My check engine light was going on and off, then stayed on. Took to dealer, said it was fluid control valve. Replaced at a cost of $544. (Still smarting from sticker shock.) Now, the heat does not work in my car and last night the Master Warning Light went on, as did the light for high coolant temp. warning. These flashed on then off. Hasn't happenned again. Questions: Is $544 around the expected price? I'm finding $400-$500 estimates online. Should I be worried if the lights only flashed briefly before going away? Is it likely the replacement and lack of heat are connected? Thanks in advance. Don't trust the dealer, but other car places said they couldn't help me with a Prius. Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/2007-prius-p1221.118815/#ixzz2DdaqghYF
Yes, you should be worried. You should take the car back and let the service writer know that 1) the cabin heat is not working and 2) the coolant temp warning light came on for a brief period. Both symptoms indicate that air was left in the engine coolant loop.
Thank you! I am driving there during lunch and dropping my car back off. I'll tell them my mechanic friend said it sounds like air might be in the engine coolant loop. The guy I've been "working with" said it sounds like the coolant pump or a valve was left open. I'm assuming if they actually fix this then no lights will come on again. I feel like the dealership has you over a barrell with the Prius. I was told by my regular place that they couldn't help b/c is a hybrid.
At a dealer, yes. I charge around half of that and I'm pretty sure other independent shops do as well. Yes, take it back ASAP, and HAVE IT TOWED IF THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. I am certain the are.
Perhaps you can help me with this. I would prefer not going to the dealership, but I have found when I go to an independent shop I am told that they cannot help me with a hybrid, thus being at the mercy of the dealer. I live in Austin, TX and have not found a hybrid shop. Do you have suggestions for this type of situation? Thanks!
Patrick, you are a genius! That is exactly what the problem was. I felt very empowered saying that my mechanic friend suggested this may be the issue. They fixed the issue and thank goodness it was free. Thanks again for helping me! I often feel helpless with car issues, but not this time!
I live in Austin, TX and haven't found a place yet. I'm about to hit 50,000 miles! It seems like all of my car problems have been happening in the last five months : ( I've spent over $1,000. Though part of that was a tire blow-out, repair to damage that had been done by the blow-out and four new tires. Not to mention the out of town tow on Labor Day. Sigh.
