2010-2015 Toyota Prius Inverter coolant drain and refill

This is a 2012 Toyota Prius. We are doing a Inverter coolant drain and refill, it's pretty straight forward and easy to do. We didn't use Techstream so we had to manually turn on the inverter pump to bleed out the air in the inverter cooling system. You want to do this maintenance every 120k-150k miles.
Tools:
amzn.to/2awcRDO 3/8 ratchet
amzn.to/2b7julS 10mm allen key socket
amzn.to/2aZ5zZz Funnel
amzn.to/2awbSn5 Drain pan
Parts:
amzn.to/37GdFWJ 1 gallon of Super long life coolant 50/50
Bolt gasket
amzn.to/42OsRfL Inverter Drain plug gasket 90430-A0003
Torque specs:
amzn.to/2aDZqER 3/8 Torque wrench
29 ft. lbs - Inverter bolt
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Intro: RavenProDesign
Music: Manic Bloom - Death and Conversation
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[@climbing_for_dollars]

The Toyota dealerships charges $184 per coolant system and at least 2 hours wait time to do this for you... lol. They also will tell you how the price is justified because "its complicated since its a hybrid car and has 2 coolant systems." These videos are a huge money saver for people and you will be able to sleep at night since you know you aren't getting ripped off by the dealership.

[@yslee1401]

Yeah, i did the engine coolant change when i cleaned up the EGR pipe, intake manifold and throttle body. You can access the engine coolant drain after removing the airbox, so don't need to crawl under the car to remove the under body panels

[@76tigga]

your videos are so detailed and helpful. It's astounding the number "modes" the Prius has. I had no clue these modes existed until I watched your videos.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Thank you! So far, the 2021 sienna hybrid maintenance is the same as the 2012 Prius. Toyota vehicles are pretty easy in terms of maintenance.

[@simplyraw1369]

I'm a 56 yr old woman and I was able to follow this (hate mechanical work!) However, HATE the fee's dealers and professional mechanics charge even more! I thank you my friend!!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Nice work!

[@kevinbyrne7597]

Thanks for your Prius videos. I have saved a ton of $ from not paying dealers overinflated prices. Keep up the good work. My 2010 has 220,000 miles and still going strong!

[@MrShankwheat]

Have you had any problems with your 2010 burning oil?

[@nellatl]

How many miles now? Any issues?

[@devoidbmx1]

@Carolee Overmann No one cares about your scam hacking software. You need to develop some morals. Didnt your parents teach you to be a good person? Do you really think you are going to have a better life by promoting scams in KZbin comments? Go make something of yourself.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

@Carolee Overmann I bet you get through a lot of rent boys 👦.

[@yslee1401]

There is a sticker on the inverter coolant reservoir stating that the coolant change interval is 150,000 miles. What i did on my CT200H (same engine as 3rd gen Prius) is to change the engine coolant at 80,000 miles and both inverter and engine coolant at 150,000 miles

[@JoseHernandez-vf6zx]

Thanks for your video tutorial! I just did some major maintenance on my vehicle and saved hundreds of dollars doing it myself by just watching your videos! I'm an IT guy so not really a mechanic but this was soo darn easy to do! Thanks again!

[@happylight7881]

This was the last done since the engine undercover removal is a pain in the butt, so I did trans fluid, two coolants all at 103K miles. It is wonderful to feel car's power to transmission being tightly coupled. Thank NutsAboutBolts for sharing.

[@Stunnereclipse]

Thank you very much, your videos of the Prius also work for the Toyota Camry hybrid (2012). I followed your procedure for the invertor and engine coolant on my Camry hybrid and it worked like a charm. Also the 10mm bolt was the same. This procedure will probably work about the same for all Toyota Synergy drive systems. Your video was a life saver because there aren't any videos out for the Camry hybrid.

[@nonenone4078]

How did you do yours I have 2007 Toyota camry hybrid and want to do this

[@o.g.j.t.5922]

Wow, I saved $150 today thanks to watching this video that explained the " do it yourself " process very clear, after watching the video 3 times it was a piece of cake😎

[@passangsherpa6831]

Yes I’m gonna do it myself what tool do I Jed for this and how much coolant do I need to put in Toyota 2015? Thank you

[@alaind831]

@@passangsherpa6831 5qt/1.3gal for engine, and 1.6quart for inverter. 2 gallon did both exactly on my 2014 prius.

[@vikassehdevs]

Hi There Did the inverter and engine coolant change as well as transmission fluid change on my 2012 Prius all by myself (first time ever) by watching your videos. Thanks a lot. And keep them coming. Vikas

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Nice work!

[@ploxplox1109]

@@NutzAboutBolts Hey what inverter coolant did you buy the link for the coolant in the description does not work ?? exact name or brand and does the coolant from the radiator and the inverter use the same coolant correct?

[@misaelflores3843]

Is not tank for transmition fluid?

[@tardeliesmagic]

@@NutzAboutBolts Could i use Prestone coolant instead of the Toyota coolant? Thanks

[@davidfalgout7304]

@@tardeliesmagic NO and HELL NO !!

[@MrShankwheat]

Really nice video. Thanks, Mr. Nutz. Two tips I discovered while doing this 1) a 10 mm hex socket for the drain plug is essential. Don't try this with a 3/8 or any other size or you'll strip it and you're SOL. 2) If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, that drain plug gets rusty and a breaker is essential to loosen it.

[@joelmarcelo4694]

I believe this service costs $160 at the dealer, thank you so much, learned so much by your videos!!!

[@brandoncostner7437]

Do they do this at the dealer at a certain mileage? My prius has had every recommended service it's whole 176k life

[@vinie.-z.3565]

@@brandoncostner7437 at 150k they suggest to change the inverter coolant.

[@castironrichie1445]

290$ in NY -_-

[@aboonski]

Thanks for posting this very informative video. I have a 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that needs this service plus the transmission fluid change as well. I am at the 70,000 mile mark right now. The local Toyota of Melbourne wants a small fortune to do these two tasks which I would do myself if not for vertigo. I crawl under a car and immediately get nauseated because of this issue. I have a local ASE certified mechanic in West Melbourne that i can take my vehicle to and have these maintenance items accomplished for much less that I was quoted at the Toyota dealership. People need to be very careful about being gouged when they bring their cars in for service at dealerships!

[@roystankado7769]

Just the tutorial i was looking for, cheers mate 🤙

[@v41ru55]

My dealership wanted to charge me $200+ to do the inverter coolant change at 106k. Not only am I relieved that it's not necessary till 120-150k, but watching this video I feel confident I can do this myself!! Thank you!!!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Anyone can do this 👍🏼

[@alaind831]

do NOT wait for the published 150k long life. all the reviews I see say to to 5y/50k as collant get acidic and you are wearing your head gaster (much bigger problem) and inverter. Cost $30 worth of coolant and

[@haywardkong1213]

@@alaind831 Agreed... but you can also do test strips to see how the coolant is doing too.....

[@kc0rock]

Very concise Video. Thank You. I assume this is the process I follow in the replacement of the inverter coolant pump.

[@biglion6494]

Thank you mate your videos are great it helped me a lot , saves me lots of money. Keep going men you are doing great 😀😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@furryp2402]

Thank you for making this video. My 2010 Prius has 100,000 miles and I think I'm about due for this change

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Mines 110k due, gonna do next oil change lol

[@alaind831]

I hear do it 50k/5y not the 150k they say on the bottle! old red coolant used to be 50k but the extend range they now quote are ridiculous. coolant gets acid and will eat your head gasket and inverter. so cheap and easy to change coolant.

[@0609householder]

Great video. I'm a mechanic and just needed a little refreshing on what do do. We don't see many of these where I am.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

great prius videos your the best

[@NYCMP1]

Wait. I just compared info in description on both engine and inverter and it does say "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" So nevermind my last question. Awesome work. Thank you.

[@wvieira981]

Thank you so much, You did the best job detailed.

[@siward44]

Thank you for the video. I just changed my 2012 Prius engine and inverter coolant today at 191708km. Instead of removing the whole engine cover, I simply removed the driver's side clips. Those darn clips took me over an hour to remove. I had a screw driver and a clip remover tool that looks like a pair of pliers. Unfortunately, I stripped one of the inner bolts due to rust. With the car jacked high enough, I was able to bend the undercover and reach for the inverter drain plug. The inverter plug was tight so, I had to use a short breaker bar (18"). I filled the inverter reservoir about 3mm above the fill line and asked a helper to add coolant as soon as he sees it drop. My helper did nothing and the first time it dropped to empty. I hope this didn't mess up anything? There should already be air after the inverter pump as the air came in from the plug when it was removed. Took it for a test drive and didn't see any codes.

[@alaind831]

| the first time it dropped to empty I too had this happen. I did the ready+stop 3-4 times like the video and it dropped a little, but then the engine decide to start and I killed it right away but the reservoir was empty. at the end I put in 1.6qt for the inverter (~5wt, or 1.3g for engine). drove and no issue.

[@MrTmenzo]

Awesome looks easy.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

It’s pretty easy

[@miyaseelanka6319]

Good job. Thanks.. Very easy

[@pinzgauernorcal]

Thanks for the videos

[@ripptydevibes2581]

Nice video and nice voice lol. Im excited I get to charge more for this coolant flush

[@NYCMP1]

Hi there, This might be a dumb question but it looks like it in video but I was wondering if engine and inverter coolant are exactly the same. Love your work. Your the one to watch on KZbin when it come to this stuff. Simple, to the point, no BS.

Yes, they are the same fluid.

[@kc0rock]

Thank you for asking this important question!

[@TheKobotron]

Good video very good information 👍

[@mrbob8695]

Thank you. Well taught

[@Allgood73]

And the great videos keep coming.... subscribed!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

thank you!

[@user-wt4df6pd2p]

Dealership asked me to pay 500$ for these easy steps 😂😂😂 I will do it by myself thanks for your video

[@NutzAboutBolts]

😬

[@alexsanderdasilva9787]

Nice video 👍

[@AA-os1sg]

Thanks your video it helped alot! For info should it help anybody it is very similiar process for the LEXUS IS300H 2014-2020, the only difference is there is a white plastic drain valve for the Inverter & it is on a rubber hose.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

I feel these procedures will be the same throughout the hybrids for Toyota and Lexus.

[@andresivanramos]

THANK YOU!!!

[@ti50pqsmoith34]

Thanks for making this video. Very detailed and informative. Can you make for for the inverter coolant pump replacement?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

currently our inverter still working... once its not, we'll sure to film it. sorry!

[@bobbauvian7700]

I am looking for a video on replacing the hybrid water pump for it.

[@josegarcia-th3pj]

the way to check this pump is working is observing the surface of the coolant reservoir and watch for turbulence like in the 2nd gen

[@musicalchris559]

Thank you for this video. It really helped!

[@brucemoyers1006]

I just called Toyota. $3XX.XX for THIS. "WE FLUSH." That system doesn't need a flush. A straight change will be fine. I do recommend driving the car and rechecking as a stubborn air bubble might be in there. P.S., they said the parts/labor is about 50%-50%. Did you see $150 worth of labor in the video? I didn't. They wonder why they never see their vehicles after the sale.

[@qcsupport2594]

Can inverter coolant be done with front wheels up only, or does it need to be level like for the transaxle?

[@Greg1485]

Manual says every 50k miles after the first 150k (or first 100k user pref). It's been another 50k (i'm at 230k), time to replace. I think reasoning is because it is sealed from factory? Maybe every 100 to 150k miles won't hurt? I don't know so i'm sticking to the manual. Thankful for the prius videos.

Can u make a video bout cleaning or replacing fuel injector

[@goosecouple]

My dealership charges $309 as Hybrid Cooling System Service, 3yrs/60k. I am going to do it myself. So easy to do.

[@triparadox.c]

they're called stealership not for nothing

[@peterhipson1374]

thanks

[@michaelm9621]

God I love working on electric cars, they are so much cleaner to do maintenance on. Nothing like my F350, Camry or the Jetta TDI. Never again. Never again.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Michael M lol, the new Camry isn’t too bad. All the other car is a POS 😂😂

[@vita9941]

@@NutzAboutBolts lol 😂

[@Fried_chicken_burger]

wow the old fluid looks so clean. is it because it wasn't driven much or it is supposed to be clean?

[@Senorlatulla]

Hey, thanks for the videos it helped alot. Do you have a video on a radiator support replacement?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

No sorry.

[@vinhlee45]

Video tutorial is wonderful! I can follow instruction and do it easily, not spend $200.00 and 3 hours waiting on line. However "its complicated since its a hybrid car and has 2 coolant systems". One coolant you show me, which one is another? Please explain to me. Thanks Very much.

[@hotmail1929]

Hi my prius is 2009 is it the same process ?

[@ArthurAghakhabian]

Is this the same procedure as a 2014 prius plug in?

[@Albertastan]

Is the Drain Gasket and the Fill Gasket the same size?

[@user-qv2pw5bm2t]

Cool

[@cww180]

I need to buy one of the oil catch can mounts do you have any?

[@rohitbhatnagar7599]

Thank you for the video. Actually, took the invertor radiator out (it broke), but do not what screws/clips go where. Do you have any video or a diagram you can refer me to on the internet. Which screws/clips go where. Thanks !

[@icarrysig]

My car is making this noise 5:46 every 20 seconds. What do you think causes this

[@allecs4029]

Thanks for explanation! My prius 2012 has 60000 miles. Do I need change coolant ?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

no, wait till 120k

[@emadrawashdeh4226]

thanks for the informative video, however, i have small question. do i have to remove the whole engine undercover?or it has a tiny removable/ portable part such as for oil drain? is there any way to remove the coolant using suction machine?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

you will have to remove the whole under cover to get access to the bolt. There's no way to use a suction machine for this process.

[@jamessicat]

I wish you could do my service for my Prius. The Toyota dealerships in the Bay Area charges an arm and a leg for these work

[@anthonyz7023]

How much did it cost you?

[@rohitbhatnagar7599]

I took Engine radiator and Invertor radiator off. Now I do not know which pipe goes where. There is one pipe come from Invertor and another from the transmission area. I am pretty sure these hook up to the invertor. Appreciate if you can confirm...

[@rohitbhatnagar7599]

I want to drain the inverter coolant when it is very hot. This will remove all stuck garbage. How do I go about doing this?

[@jesusmoya1575]

What exactly is the inverter coolant for?

[@shakenbacon100]

I’m not quite at 110k. About 5k short. Can I juts top off till I reach 110k ? Reading low.

[@tkels5471]

Jose, is the plug and process the same for a 2016? Great videos!

[@JB-uc4zv]

Do you happen to know if the inverter coolant and engine coolant change procedure is the same with all Prius models? I have a 2013 Prius C so it's a little smaller. Not sure if the engine is the same or not.

[@anthonyz7023]

I believe the Prius c uses the 1.5liter engine

[@gjjcgmail9930]

Great Video. Do you believe the PCV valve should be changed at around 50,000 m or os this not really necessary?

[@Senorlatulla]

I say every 125K

[@drewdrew6904]

Anyone know where the drain plug is? Is it near drivers front tire?

[@user-hh9pr3xv6n]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dionsatram1834]

My car ran code p0c73. Any advice on the first steps to repair?

[@MiguelHernandez-oj5bv]

Hello NutzAboutBolts, Do you need to put the car in Maintenance mode to do this service? Thank you so much for all the asome videos.

[@Senorlatulla]

No

[@IvanMartinez-ck8qw]

My inventor coolant is at e i have a 2015 Toyota Prius c i see the line is not far apart from full and empty do i need to change to whole coolant thanks ?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

What’s the mileage?

[@MrNopehaha]

For the bolt gasket for the invertor, is it the type the oil plug has or the type the transmission plugs have?

[@topshotrhit]

Transmission plugs. Oil drain plug isn't aluminum.

[@greatogbuagu1370]

Pls may I know what will happen if I use tap water instead if coolant in my prius inverter hybrid system?

[@Everythingkeane]

You will fry your electronics

[@max-zl1vm]

What does the inverter do? Does it convert DC electricity from the hybrid motor to an AC current for the electric motor?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

during driving, the inverter converts DC power from the HV battery to AC power for the motors. during deceleration, there's diodes that converts AC to DC back to the HV battery, motors and also helps with the regenerative braking system.

[@flagmichael]

In addition, it contains the 12V 100A DC-DC converter for the 12 volt system.

[@maryhelen4946]

Thanks for this video. However I have a question, I replaced my inverter cooling pump but I still have the leak issue. looks like the air bubbles causing this. do you know how can I remove the air bubbles out of this systems? Thanks in advance

[@Khuzaimashahid2000]

Hi. Did you resolve your leakage issue?? I think i have the same issue in my 2015 model.

[@JaidervillaTV]

If your car has a lot of miles more than 150k miles Maybe your need to replace the head gasket, you notice a rattle in cold because one o more cylinder has coolant

[@AA-os1sg]

Great video When you put the car into Ready mode to bleed the air from the Inverter reservoir do you allow the engine to start or are you quickly turning it off? Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

No, we only power it on to cycle the inverter to suck in the coolant and turn it off

[@hannumannu]

all 3rd generation prius have same 10mm hex key drain plug for inverter coolant? or some other sizes in different variants?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

yeah all Toyota have 10mm hex for those drain pan.

[@laura-ann.0726]

I have a 2019 Prius Prime with the 4th gen P-610 transaxle. Is the inverter coolant drain plug in a similar position to the one in this video, on the bottom of the transaxle? I haven't removed my engine under-cover yet, so I can't see anything down there.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

I’m not sure since I don’t have a 2019 Prius prime.

[@dayner989]

Can do this wish i have garage

[@anthonyz7023]

Can you vacuum fill coolant inverter tank??

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Never tried it.

[@MrCodyw5000]

What’s the part number for the bolt gasket?

[@Senorlatulla]

No need to replace

[@shaazy]

I had a question about the radiators in the front. I see that they're kind of split into two individual ones right behind the front bumper. Can you tell me which ones the engine radiator, AC condenser or invertor radiator?

[@ZamaniSahib]

When cycling through ready mode, is your foot on the brake pedal?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

We step on the brake pedal when we’re ready to hit the power button. Make sure to turn off the vehicle before the engine turns on.

[@_Jamal2012]

hello i have a 2010 year toyota prius and the cooling pump that I have compared to second generation of prius it seams different, 2nd generation one is boiling but mine is still so does it mean mine is damaged?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

2nd and 3rd gen prius WP is different.

[@Demon09-_-]

now if only I could make what dealers make doing these

[@nicoj3660]

Mr nutz, do I really need 2 gallons for this? I'm also doing the engine coolant change. Would 3 gallons be enough for doing both engine coolant, AND inverter coolant? Thank you...

[@Senorlatulla]

Yes

[@alexanderchenf1]

When you repeatedly turn on the car, was the A/C running as well?

[@MrBobbyw121]

Air Conditioning has nothing to do with this.. this is coolant that literally cools the inverter.

[@airos52]

This might sound dumb but I bought my car used and the fluid looks exactly like the fluid you just changed... How do you know when it needs to be changed? Is there a fluid tester for this? Is there a noise that occurs?

[@kingkav6589]

airos52 there should be lines on it that indicate "low" or "max" when its on low or below low, it needs to be changed I assume. I could be wrong lol.

[@Viper3870750]

@@kingkav6589 Lmao wow, yeah you're very wrong. Probably shouldn't give answers to matters you're not sure of smh. The fluid should be changed based on the maintenance interval per the service manual.

[@datawolf2318]

Does the inverter and engine coolant take the same fluid? Please advise!!!!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Black Jedi yes

[@lolototo1978]

Hi How to replacement the inverter water pump toyota prius 2010 Thanks

[@NutzAboutBolts]

it looks like you have to go from underneath but not too sure... we haven't done one yet.

[@octavioromero7555]

Is yellow coolant okay to use instead of pink?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

It’s an aftermarket coolant, we only use oem

[@Deltro61]

How much coolant is required for this job? I'm here in Fairbanks Alaska and have to mix mine up 65/35 to deal with the extreme cold, and need to know how much to buy.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

the engine takes about 1 gallon or so, the inverter takes 1/4, not a lot. As for the cold climate, you should ask Toyota manufacturer or the dealership parts department where you live to see which coolant is best for your area.

[@katmahbub]

How do we dispose of the coolant?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Kathleen McKee Firestone, any automotive shops

[@TheDivineGods863]

Ok but I need that reservoir behind what you changed changed it’s bone dry how do I get the fluid

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Which fluid reservoir? The inverter coolant reservoir?

[@johnsack7903]

is this coolant used in the engine coolant video??

[@lzn1126]

Same type just different reservoir.

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

is this work as per the shop manual?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

yes.

[@goneviral6037]

Great video! What are the benefits of changing the coolant? Does it go bad over time?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Yes, overtime heat will cause the coolant effectiveness to be low, changing the coolant in a timely manner will prevent components from overheating.

[@alaind831]

also get acidic and start eating at head gasket and other metal parts.

[@paultrevino8462]

Can I use the same coolant for motor oil and inverter coolant for the Prius

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Yes, the engine and inverter coolant are the same.

[@skorpyo331]

This is necessary before working on manifold/egr valve?? Prolly the other vid on engine coolant?

[@devoidbmx1]

Not necessary, but might as well get it done at the same time since you will have the undercover off the car when you do those jobs. Inverter coolant should be changed at about 120 thousand miles on odo. I did an engine coolant and inverter coolant and transaxle fluid change all at the same time I did my EGR system and intake manifold clean. All of these items should be done at 100 or 120K.

[@sandorgold7082]

Is it the same for a 2014 Camry Hybrid?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

not sure since they're both different system.

[@numberformat]

The Toyota super long life coolant the right one to get?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Yes, they’re 50/50 premixed already, they’re the pink color.