HV Battery Failing

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by magruder, Sep 25, 2009.

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  1. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    I believe my HV battery is failing. The charge can go from full green to one red (or the other way around) in less than a minute. I have not noticed a drop in mpgs yet though. However, last night the hybrid system warning light came on (the one with the exclamation point in the middle of the car, on the MFD screen). How long do you think I have to replace the battery? Can I wait a little while? Or should I not drive the vehicle for some reason until I replace the battery? Could I be mistaken and there may be some other problem? I haven't gone to a Toyota dealer, and I'm not planning to.

    Thanks,
    Dave
     
    #1 magruder, Sep 25, 2009
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Dave,

    I think that your belief is justified. Soon you'll get to the point where the gasoline engine will run whenever you depress the accelerator pedal. At that point the car will not be very easy to drive because it will lack power especially from a standing start.

    I recommend that you start looking for a good salvage battery since it sounds like you're planning a DIY replacement. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Sep 25, 2009
    2 people like this.
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Ditto Patrick's remarks...sorry to hear that.
     
    #3 efusco, Sep 25, 2009
  4. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    Thanks,

    I guess I'll lose reverse when the battery goes completely as well. Is it most important to get a low mileage battery, or is the age important also?
     
    #4 magruder, Sep 25, 2009
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    #5 Patrick Wong, Sep 25, 2009
  6. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    Thanks Patrick,

    I did see that battery, and it looks like a good choice. I also checked, and there are quite a few available at the local junk yards. I may pick one up here in Denver.

    Regards,
    Dave
     
    #6 magruder, Sep 25, 2009
  7. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    I gather that yours is out of warranty? [I rarely bother to turn signatures on.]
     
    #7 richard schumacher, Sep 25, 2009
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Good, that will save the freight charge.

    Dave's signature block indicates 171K miles.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Sep 25, 2009
  9. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    You are correct, my battery has lots of miles on it.
     
    #9 magruder, Sep 25, 2009
  10. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    Hmmm, one thing i know is that the fan for the HV pack always kicks on randomly, thats a sign. and sorry = cry
     
    #10 That_Prius_Car, Sep 25, 2009
  11. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    sorry to hear this
    but at 171.000 miles the car is still running perfect?
    so you only have to replace the battery pack and you drive another 22k(replacement) and 171k = 149.000 miles ;-) for maybe a 500 dollar cost? of the replacement.
     
    #11 Flying White Dutchman, Sep 25, 2009
  12. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    Correct, the battery made it a long time, and it won't cost too much for a used battery. Perhaps my mpgs will go up as well.
     
    #12 magruder, Sep 25, 2009
  13. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    I would suggest checking salvage yards, not many places ship them cheaply though.

    I ended up picking up a 07 prius battery for 150, and a 05 prius battery for 250 to rebuild my 01 prius battery.
     
    #13 statultra, Sep 28, 2009
  14. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    statultra
    how did that work out? or stil work in progress?
     
    #14 Flying White Dutchman, Sep 29, 2009
  15. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    #15 efusco, Sep 29, 2009
  16. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Hi Magruder, I was wondering if you've been able to test that the battery terminals and connections are still in good condition. I mean have you definitely ruled out a high resistance connection as a possible cause of the problem at this point?
     
    #16 uart, Sep 29, 2009
  17. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    Have you checked your 12 volt battery to see if it's good?

    Wayne
     
    #17 FireEngineer, Sep 29, 2009
  18. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    #18 magruder, Oct 12, 2009
  19. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    Good question,

    A few months ago I did do this. The connections were nice and clean, and I did clean what little corrosion existed.
     
    #19 magruder, Oct 12, 2009
  20. magruder

    magruder Average Member

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    The 12 volt battery was replaced with a factory battery in February.
     
    #20 magruder, Oct 12, 2009
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