ART IN THE SHOP: Tone Rawlings

LG welcomes Tone Rawlings and her latest experience in mixed media including fabric, skateboard, traditional canvas, digital photography, and paint.  The show continues to May 6th.

Join us for the opening and refreshments this afternoon, April 19th, from 3-5pm. 

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Prius HID D4R Headlights

Upgraded packages for 2004-2007 Prius include High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps that cast a crisper, brighter, cooler-colored light than conventional halogen bulbs.  In automotive fashion, the improved visibility is of secondary importance to the impression that the car is high tech and sporty—implying the same of the person who drives it.

For Prius owners, when one of these bulbs goes out, the prevailing notion of HIDs is that they are absurdly expensive. Dealer price for one bulb is $314.23 (as of today) and rumor has it that service departments charge an additional couple hundred dollars for the physical replacement, since the procedure calls for removing the whole front clip.  Two bulbs installed can run $900.

The Prius is a terrifically economical car, and owners are rightfully shocked by the component failure as well as the cost to repair.  The bulbs are thought to last longer (I’ve read up to 8 years), which validates their price, but try explaining that to the owner of a 2006 Prius with no headlights.  Warranty coverage varies depending on the service writer on the other side of the counter.

In true form, PriusChat has a hot thread regarding this problem.  Discussion includes class-action plans to speculations of a bad batch around MY 2006.

Prius Headlight Problem via Priuschat

Our purpose at Luscious Garage is to fix the problem.  After ardent research we found a direct source for OEM bulbs (Philips Brand D4R 4300K) for $92 each.  We also offer upgraded bulbs that are brighter (Onex Brand D4R 6000K) and whiter in color.  The bulbs can be changed from above, without removing anything, in a half hour.  Two bulbs installed: $260. 

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EV Charging Now Available

In our continued effort to support plug-in vehicles, LG now offers it’s very own Magne Charge EV paddle charger, available to customers and the public for free. 

See it in action during this month’s SF Electric Vehicle Association meeting this Saturday, April 5th, from 11-1.

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LG Featured in Inc. Magazine

Thanks, Toyota.  We’ll Take It From Here, via Inc.com

“While others focus on technology, Carolyn Coquillette of Luscious Garage in San Francisco is thinking about the customer experience. Her garage is an oasis for Prius owners, her website is attractive and user friendly, and her technicians are happy to install whichever plug-in technology you prefer. Prices range from $8,500 to $13,000, and the company already has a waiting list. No. of conversions to date: 10”

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270k Mile Prius: Dead A/C Compressor

Luscious Garage has the distinct pleasure of servicing several high mileage Prius, including this one in a courier capacity, now topping 270,000 miles: My Favorite Prius

This car has needed *very* little attention up to now, with the first high dollar repair affecting the air conditioning system. The A/C was inoperative; climate control would blow but not cold.  The compressor was silent (it puts out a particular whine when on); a quick query to the HVAC computer turned up a P1472 (Open or short in A/C inverter high voltage output system) and P1474 (A/C inverter (w/ converter inverter assembly) malfunction).  The Prius is special in that it uses an electric drive, high voltage compressor (controlled by the inverter assembly), allowing it to operate when the engine is off. Clearing codes, the compressor would operate but with a much louder, lower whine than normal.

The diagnostic procedure lists a resistance check of the compressor motor windings, these were slightly high.  Whatever the reading, it was clear the compressor was bad.

Unlike the dealer, LG will happily replace parts with second-hand ones, so long as the replacements are reliable.  In the case of a 270k vehicle, any replacement will have less age.  We purchased a used compressor out of a crashed Prius with 60k miles for $400, less than half the price of new.  Naturally we were excited to inspect the innards of the 270k mile compressor, and we were not disappointed.  The original was completely shredded in its scroll gears.  Shrapnel was everywhere.  This compressor was finished. 

With a replacement compressor, a new drier (desiccant), HV rated A/C oil, and a fresh batch of refrigerant, this cold Prius was back on the road.  Total cost of the repair: $870. 

Posted by Carolyn Comments 13 Trackbacks 4 Permalink Categories: Repair »