Any advice before buying refurbed/newer HV battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015.

  1. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    213k miles, 2010 Prius. P0A80 code keeps coming up, inverter software update completed and no improvement. Using TorqueLog to analyze battery and led to attached data analysis (screenshots and excel doc attached). Block 9 in middle of the pack is the bad one. I could replace just that module but I don't want to play the guessing game on the rest of the modules.

    Found a reputable guy who sells remaned HV batteries for 750ish from 120-150k mile sourced cars, or for 1300 will sell with much lower miles, 20-30k.

    Both are warrantied for one year unlimited mileage. Told me just a couple in his experience have ever had to use the warranty.

    Anything specific I should look for/do before/after purchase?
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    My 2 cents, go for the newer battery replacement path
     
    #2 mrbigh, Nov 23, 2015
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  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    If you must go refurb, get the newest one. Refurb is like "Whack a mole". The problem usually comes back. The best bet is a "new" pack.

    Best of luck to you.
     
    #3 dorunron, Nov 23, 2015
  4. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Can he provide any verification that the newer pack is actually newer?
     
    #4 vskid3, Nov 23, 2015
  5. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    this sounds like a good deal. does he supply the VIN# of a donor car to verify? you don't want to be cheated or buy stolen goods.
     
    #5 Former Member 68813, Nov 23, 2015
  6. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    +1 on Dorunron's recommendation to buy a new pack. There are just too many nightmare stories about used packs.
     
    #6 usnavystgc, Nov 23, 2015
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    As you are being onslaughted with, the majority advice is buy a new battery if possible.
    The problem with a remanufactered/refurbished is it is a total crap shot.

    You say you don't want to play the guessing game with that one module.
    But if you slap an unknown refurbished battery in your Prius, you really are playing a guessing game with the whole battery.
    On one level, you are replacing your battery that needs to be replaced, with a battery that has been removed and needed to be replaced. You are really betting on the ability of your battery refurbisher, the condition of the replacement, and the legitimacy of the warranty if you need it within one year.

    It's a significantly bigger financial investment into a new battery, but it bypasses a lot of potential problems.
     
    #7 The Electric Me, Nov 23, 2015
  8. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    Thanks for everyone's replies!

    I'm leveraging what I can to get a lower mileage on in lieu of a refurbed. Even the doorman refurbs aren't all that they're hyped to by by doorman. Not sure how well they stand behind their warranty.
     
    #8 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
  9. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    This is great! I was looking at the battery labels I see on ebay. Looks like there isn't necessarily a clearcut way to tell? I read with the gen2's there was a alphanumeric number that told when it was made?

    This is also great! My understanding is they come from insurance wrecks. What would be a good way for me to verify that?
     
    #9 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
  10. roamerr

    roamerr Member

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    Junkyard low mileage newer model is best deal. Pull it yourself if you know how and then there's no uncertainty.


    iPhone ?
     
    #10 roamerr, Nov 23, 2015
  11. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    #11 dorunron, Nov 23, 2015
  12. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    #12 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
  13. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    http://lusciousgarage.com/

    Ok, if you won't take my advice on refurbs, at least contact these people before you do anything else. They might can get you a good deal. I would trust them over anybody that is on Ebay.
     
    #13 dorunron, Nov 23, 2015
  14. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    Yeah called them and went to VM. They might be closed for the day.

    I don't see refurbs being a good idea because as analysis on my own battery has shown, "spread" between battery module voltages over time means that even refurbed batteries don't have small enough spread to be reliable for a decent amount of mileage post install, say 100k.
     
    #14 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
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  15. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Agreed, but are you still buying a junkyard used, low miles?
    Or, buying an unused good for 200,000 miles unit?
    Pity about the refurbs but $ is $
     
    #15 Lucifer, Nov 23, 2015
  16. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

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    Junkyard used low miles
     
    #16 electrontechnik, Nov 23, 2015
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