Aux Battery Prophylactic Replacement?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Bluesman78, Mar 16, 2017.

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  1. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Thanks for the tip. I will fight for that price because its the 12V battery not the hybrid battery. I bet a bunch of times someone came in and wanted the hybrid battery replaced for $110 or something like that.

    You agree on my thought process regarding the the 5 year vs lifetime
     
    #21 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    absolutely. i hope they give it to you, that's a $250.-400. value!
     
    #22 bisco, Jul 2, 2017
  3. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Acton Toyota of Littleton | New Toyota dealership in Littleton, MA 01460

    This is another local dealer and they are charging $120 (installation extra) with 84 month warranty and says specifically excluded hybrid batteries so I should be good to go with this one.... I'll go to the service manager if I have to, I'm a bit tired of rolling over for these dealers. Half the time I can't even get someone to answer the phone.
     
    #23 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
  4. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Ya, the Prius battery always costs more.
     
    #24 kenoarto, Jul 2, 2017
  5. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Why is that? It's just a regular old battery correct? Or is this Prius Willingness to Pay tax?
     
    #25 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
  6. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    I have a yellow top that I bought in 2009 and it's still going strong on my 2006 but it always has a battery tender on it when the wheels are not turning.
     
    #26 boppo, Jul 2, 2017
  7. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    It's small and kinda rare. It's a design flaw Toyota needs to fix.
     
    #27 kenoarto, Jul 2, 2017
  8. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Nothing is "just a regular old battery". The characters in the part number have meaning. Physical dimensions differ. Placement of the terminals differ. The size of the terminals differ. The Prius is fitted with a battery that is common in Japan. Guess how many other cars in the USA use that battery.

    Reminds me of parts is parts:
     
    #28 JimN, Jul 2, 2017
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  9. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    It's got the same technology as other car batteries (as opposed to the hybrid battery). Anyways I will report back to you once I talk to them tomorrow. But I do plan on challenging them because the coupon does not say hybrid batteries are excluded.
     
    #29 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    because it's inside the passenger compartment, there are some extra safety features. when gen 2 came out, hem was the only option. that's how rare. then optima came along at a good price, but the post diameter was different, and you needed a retrofit kit.
    they fixed that, and 13 years later, there are 4 or 5 options out there. but they're still pretty expensive compared to the typical auto battery, as you see in your coupon.
     
    #30 bisco, Jul 2, 2017
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they did. gen 4 is larger, and under the hood.
     
    #31 bisco, Jul 2, 2017
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  12. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Shoot, if that's the case I'm not sure if I want to prophylactically replace. Last time it was replaced was 30K miles ago and 4.5 years. But then again being stranded in the middle of nowhere seems a lot worse.
     
    #32 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    your call. most people who have had issues let the battery die from leaving a light on, etc. that sulphates the battery and reduces life span.
    but don't let me talk you out of it, i'd feel terrible if you got stranded on your trip due to my bad advice.:p
     
    #33 bisco, Jul 2, 2017
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  14. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Yeah, I bought it used at 93,000 miles (now has 99,000) and the battery was replaced with that owner. I'll start price comparing various dealers :)
     
    #34 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can also check auto parts stores, sears, batteries plus bulbs and amazon.
     
    #35 bisco, Jul 2, 2017
  16. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Interestingly, Amazon sells the Optima version of the battery and provides a list of local installers and their prices. So you can get it installed for $20+cost of battery = $180
     
    #36 Bluesman78, Jul 2, 2017
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  17. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    When I got my transmission fluid changed (at a closer dealer) they tested the battery and said it was fine. They said the battery doesn't need to be replaced. The battery was last replaced (at a dealer so I assume OEM batter) 4.5 years ago and 30.000 miles. Does this add up? Don't really want to drive 1 hour each way to another dealer to get this battery special if I don't need it now.
     
    #37 Bluesman78, Jul 7, 2017
  18. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    You could stick a $60 lithium jump pack in your glove compartment and lay that worry to bed.

    -Chap
     
    #38 ChapmanF, Jul 7, 2017
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  19. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    I probably need one anyways. Can you recommend one and are their Prius specific instructions I can follow since I heard it's something that can be screwed up

    I'm a Costco guy and this one is available

    Lithium Jump Starter And Portable Power Bank
     
    #39 Bluesman78, Jul 7, 2017
  20. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Here's a general rule of thumb for battery life:
    battery life.jpg
     
    #40 fotomoto, Jul 7, 2017
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