So I just bought a beautiful 2007 Prius last night. Since I went alone, I couldn't bring it home with me, but the dealership said they could bring it to my house this evening. Early this morning, they called and said that A fuse needed replaced, but it would be done before noon. No worries. But just now they called again and said that the "non-hybrid battery" needs replaced which will take a few days. It was purchased from a used Toyota dealership and I have 3 days to back out of the purchase. Is it a bonus that I'm getting this new battery or a huge red flag???
When they tried to start your car to make the delivery they experienced problems...seems to me an experienced tech could have diagnosed the cause and solution straight away.... One would think a Toyota dealership would have a battery in stock and be able to replace it in less than an hour...but stranger things have and will occur.....as for the "red flag"..... it may relate more about the service department than he car..... ................Is it a bonus that I'm getting this new battery..... Yes it is a bonus....if it was the original it was most probably ready to be replaced..
Welcome to PriusChat, you're very smart to have come to the place where you'll be able to get all your Prius-related questions answered, and learn all the information you'll ever need to get the maximum enjoyment from owning one of the best (IMNSHO) vehicles ever invented! A couple of points I might mention: Did you get any warranty with your 2007 Prius? I think the secondary battery isn't a really big issue to change (I think the one in ChuggyPig (see my previous threads) is still OK (2009 and 90k miles) but just in case, I've done research here, and also online, and plan on getting the recommended replacement (YellowTop for 2009 Prius with SKS) from BatteryMart.com (for about $139) when the time comes for replacement) - all the necessary information is there (and here) for the taking, it's just a matter of knowing where to dig. Remember search is your friend, and just about all the folks here on PriusChat are very friendly and helpful! Good luck, and welcome, once again! - Wil PS: don't forget to post some pics of your new wheels! (we all love to see others' Prii)
Thank you! I'm a bit confused as to what they are replacing too. Are there two batteries (one hybrid, one non-hybrid) or is there only one battery that they are giving me the non-hybrid version of?
Assuming they are replacing the small 12volt battery as you are stating the "non-hybrid" battery...This is the relatively inexpensive battery...
There are indeed 2 batteries. The "traction battery" or "high voltage battery" is part of what makes the Prius a hybrid. The big few hundred pound battery under the rear passenger seat bench area. Then there is the "12v battery" or "aux battery" which powers the car when the car is off and during bootup. Just like every other car on the road with a battery, this is what powers the dome lights when you open the car door, the smart key system, the brake booster pump before you READY the car, and so on. It is a special small battery that many places do not stock because it is a JDM size not a USDM size.
Your Prius has two batteries: The Traction Battery is also known as the hybrid battery and consist of many (30+ ??) cells each of ~7 volts and it is this one (v. expensive) which powers the electric motors to drive the wheels, and is charged by the petrol-engine (ICE) when it (ICE) is running, and also by the regenerative braking. The Secondary battery is a small 12V lead-acid battery (similar to that used in a motorcycle) and is used to power the on-board computers, accessories, lights, radio, power-locks, windshield-wipers, etc.on your Prius. It is also used to start the ICE (although is a slightly different manner to that used in a regular car). The Secondary battery is charged via a converter from the Traction battery (i.e. there is no alternator (like in a regular car) in a Prius) - I apologize for any errors and omissions, and I'm sure I'll be corrected here… - hope this helps - Wil
Maybe you can exercise the "reasonable expectation" clause? As in: you've got a reasonable expection when you buy a car from them that it'll be driveable. This is actually a legal expression. You go into a sale with some implied reasonable expectations. Maybe use the phrase when communicating with them. You've just bought a car from them, haven't even taken delivery, and the 12 volt battery is dead? Likely due to extended sitting time on their lot? You've got a decent argument that they owe you a battery. Use backing out of the sale as leverage? When we bought our new 2010, it had sat on the lot for an extended period, and the 12 volt was completely dead. They acknowledged it was their responsibility, replaced it gratis. They did initially try to bluff their way out of it (to put it politely). When we took a test drive they had the car sitting in Ready mode (on) when we showed up (and the jumper cables out of sight); I guess they just thought it'd be nice to "warm it up" for us...
Hi Elizabeth. your "starter" battery is relatively inexpensive compared with the hybrids under the back seat. However, I had to replace starter batteries every two eyars in my 2003 Prius, because I was not buying the right kind of 12 volt starter battery. I was paying $100.00 +/-. this last battery cost $300.00 and has performed well. you might note also, whether the charging system in the wheels are working correctly and also check the battery ground. if the ground is loose or unattached, the there will be no feed back charge. Enjoy your ride. texaslorraine
