Dealer Says Need New Hybrid Battery

[ziaruti]

Took 2002 prius, with 113,000 miles on it to dealer after triangle light with exclamation and check motor came on and wouldn't go off. Dealer says I need a new hybrid battery, codes P3000 and P3030 and notes a problem with cell 18. Cost is $4,250. Did some research and came across an article at hybridcars.com-battery replacement costs which noted that sometimes cells can be corroded and that Toyota would rather replace the entire battery than clean the cell. He also noted that there are some independent service shops around the country that are trained to work on these cars. I am in the Phoenix area and would love to find one of these shops to get a second opinion.

[efusco]

If you do need to replace the entire pack consider a salvage battery, often available for ~$500 online.

[ziaruti]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 18 2007, 12:57 PM) [snapback]514448[/snapback]</div>

If you do need to replace the entire pack consider a salvage battery, often available for ~$500 online.
[/b]

Thanks - where online might I find a salvage battery.

[seasalsa]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ziaruti @ Sep 18 2007, 02:03 PM) [snapback]514483[/snapback]</div>

Thanks - where online might I find a salvage battery.
[/b]

You might try a Google Search. this is the first place I found with such a search on Prius Salvage Battery.
http://www.automotix.net/partshotline-toyo...s-requests.html

There are many others.

[Elaine]

I am glad you asked your question. I have a 2003 Prius and the dealer says I need a new inverter and water pump for a total cost of $5057.39. It has 107,000 miles on it. I am trying to do the same research.
I live in LA. I only found one auto repair place in Huntington Beach that is hybrid certified but he says he still has to purchase the part from a toyota dealer. (Midwayauto.org)
I know my info doesn't help you but your info helped me. It gives me an idea of where to look online.

[siliconhybrid]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Sep 18 2007, 04:40 PM) [snapback]514498[/snapback]</div>

You might try a Google Search. this is the first place I found with such a search on Prius Salvage Battery.
http://www.automotix.net/partshotline-toyo...s-requests.html

There are many others.
[/b]

or just go to ebay

linky

[tochatihu]

Ziaruti and Elaine, both of you are facing expensive post-warranty repairs. At the risk of being labelled a whiner (which of course I deserve) I will mention that in some cases Toyota has been talked into at least partial compensation. Rather than the local shop, it would be better to begin with TCEC (1-800-331-4331) or your regional service manager. Foreceful, insistent, polite.

[kayhud]

I'm in the same boat as ziaruti. I have a 2001 Prius w/ 149,000 miles on it. I was told in March of this year that I needed to have my hybrid battery and it's computer replaced. The dealership told me they considered this a premature battery failure. If I understand their explanation correctly they said that the computer that controls the battery has been malfunctioning and not managing the battery properly and as a result it's now on its last legs.

I tried whining to the customer service reps at the Toyota 800# several times and didn't get anywhere negotiating a discount on the repair. I was also quoted $5000 for the repair w/ new parts - $1000 in labor and $4000 in parts.

Even though my engine light has been on well over 6 months, I have put off the repair because the performance of the car had not been at all compromised until last week. The tech said I wasn't going to damage anything by continuing to drive since the battery was already toast, so my plan since March has been to continue driving until it stalls by the side of road. Finally, last week the Master Warning Light came on again (it had been on back in March and then it went off until now - the check engine light has been on continually, however) and I'm starting to notice the car straining occasionally.

I also looked around for used parts and found that I should be able to get the repair done for about $2000 w/ used parts. My concern about used parts, however, is that there is no way of knowing if the salvaged battery works until it's installed (this is per the hybrid tech). So, if it doesn't work, you are out the labor to put it in and then remove it. Make sure the salvage yard agrees to warranty the part if it doesn't work so you aren't out the part cost as well. I was able to ask the salvage yard folks how many miles were on the car that the part was pulled from, but you also might want to ask how long the car has been sitting out in the salvage yard. I'm no battery expert, but I'd think the battery might be adversely affected by sitting around not being used - so that could be a factor as well. I need to chat w/ my mechanic again and get more specifics because I don't think I can continue to put off the repair at this point.

I also checked around for an independent hybrid mechanic and there were none in my area, however, I did ask my regular, non-dealership mechanic to tell me what his price would be on the battery and new computer and I believe it was around $3000 w/ no mark-up - so I'm doubtful there'd be significant savings if you could find an independent hybrid-certified tech.

[tochatihu]

New news from Toyota on HV battery rebuilding:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...23/063663.html

Those in need should bring this info to your shop's attention.

(Was also posted by zenmachine on the Main PC forum)

[statultra]

most of the time the dealers dont know what they talking about, inverter and water pump might nto have tob e replaced, probably just water pump... and battery? i dont see how these go prematurely other than corrosion