Battery replaced, realistic expectations

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Anroga, Mar 17, 2022.

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  1. Anroga

    Anroga Junior Member

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    Hi all. I have a 3rd gen prius, with 75k miles. I had been getting about 38 MPG for a while, which from what I read here, could be better. (That's while being very mindful of my driving style, but maybe I'm just bad at pulse and glide etc.).

    Anyway, I got a display message that the hybrid system had some problem, took it to a toyota dealer/service center a couple of times and they ended up replacing the hybrid battery (under warranty), and also replacing the "computer" (not under warranty, $326) because it was "fried". (Don't know what he meant by "computer" or "fried").

    I'm getting my car back today, and was wondering:

    Do they replace the hybrid battery with a brand new one, or a reconditioned and tested one?

    Will I likely see an improvement MPG?

    Should I expect to get a significantly longer life out of my prius?

    What computer would they be refering to?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Anroga, Mar 17, 2022
    bisco likes this.
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    i would hope the battery computer . I dont believe the Toyota Dealers network allows Rebuilt Batteries at present time.. realize these cars have inherent moisture issues and youve a med sized battery sitting under plastic tray . exposed to the said moisture and it helps speed the corrosion process creating havoc between all these modules linked together under that cover..
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Mar 17, 2022
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how long have you owned it?

    8 years on the oem battery is unusually short, you should get at least that out of the new one if it is new.
    in the us, they are, but you'd have to ask toyota about puerto rico

    how long has mpg been 38? it could improve, but there might be other problems. many things affect mpg, including driving style, climate, topography, trip length and speed, etc.

    regarding longer life, your biggest danger is a blown head gasket. the egr system is a weak design point, and needs to be thoroughly cleaned and an oil catch can added.
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 17, 2022
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