HV Battery Failing

[magruder]

Hi,

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

[Patrick Wong]

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.

[efusco]

Ditto Patrick's remarks...sorry to hear that.

[magruder]

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?

[Patrick Wong]

Hi Dave,

I'd try to get a battery that is young, where the odometer reading is ~10K miles per year. In other words, a battery used moderately, not from a seldom-driven garage queen nor a taxi.

The good news is that there are plenty of choices on eBay. I'd consider getting this one which is claimed to be from a 2007, 22K miles:
04-08 Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Pack 22K OEM LKQ:eBay Motors (item 390097743909 end time Sep-30-09 18:22:04 PDT)

[magruder]

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

[richard schumacher]

I gather that yours is out of warranty? [I rarely bother to turn signatures on.]

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by magruder

... I may pick one up here in Denver.

Good, that will save the freight charge.

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

I gather that yours is out of warranty?

Dave's signature block indicates 171K miles.

[magruder]

You are correct, my battery has lots of miles on it.

[That_Prius_Car]

Hmmm, one thing i know is that the fan for the HV pack always kicks on randomly, thats a sign. and sorry = cry