Hey All, new here. Bought a used 06, 5,000 miles ago. I bought it at a Toyota dealer and before I bought it I noticed the check engine light on, so I made them run the codes. The tech said that it showed the hybrid battery needs replaced. They had advertised it as batteries replaced. So, they replaced the battery that they said was under warranty and all was cool. I love it, but the other day the lights come on and the hybrid light comes on and it won't shut down. I get it home and run the code reader and get a P3016. Then I erased everything, as soon as I erased it, the battery fan shuts down, I fire it up and everything is perfect, all systems go. take it out the next day and put 200 miles on it before it repeats. I erased the codes this morning and all is fine again. What I read on the P3016 code is that it is either a bad cell, or a shorted cell in the hybrid battery, but it seems to me that if the cell was bad it should throw the code as soon as you fire it back up? Is it possible that it is a computer malfunction and not the battery at all. I'm leaving my code reader in the car for now so I can reset it the next time it happens. Will from Gainesville.
It is correct that DTC P3016 points to a failed battery module. In your car's case, the module may be marginal, so the DTC is logged only after sufficient time has passed.
My question is, the Toyota dealer said that they replaced the batteries, so either they lied to me, or we have two battery fails within 5000 miles. And even if they lied to me and didn't replace, why did it go 5000 miles before it popped the code again.? I'm perplexed.
perhaps they meant the 12v battery. still, if it is the hybrid battery, warranty should cover it, new or old. how many miles on her?
My guess is that they didn't replaced the battery, but instead just did a hack job on the existing one. They probably just replaced one or mode failed modules with secondhand ones.
I'm afraid that I am on my own with the dealer, it was an " As Is Sale' with no warranty. She's an 06 that had 208,000 on her when I showed up, 214 now. I do inspections and put between 700 to 800 miles a week on her. Don't know what the previous owner s' did, but they were at about a thirty thousand mile per year clip. The interior leather is in sweet condition and I just love it, I have to be getting something bigger than she can carry, or pulling the boat to even drive my pickup anymore. For now, I will just carry my code reader with me so I can reset the computer and do more research. I will look into doing a load test on the battery this week and post the results. If I do need to get a new battery, any suggestions on sources other than Toyota?.
If you will add your geographic location to your profile, nearby forum members will probably be able to recommend a resource.
Morning all , I am having the same problem, but I am not getting 200 miles before my red triangle appears. I am getting around 30 miles. I rebuilt the battery, replacing 1 bad cell . Error code is P3016 . What was the original guys outcome for this problem? Thanks Mike
Mike, The interesting thing about the HV battery codes is it gives you the block number that is considered weak. It determines a weak module when you have a large divergence between the highest and lowest block voltage. ( IIRC, it's 1.2 or 1.5 volts) If you replaced a bad module with a totally kick-a** module, the new module/block may be holding voltage so much better that now its detecting "the next weakest block" because the divergence is being reached again. You may have 13 blocks that are similar, with one block staying higher when under load. The code would still trigger for whichever one showed lowest. This is why (if you are doing only a module chop and swap) its important for a module to be repalced with one that has a capacity similar to the remaining original modules. See this link for another explanation: Help with my battery | PriusChat or, there may be an assembly issue causing voltage readings to be sporadic.
Thanks for the replies! I replaced the bad cell with a new cell reading of 7.57 volts . The cells on either side we're within 0.03 volts . Is this too much ?
The standing voltage on a module does not mean anything aside from an outright cell failure when you first pull your pack out of service. If you want to make sure all the modules are "good" you absolutely must load test them all. Then ideally you also test for capacity using a hobby charger but load testing is a critical step almost all the folks miss when rebuilding these packs and is the cause for 99% of the failures shortly after being put back into service. Something like this works best: Prolong® Battery Module Load Tester – Hybrid Automotive
Mike, Do you happen to know the serial number of the replacement module? Every module has a serial number etched in the top. It can be used to determine the date the module was manufactured. I've seen 27 Gen 2 modules fresh from the same original (failed) pack have practically identical voltages, but capacity-wise, vary from 1200 mah to 6000 mah when first tested. The one module chop and swap is not an exact science and requires a bit of estimating skill and a bit more luck. You could search your local craigslist and find someone parting out a wrecked Gen 3. Buy the battery and put those modules in your pack. You would be good to go for years.
Thanks guys , I am not sure if the battery can rebalance itself . Today's hour long trip went perfect with no errors .
The battery can balance blocks (module pairs) but not individual modules........this is why grid chargers are preferable.
Hi bro, I recently experienced the same problem. i wonder if you have found a way to fix it. I asked on expert and he said the battery would need to rebalance.
Could be several issies. So by same problem you mean you replaced one module already? If so, go back and check your work. Properly tighten each nut on the battery module posts with an inch-pound torque wrench. Double and triple check for corrosion at the crimp on the ring terminal for that block. Feel free to call me directly if you want to chat through things. 608-729-4082.
