership but the code was out. They found an old code in the system p0a05 detail code#2 reads 776. They said there was an open circuit on the inverter cooling pump that is intermittent. They think. They wanted to replace the pump but they did not seem sure that the pump was faulty. In fact I was con convinced they knew what they were doing at all. They wanted $850 to replace the pump. I'm not sure what to do. I thought about taking it to the Toyota dealership as there is no other Lexus dealership in the area. What would you recommend?

myhybrid

As I think about it, this problem started right after I had the IPM recall work completed. In fact it was the next time I drove it after the recall work. The Lexus service manager said it was completely unrelated and that it was just a coincidence. I think they did something wrong and are trying to cover it up. Has anyone else had this problem after the recall work was completed?

thomas1

How many miles on your car? If over 100k or car is over 6 years old, just go to Toyota and tell them you want the inverter cooling pump replaced. By the way it is a less than one hour job to do. It is located on the frame below the left headlamp near the bottom of the radiator. see my posting of pictures of the pump. It is not even located on the inverter. I could replace it in less than 30 minutes. The part is less than $300. So Lexus price is outrageous. The pump could be in a failure mode intermitantly and causing the code. As for the open circuit that is weird....you could unplug the wire harness to the pump and look at the connector and see if it is corroaded. The pump is just a little electric motor driven pump.

bp924

I'm having the same problem! When it happened the first time I took it to the dealership and they said the regular 12 volt battery was bad and needed to be replaced. Once they replaced it they said everything with the hybrid system tested normal and it was fine. Less than a week later I'm on the highway going 60 mph and SAME THING happens again! Check Hybrid System light AND Check VSC System light comes on simultaneously! I'm going to bring it back to the dealership tomorrow to get a better diagnosis but it sounds like it might be the inverter or the cooling pump on the inverter? I have a 2006 Rx400h but when I plug in my VIN it doesn't come up as qualifying for the inverter recall... I have no idea why!

shravanm18

I was driving on the freeway and suddenly my car started lurching on an uphill slope and the Check Engine, Check VSC, Check Hybrid System warnings came on.

Got the car towed to a Lexus Dealership and they quoted me $1950 for replacing the Inverter Coolant Pump. $600 for the part and $1350 for the labor.

I am planning on going to just a local mechanic to get it done. Do you guys recommend on doing that?

thomas1

Yes, the pump is way less than $600 with AWD is is around $400 and the pump is located on the frame on the drivers side by the bottom of the radiator. Would literally take 30 minutes to replace, however you would probably have to top up the coolant loss.

thomas1

You will also have to reset the codes....

TommyTT

Can't find your pictures. Your link please.
TommyTT

thomas1

No pictures of pump location, but it is clearly visable when you open the hood and look on the bottom cover, frame area on the drivers side. You will see two hoses about 3/4 diameter going to it.

TommyTT

With pump at bottom of radiator doesn't coolant drain out when replacing pump? And in other posts both engine coolant and inverter coolant are on same loop but separate radiators, correct?

thomas1 you stated on another post to just replace inverter coolant pump if RX was 6 + years or had 100k miles as preventive maintenance... . Mine has 122k miles and is same 2008 RX400h.
I am not a DIYer but nearest Toyota shop is 75 miles away.

So I am wanting to use my local auto service shop I have used for last 15 years. They know nothing about hybrids yet. My wife's car is a 2012 Prius 2 so similar system to RX. Do you know source for a proper Lexus/Toyota hybrid workshop manual? I will buy and share with local shop which is 1 mile from home saving me travel time and money. They charge $75/hr.
Thanks
TommyTT

thomas1

Great questions, and yes you would loose some coolant when replacing pump, I at this point am not changing pump at 100k, just too busy. The coolant loops are separate for the engine and hybrid cooling system. As for manuals, I got one from Fleabay, but it is a Russian copy and a little difficult to use. (DVD).