Hi everyone,
We just thought we would let you know that we recently purchased the touring edition of the 2007 prius which is requiring some repair-- it has less than 2k on it. We hope to have it fully repaired soon and add some tanks to the mileage log.

 

Welcome to the club!
So what sort of repairs?

Bob Wilson

 

Did you bump into the pole ? Or technical part failure ?
Stop the suspension, do tell....

 

We have some damage on the left front corner (fender, strut, etc.). Also, we are not getting heat from the heater-- any suggestions? We will keep you updated.

 

Due to aerodynamic impacts, you'll need to get the front fixed or suffer an MPG hit at higher speeds. The 'strut', you mean MacPhearson strut? That can be a do it yourself job although you may need some tools from Sears. But I'm more concerned about potential damage to the steering linkages and wheel alignment. Are you doing the repairs or someone else?

You might consider going to PriusChat.com for their excellent maintenance and technical forums. Many well respected Prius technologists hang out there and if you post photos, you'll get a lot of helpful suggestions. Folks here are pretty good but we're more generalists.

The heater has an electric motor that pumps coolant through the heater coil. There should be a fuse that may need to be checked. Unfortunately the motor is located on my 03 Prius under the inverter. It isn't difficult to take the inverter off (or moved aside enough with its coolant hoses still attached.) But that would be the next step if you don't find a blown fuse in any of the fuse boxes.

My first recommendation is to get the maintenance manuals so you'll have a 'road map' to the systems and diagnostics. From Toyota, it'll run over $300 for the paper ones or you can subscribe to their technical service and try to download what you need. I've also seen paper manuals on Ebay from time to time. Your Prius is a model NHW20, 2004-current. Although having the exact model manual is best, many systems do not change that much between each model year.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

Bob-- Thanks a million!!!!