2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid High Voltage Cable Inspection

[@LudoMartens-fc2qw]

Very informative. this is what KZbin is meant for. you help a lot of people with this

[@MM-yk9un]

The best video i have seen explaining this defect. Thank you!

[@MsBijouu]

Thanks!

[@deanh2574]

I was thinking the same thing in that I would apply the appropriate dielectric grease to the connector and maybe even the harness/mesh inside the orange connector. There is no negative to applying dielectric grease to an electrical connector other than making a mess if the grease drips out, but the plastic splash panel should easily contain any grease that would drop out, so it doesn't go onto your garage floor. Nice video and analysis.

[@MsBijouu]

I was cautious at first , but now I slather it on!

[@ІльяАлієв]

So informative and helpful video with great explanation! 👍

[@KL-0102]

Why is it open- ended?

[@jeremiahbullfrog3090]

Great video! Is there a procedure to check the other end of the cable in the front?

[@Anavllama]

Yup dieletric grease on the inside of the connector and around the rubber. After connecting it use an anti rust spray on the outer metal aluminium parts and mesh with a non wax, non solvent product ( krown makes some ). Then put the plastic piece back on.

[@waynebinky]

The voice of reason.

[@maximuscomfort]

Agree with the comment, dielectric grease the wires in that orange cup too.

[@Favored1881]

Would fluid film work?

[@NeoFryBoy]

@@Favored1881 no

[@wswsn7396]

Hi, I am thinking of wrap a piece of heavy duty plastic by a zip tie around the aluminum connector to prevent water splashes on to the cable; also use pipe insulator on the two sides of the plastic cover, so less water can splash into the cover.

[@MsBijouu]

Remember, this might prevent the plug from drying out.

[@44DeGaulle]

Great video. Once the battery disconnect has been removed, is there any possibilty of electrical shock when you work on the connector? Thank you.

[@MsBijouu]

I have had it out several times while working on the plug and have never had concerns with the disconnect out!

[@marathonkev]

THANKS for a great video showing the cable connections under the vehicle. I live in MN and they use A LOT of salt on our roads in the winter months. I am interested in buying a hybrid to replace my 2007 Toyota and was considering the RAV4 until I became aware of this issue. I'm holding off buying for now and will go with the Hybrid Honda CRV unless Toyota comes up with a reliable solution to prevent this problem from happening. NOT a good situation!

[@MsBijouu]

I didn't know about the problem until after I bought the car

[@menguardingtheirownwallets6791]

I keep all of my vehicles for at least 20 years and over 300,000 miles. I live in Southern Ontario where the roads are covering in salt-slush for 6 months of the year. I wonder what that connector is going to look like after being subjected to 20+ years of salt-slush?

[@MsBijouu]

I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix and plan on keeping it for years.

[@HarrySapsun]

curious to know if they salt the roads where you live in winter. I live in Quebec and the salt would kill this cable very fast: they use so much.

[@HarrySapsun]

ps I cancelled my order for a 2024 hybrid and will go with the gas xle instead

[@MsBijouu]

@@HarrySapsun Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner, I might have gone with a regular Rav4 had I known about the issue before I bought.

[@iHenry2]

2 thumbs up for properly using jack stands.

[@lovezakaria]

My car is 2x4. UK version. Do you think still have this problem? Thanks

[@MsBijouu]

In Canada and Northern US they use alot of salt on roads which causes the corrosion, my guess is you won't!

[@FeydHarkon666]

Is it safe to spray fluid film on it?

[@MsBijouu]

Depending on what you use, If I was to spray it, it would be rust proofing Krown.

[@vinyu7186]

Hi A big fan of your videos. Have you heard of the good news my friend? The rav4 hybrid and venza 2023 cable gate (MGR) corrosion issue is already fixed. In here they changed the bolts and connector to the motor to be aluminum and stainless.

[@patrickcotter5629]

No it's not. They haven't changed the bolts and connector, Exactly the same.

[@vinyu7186]

@@patrickcotter5629 what but my brother who works in the company said it was

[@patrickcotter5629]

@@vinyu7186 He's incorrect, nothing has changed. Owners of the 2023 Venza and 2023 RAV4 Hybrids have posted photos showing it's exactly the same.

[@vinyu7186]

@@patrickcotter5629 if you look at the new wires it is more shiny and sort of like steel wires as opposed to aluminum

[@patrickcotter5629]

@@vinyu7186 Nope, it is exactly the same material as before. That's has already been confirmed by 2023 owners.

[@kabbythedog9409]

Thanks Soo much need to check this out 🤔probably every year

[@unclefreddy2009]

I’m a little confused about what the issue actually is when it happens. This wire mesh you are saying is a support mesh. What is it’s purpose? Is it just to physically support the cable or does it have an electrical purpose as well?

[@MsBijouu]

First, your AM radio will be full of static, next you will have multiple trouble codes, then your SUV will shut down and be undrivable. You will have to have it towed to a dealership and have the cable replaced, if under warranty it will be free, if not some are paying up to 6 - 7K.

[@unclefreddy2009]

@@MsBijouu got it, I understand the issue, what I am saying is that people post a lot about the mesh showing corrosion. I don’t believe that does anything. I’m guessing the theory is that if the mesh starts to corrode then it most likely will get past the cable gasket and into the connector itself. Right?

[@MsBijouu]

@@unclefreddy2009 Which is why I didn't apply di electric grease to the mesh but just the connection. Also I believe the mesh acts as a block to radio interference which can be heard on AM radio if the mesh starts to fall apart, I may apply di electric grease to the mesh this summer to prevent this from happening.

[@waynebinky]

@@MsBijouu I believe the mesh is a cable support and provides EMI guard for the electronics like your radio on AM. Best if you have a year or 2 on this connector to disconnect it, apply a dielectric grease to the inner grommet, reconnect, and apply a generous spray of Fluid Film or Blaster to the entire area. After that, annual of FF is all you need. If you are planning to disconnect the connector on older models pre-2023, it might be worth checking the dealership for a foam gasket that add an extra layer of protection. It can be found on the 2023 hybrid.

[@hsaphoto]

Great job ! Did you inspect the metal ring under the orange cap ? I understand from your video you made quite the appropriate research in order to make this inspection. My 2019 Hybrid was completely rusted by 96 000km and 3 winters in Montreal Canada.

[@MsBijouu]

No I didn't inspect it, I didn't see corrosion on the mesh so I didn't bother, the real concern is where the connection plugs in,I believe you about the rust, the corrosion will most definitely affect most of us, it's not a matter of if but when!

[@MsBijouu]

Yes, I cleaned and greased the mesh and metal band

[@youthcanoe7849]

After all your inspections, was it just simply plug in the orange HV plug that you pulled out in the very beginning, then the car can be started again without required to reset anything? Thank you.

[@MsBijouu]

Yes, but make sure you put your battery disconnect in before you start car or you will bring up trouble codes.

[@youthcanoe7849]

Thanks.

[@waynebinky]

Also, when reclosing the disconnect, ensure you push it back upwards once pushed back in to complete the circuit other-wise you'll get a hybrid not available alarm on the dash.

[@AuntieSalisbury]

Good Job well presented.....

[@dt5656]

I live in southeast USA (Carolina’s) and don’t get a lot of snow…. Wonder if this is still an issue for us…

[@patrickcotter5629]

Salt air wouldn't be good.

[@epekace8696]

For my 2021 toyota will cover the cost to repair up to 100K miles. I don't know about other years .

[@DocMicrowave]

Great video. Well done. I am appalled that replacing that cable is so expensive. I have a 2022 Prime. Does this issue apply to it as well? I have not been able to visually see that connector.

[@martinmeyerdierks2797]

This issue is specific to 2019+ RAV4 Hybrid on rear electric motor HV cable connector

[@patrickcotter5629]

@@martinmeyerdierks2797 No, it also affects the Venza as well.

[@unclefreddy2009]

The prime as well from my understanding. I’m considering getting rid of my 2021 prime for this reason.

[@JeffZiegler76]

Can you replace the cable without pulling the rear motor/diff? Or does the NEW cable fix the problem, my wife car is at the dealers.

[@patrickcotter5629]

It doesn't fix the problem, it just starts the clock over again until the replacement cable starts to deteriorate.

[@tsizzle]

Almost makes one wish for a good ole mechanical drive shaft!

[@MsBijouu]

Almost, but that would lower your mileage.

[@tsizzle]

@@MsBijouu do you think dielectric grease would help?

[@arunta5]

Have Toyota fixed this issue. If not should be the subject of recall and or class action.

[@patrickcotter5629]

They have not fixed it and yes there is a class action lawsuit.

[@denieljohn]

Hi sir. Where do you live?

[@patrickcotter5629]

Ontario.

[@GarryBurgess]

I have ordered a 2023 model, which should arrive in summer of 2023. After learning all this, if I am not satisfied that Toyota has fully solved this problem for 2023 models I will trade the vehicle in within 3-4 years, and hopefully by then they will have come up with a better solution.

[@waynebinky]

If you are diligent with only spraying the area with Fluid Film annually, there should not be an issue on the 2023. Early 2023, Toyota added a foam gasket at the interface of the connector and rear drive unit that should keep the corrosion out assuming the aluminum casting is kept sprayed. I'll be spraying our 2023 model and getting it ready for this winter's a-salt in a couple months. Last oil change, it still looked new after last winter's exposure. It had an application of a dielectric grease on the inner grommet and an external spray of Fluid Film day 2 of ownership. I don't intend to open the connector again, but might in a few years to inspect it.

[@darkhorse0102]

Dielectric grease is silicone gel which is non-conductive you can’t apply on the connection. Applying outside has limited effect. Therefore that grease is not answer to the rusty problem. They’ll need to change the plug from aluminum to stainless steel.

[@jedklampet7471]

Can't believe Toyota did this. Hybrids are still evolving at the customer's expense.

[@jonluis9088]

I was a master auto tech. Looks like the seal isn't doing it's job but dielectric grease is meant to conduct current, not seal connectors. I'd use a silicon sealer on the seal and the outside of the connector where the stranded wires are and cram as much as possible in there. That's what I'm planning on doing with mine.

[@MsBijouu]

What is dielectric grease? Despite the fact it has "electric" right there in the name, it's a fairly common misconception that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In actual fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity

[@MsBijouu]

And again, Is dielectric grease conductive or nonconductive? Dielectric grease is a non-conductive, silicone-based grease that's designed to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion on electrical connectors. It also disrupts the flow of electrical current, which makes it good for lubricating and sealing the rubber parts of electrical connectors. I was a Nuclear Mechanical Tech. and a millwright; we were not allowed to use anything unless we had an engineering specification sheet to go along with the product such as Novagard G624

[@MsBijouu]

www.eis-inc.com/product/dielectric-silicone-compound-novg6245-3oz novagard.mx/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TDS-Novagard-G624-v1.3.pdf www.novagard.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/10-M3-G624.GHS_.pdf

[@Bigsmegma44]

@@MsBijouu I’ve seen some videos where Toyota Mechanics recommend putting a hole or two in the orange plastic cover to allow water to drain! Also, since you’ve looked at it in person. Could you use some waterproof tape. Such as FlexSeal Tape, to reduce or eliminate water intrusion? What is your opinion on those options? Thanks

[@JD0333]

@@MsBijouu I used Dow corning 7 silicone grease. what do you think about that produce?

[@peterbland7227]

Gosh. Looks like a poor design. It seems that should all be sealed.

[@MsBijouu]

Or inside the vehicle?