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Rebuild pack with 1st gen cells?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Jeff80465, Jul 12, 2014.

  1. Jeff80465

    Jeff80465 Junior Member

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    It is possible to rebuild a 2nd gen pack with 1st gen cells? I know they are getting old now, but I found a dirt cheap 1st gen pack with a few dead cells in it. I picked up a 2005 ex-cab Prius for next to nothing that has a bad pack. I pulled it out, opened it up, recharged each cell, and about 1/2 of the cells won't hold a charge above 6.5v. I can't justify buying 14 cells at $50+/- to rebuild this one, and used packs with about the same miles run $800. If the 1st gen cells will work, I can salvage 28 cells to get this car on the road until I find a better solution.
     
    #1 Jeff80465, Jul 12, 2014
  2. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Of course it is possible but not the best case scenario. I wouldn't recommend it but, possible.
     
    #2 usnavystgc, Jul 12, 2014
  3. Jeff80465

    Jeff80465 Junior Member

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    That is what I thought. I know they can't be mixed, but wasn't sure if they could be swapped. I will give it some consideration, unless someone has a lead on a 2nd gen pack.
     
    #3 Jeff80465, Jul 12, 2014
  4. MTL_hihy

    MTL_hihy Active Member

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    Please don't go that route........1st gen packs are prone to issues and this is likely to just become a huge headache for you.

    Pay the money to find a good 2nd or 3rd gen pack for rebuilding and you'll be alot happier with the result.
     
    #4 MTL_hihy, Jul 15, 2014
  5. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    It theoretically could work.
    You will have to go back again to do it in the future.

    But if you are having fun doing it, and you have the time, it certainly isn't harmful.

    If you go ahead with this experiment, can you please report your experience here so we can learn from it.
    It would be a great way to help the community.

    Looking forward to your saga.
     
    #5 ericbecky, Jul 15, 2014
  6. Jeff80465

    Jeff80465 Junior Member

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    I will let you know how things proceed. Really, rebuilding the packs isn't a big deal. I rebuilt an 02 last Summer, and have since sold the car. I rebuilt the pack on the 06 my wife has. Just hoping to have a cheap commuter/beater car. This is a great candidate, just not interested in putting any more money in it than I have to. The used Gen II packs seem to go for more than I paid for the entire car.
     
    #6 Jeff80465, Jul 16, 2014
  7. Jeff80465

    Jeff80465 Junior Member

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    I ended up finding someone who had a totalled 2nd gen and sold the pack for a fair price. Picked it up yesterday and put it in the car. Seems to be working great for minimal effort. Thanks for the input everyone!
     
    #7 Jeff80465, Jul 20, 2014
    usnavystgc likes this.
  8. MTL_hihy

    MTL_hihy Active Member

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    That was the best possible scenario, glad it worked out for you!
     
    #8 MTL_hihy, Jul 22, 2014
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