Just after getting off the interstate today my check engine and hybrid system warning lights came on. I stopped and found the inverter coolant reservoir empty. Water on the bottom of the engine compartment. I drove it to Toyota while filling it frequently and was told that something punctured the radiator. Cost to do the replacement is $1200. After looking up the process on AlldataDIY, their process involves draining the AC system to get the radiator off so I suppose it's not something I'm going to do on my own and I approved that they do it. They estimated 5 hours of shop time so it seems a bit steep but I guess it is what it is since I really can't drive anywhere. Does this price seem correct? One of the other things on their list of services indicated that both license plate bulbs were out. ($60 to replace both) They were working the other day so I'll check this out myself. I previously noticed that one of the sockets seemed messed up. Does anyone know where I could source a socket that would fit in the hole? I couldn't find a part # the last time I looked and it doesn't seem to be intended for individual replacement. Thanks,
The license plate bulbs are easy ten minute DIY job through access panels in the rear hatch valence. $3 apiece for the bulbs. Twice that if you go LED.
Yeah. Figured that. I'm hoping that the socket I previously messed with it OK. Otherwise I'll be looking for a replacement for that. Bulbs will be easy. Thanks,
It's not real complicated but you have to take a lot of things off to get to it, then replace it all, then recharge the a/c system so there's a good bit of labor involved. Rad is about $350 online, add in refrigerant, shop supplies, taxes, etc. so yeah, unfortunately, it's gonna be costly.
I feel better about it knowing it's that costly for the part. Quite an expensive radiator. I don't mind paying for fair shop time and wouldn't have any way to charge the AC without learning that too.