DIY REPAIR GUIDE — TOYOTA PRIUS 2010–2015, PRIUS V 2012–2017 AND OTHER TOYOTA HYBRIDS WIT
Prius Inverter Coolant Pump P0A93 Fix
The Prius hybrid inverter has its own cooling loop and electric water pump.
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By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026
The Prius hybrid inverter has its own cooling loop and electric water pump. When that pump fails, the inverter overheats and the car shows “Check Hybrid System”, sets P0A93, and may go into limp mode. The pump is a common failure on third-generation Prius models.
Quick answer: If your Prius shows Check Hybrid System with P0A93, look in the inverter coolant reservoir with the car in Ready: the coolant should swirl. No movement means the inverter pump has failed. Check your VIN with Toyota for extended coverage, then replace the pump and bleed the inverter loop.
At a glance
- Vehicles: Toyota Prius 2010–2015, Prius v 2012–2017 and other Toyota hybrids with an electric inverter pump
- DIY difficulty: Moderate
- Time: about 1.5 hours
- Tools: scan tool with hybrid codes, sockets and extensions, drain pan, funnel, flashlight
- Parts: inverter coolant pump, Toyota Super Long Life Coolant
- Codes & warning lights: P0A93 inverter cooling system performance, Check Hybrid System, master warning light
- Recalls: check your VIN first; some of these problems are covered by recalls, campaigns or extended warranties
Symptoms
Check Hybrid System the message and master warning light.
P0A93 the code for inverter cooling performance.
Reduced power the car goes into limp mode.
No swirl no coolant movement in the inverter reservoir.
Low inverter coolant the inverter reservoir is low.
Hot weather it is worse in summer and traffic.
What Causes It
Failed pump the electric inverter pump stops or slows.
Low coolant a leak in the inverter loop.
Air in the loop air after coolant work.
Wiring a damaged pump connector or wire.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
- Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
- The inverter carries high voltage: do not open the inverter or touch orange cables.
- Work with the car off and the key away; the pump is on the low-voltage side.
Step-by-Step: Prius Inverter Pump
- Scan the codes. Read hybrid codes and confirm P0A93.
- Check the reservoir. Open the inverter coolant reservoir (the separate one at the front) and check the level.
- Check the swirl. Put the car in Ready and look for coolant movement in the reservoir. None means the pump isn’t working.
- Check your VIN. Ask a Toyota dealer about extended coverage for the inverter pump.
- Drain the loop. With the car off, drain coolant from the inverter loop.
- Replace the pump. Unplug and remove the pump, fit the new one with new hoses or clamps if needed.
- Refill and bleed. Refill with Toyota coolant and bleed the air, topping up as the pump runs.
- Clear and test. Clear the codes and drive to confirm the warning stays off.
When to Stop and Bring It In
- The warning returns with a working pump: the inverter itself may be at fault.
- There are other hybrid system codes.
- You see damage to orange high-voltage cables.
- You want the work done under Toyota coverage. See hybrid service.
Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.
Also Known As
Owners search for “Prius check hybrid system”, “P0A93”, “Prius inverter pump”, “Prius inverter coolant”, or “Prius limp mode”. Toyota calls the part the inverter water pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0A93 mean on a Prius?
The inverter cooling system isn’t working properly, usually because the inverter water pump has failed.
How do I check the inverter pump?
With the car in Ready, look in the inverter reservoir. The coolant should swirl.
Is the inverter pump covered?
Toyota extended coverage on some Prius models. Ask a dealer to check your VIN.
Can I drive with P0A93?
Briefly and gently. An overheating inverter can be damaged, so fix it soon.
Is this a high-voltage job?
The pump is low-voltage, but stay away from the inverter and orange cables.
Where is the Prius inverter pump?
On the third-generation Prius it sits low at the front of the engine bay, near the radiator on the driver’s side. Some owners reach it from underneath after removing the splash shield.
Why does the Prius have two coolant reservoirs?
One is for the engine and one is for the inverter loop. The inverter reservoir is the one to check for swirl and level when P0A93 appears.
Can a failed inverter pump damage the inverter?
Yes. The inverter gets hot without coolant flow, and running it like that for long can damage it, which is a far bigger repair than the pump.
See also Toyota Repair & Service, Hybrid Battery Service, Overheating & Coolant Leaks, Dashboard Warning Lights Guide.






Prefer to Have It Done? Radman Auto Repair, Etobicoke
Independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999. We fix what this guide covers, explain what we find, and keep the old parts for you to see.
This Service Includes
✓ Hybrid system scan
✓ Inverter pump test and replacement
✓ Inverter loop bleed
✓ Road test
