Why The 2004-2009 Toyota Prius Sets A P0A93 Trouble Code

Toyota Prius has always been a leader when it comes to new technology in the hybrid world. Introducing electric water pumps was another piece in that game.

The Toyota Prius Inverter pump replacement was covered by Toyota for model years 2004-2007. This recall ended November 30th, 2013. Pumps that are now failing, are rearing their ugly heads. Here is what you need to know should your Prius encounter a P0A93 Inverter Cooling System Performance code.

Toyota Prius Inverter Water Pump Recall

The Toyota Prius has a device on it called an "inverter" which takes high voltage direct current or DC from the traction battery and translates it into alternating current or AC. This "phasing" of sorts creates a lot of heat. The inverter must be cooled in order for the circuitry to have any sort of life.

The inverter on the Prius is relatively heavy duty and requires liquid cooling. Toyota strategically placed the inverter on Prius, under the hood of the car so as to be in close proximity to the radiator.

Due to the nature of this inverter, it being liquid cooled, it must have a way to circulate the coolant. Toyota used an electric coolant pump, to perform this task. It is located on the drivers front inner fender behind the headlight and looks like the picture shown below.

The reason these pumps were failing was due to an internal manufacturing defect. During the build process, the electric wiring had become lightly scratched and would cause the pump to short out internally. Once Toyota found out what was happening, they issued a recall and replaced at no cost to the customer, the coolant pump.

How To Know If Your Pump Is Working Properly

A very common code your Toyota Prius is a P0A80 code. It has to do with the hybrid system as well, just not the inverter. If you encounter this code, check out 3 Solid Replacement Options for your HV battery.

On Prius, whenever the car is on the pump is running and circulating the coolant from the inverter to the radiator. You can actually confirm this by taking the cap off the inverter coolant reservoir and seeing if there is a light turbulence inside. If not, you could have one of 4 problems.

The inverter water pump has failed (most common issue)
The pump circuit is open (no power, shorted pump.)
The cooling system is blocked (kinked hose, blocked pump lines)
The cooling system has an air pocket. (can happen after a poor installation of a new pump)

No matter what the reason, the inverter will overheat and cause your Prius to set a P0A93, Inverter Cooling System Performance DTC. Though the recall covered 2004-2007 Prius, these pumps can still fail on 2008 and 2009 years as well.

Toyota did do a part redesign for the coolant pump (part number G9020-47031) to solve the issue facing Prius. The original mount was black and the new mount is silver. So, be sure to check your Prius and see if it has the updated part or not. You may be in for a surprise.

Replacement Cost For Failed Coolant Pumps

While every dealer may have a close rate, close markup on parts and close diagnostic costs, all of this will vary. My personal breakdown should run you along the $300 mark and get you up and running again no sweat. The best part to use is obviously a Toyota part as those OEM parts have been updated and are not cheap knock offs. Get your repair done right and avoid further failures.

Conclusion

Should you encounter this issue with your Prius (I have had it happen to me) remember to keep calm and not panic. I carry a small OBD2 code checker with me wherever I go. If I happen to get a trouble code, I check it, clear it and drive the car to a safe place to work on it.

No matter what, you should never ignore a trouble code and always seek to get it fixed as soon as possible. Not doing so can cause further and more expensive damage to your Prius.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about what to do with a P0A93 code on your Toyota Prius. Check out my other story Why the first generation Prius is better than either generation Nissan Leaf.

See you in the next story where I am discussing why the Toyota Prius AWD-e is the best one yet and why car enthusiasts and average car guys loathe the Toyota Prius.

Also Watch New tech means more MPG from your Toyota Prius and Click to Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Toyota Prius and Automotive News.

Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He is an automotive technology instructor at Columbia Basin College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter.