Is it possible replace the water pump?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Aubree888, May 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM.

  1. Aubree888

    Aubree888 Junior Member

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    Hello everyone,
    This is my first post so bare with me…
    I have a 2010 Toyota Prius-

    So I’m a female and my ex boyfriend taught me a bit about cars and slowly I’ve become more and more interested in learning how to kind of fix and do things on my own. Last week I was able to successfully change the ignition coils and spark plugs but then unfortunately as I continued to drive the high engine temp light started flashing. When I checked the coolant level it was dangerously low so after doing some research I’m thinking I need to replace the water pump. I would like to replace the water pump myself so I’ve been watching videos and learning as much as I can. When I told one of my guy friends I wanted to do it myself he laughed and told me there was no way I could do it on my own. I know it’s a difficult and time consuming job but I think I can do it- so my question is it possible for me to do myself?
     
    #1 Aubree888, May 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    I am saddened to hear that such bigotry still exists.

    If this is your interest, then I suggest that you chase after it. I am not aware of any reason that a female can not go into automotive repair work.

    I wish you the best of luck :)
     
    #2 ForestBeekeeper, May 20, 2025 at 12:02 AM
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That makes me want you to do it on your own. :mad:

    What tools have you got? I don't think the pump requires more than a basic socket set.

    If you don't have a (probably 3/8" drive) torque wrench, it might be a good investment. Might be overkill going and using it on all the pump bolts and nuts, but could be a good idea to set it for the recommended torque and just use it once or twice on some random similar bolt to get a feel for how tight to go. (If its handle is a different length than your regular socket driver, be sure to account for that when switching between the two.)

    Do you have a scan tool that can talk to everything in a Prius? The Autel AP200 is often recommended here.

    Using a scan tool, you can find out if any trouble codes are set involving the water pump. You can also tell the pump to turn on, and watch its RPM. (You only get one choice of speed to turn it on at, though.) That will help you be sure the water pump really is the problem before you take stuff apart.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, May 20, 2025 at 8:37 AM
    Last edited: May 20, 2025 at 8:42 AM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What’s the miles? Did anything prompt you to change coils/plugs? How long has the coolant level been low?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, May 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The coolant pump nor the tools know if you are male or female.
    It will work the same.
    It's good you are learning to work on your car. That's a lot of money you won't have
    to give to someone else to do it for you. Keep learning!

    How many miles on the car?
    You should check why the coolant is low. Is there a leak? Bad hose? Head Gasket?
    It's not that hard to replace the coolant pump. And 1 person can do it themselves.

    Why did you change the plugs AND coils? Was it mileage and time to replace the plugs?
    No reason to replace the coils unless they are bad. Did you get Toyota coils, or aftermarket?
    Best hold on to the original coils in case the ones you installed go bad.
    Same with the plugs.

     
    #5 ASRDogman, May 20, 2025 at 9:16 AM
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