652 Auto Electricity and Electronics
Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
that mounts in the engine compartment. If your scan tool
indicates internal inverter problems, the defective inverter
should be removed and replaced. You can measure actual
voltages coming in and out of the unit, but your scan tool
will usually pinpoint whether the inverter is bad.
A discrete DC-to-AC inverter is also shown in
Figure 33-12. Note that it mounts under a trim panel in the
console. Again, your scan tool will help you troubleshoot
this converter to determine if it should be replaced.
Hybrid Cooling System Service
If the cooling system fails, components in the hybrid drive
system can overheat. Trouble codes that indicate the compo-
nents or circuits at fault will be set. If the system is air cooled, lis-
ten for normal operation of the cooling fan. If the system is water
cooled, place a stethoscope on the electric pump to determine if
it is running when the hybrid is under a high electrical load.
If you fi nd an inoperative cooling fan blower motor,
replace it as you would a climate control blower. Disconnect
the wires and ducts before removing the fasteners that
secure the blower motor to the vehicle. See Figure 33-13.
With a liquid system, disconnect the hoses and wires going
to the pump motor before replacement.
Motor-Generator Service
Normally, the motor-generator is trouble free. However,
if the car is hit by lightning or used for an extended period, the
motor-generator can fail. The coil windings in the unit can short
or burn open, reducing motor-generator performance. A scan
tool will retrieve trouble codes relating to the motor-generator.
Figure 33-12. This DC-to-AC inverter mounts under the center console of the vehicle. By removing the trim panels, you can access
the electrical connectors and fasteners for unit replacement. (Ford)
Inverter