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2005 Prius 155k miles - Needs Traction Battery and ECUs

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013.

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  1. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    So, my wife's 2005 prius needs a new battery and (according to the repair shop, it needs two ECUs too).

    The big red triangle warning light came on, battery would charge and drain real quick, battery fan (by the back seats) would be constant on and loud and the electric motor wouldn't kick in, so it had greatly reduced power and mpg.

    It would drive, so I told my wife to take it to a repair shop (a repair shop that specializes in Toyotas and they said they can do the work) but it died on the way. So we had it towed to the repair shop.

    Here is what they qouted me (on a handwritten note via fax):
    $4314.05
    battery: G9510-47031 - $2,588.67
    ECU: 89890-47092 - $731.98
    ECU: 89981-47390 - $398.40
    Labor: $595

    How does this look? Are the ECUs necessary?

    What alternatives do I have? I am probably capable of doing the battery myself. Is it worth it to sink $4300 into this car at this point? Or should I just scrap it?

    I am in the Tampa, FL area.

    Any insight is appreciated!

    -Ryan
     
    #1 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
  2. pineprius

    pineprius 15th Hole #4

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    If you can do the battery exchange yourself, you might want to check with ReInVolt Technology in Sanford, NC. They rebuild them for much less.
     
    #2 pineprius, Jan 7, 2013
  3. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    what about a cheap $900 one from a salvage yard? At this point I wonder how much I should sink into it. Have there been any issues with the Re-InVolt ones? How long do they last?
     
    #3 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
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  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Ryan you do not list your location, which is really going to hamper any help.


    Once we know where you are, there are multiple re-manufacturers of HV Batteries.

    As an example, I would give wildly different advice if you are in Thailand than if you are in the San Francisco Bay area.
     
    #4 JimboPalmer, Jan 7, 2013
  5. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    I put my location in the post:

    Thanks :)

    -Ryan
     
    #5 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
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  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #6 JimboPalmer, Jan 7, 2013
  7. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    Is it necessary to replace the ECUs ?
     
    #7 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
  8. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    What proof did they give you that the ECUs were bad? What were the diagnostic trouble codes
    they found and what diagnostic equipment did they use to grab the codes?

    If you're thinking of spending up to $4300 on this car, I would spend $200 and have a Toyota dealer
    check what's wrong with the car before ponying up any more dough to the repair shop you took it to.

    Once you definitely know what's wrong then you can decide what's best. Sorry to hear your wife's car
    seems to have died prematurely.
     
    #8 jadziasman, Jan 7, 2013
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  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    This is my understanding, I have not done this repair. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

    If you buy the new pack from a dealer, it will not have the ECU included, your mechanic will either have to move your ECU to the new battery or buy new a ECU. If you get a re-manufactured battery, it will include a working ECU.
     
    #9 JimboPalmer, Jan 7, 2013
  10. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    If we simply use deductive reasoning, the chances of a battery and 2 ECU's going out at the same time is very low (possible but low).

    If I was in your shoes, I would get the $900 one from the scrapyard and DIY.

    I would start by just replacing the battery only (unless it comes to you with an ECU). If it comes to you w/ the battery ECU in place, I would not remove it but simply replace the entire assy.
     
    #10 usnavystgc, Jan 7, 2013
  11. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    Anyone got a link to a good DIY battery replacement guide?
     
    #11 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #12 JimboPalmer, Jan 7, 2013
  13. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    Well the repair shop said that the ECU's need to be updated because of a TSB and that my existing ECU's are not compatible. He said it was the hybrid and engine ECU that need to be updated
     
    #13 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
  14. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Ryan they are trying to discharge your wallet (not the PC members). There is no problem with your ECU's. Get that battery from the breakers yard if it is out of a late model.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #14 Britprius, Jan 7, 2013
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  15. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Rein-Volt. Check out the web site. It will save you a Kings Ransom.
    Remanufactured Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs
     
    #15 JMD, Jan 7, 2013
  16. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Salvage yard is about $500. The problem is if the battery is sitting in the yard unused for awhile it may be very low capacity. If it just came out of a car you may have a chance. Re In Volt is the way to go. Also check with your local parts store.
    Remanufactured Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs
     
    #16 JMD, Jan 7, 2013
  17. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Ditto the dealer advice. Spend $200 to get a 2nd opinion from a Toyota dealer before spending a couple thousand on ECUs.

    And don't scrap the car for this. After repair it'll be good as new.
     
    #17 richard schumacher, Jan 7, 2013
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  18. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    Thanks for the input. Is there any harm in driving the car from the repair shop to the dealer (and then possibly home again to do the DIY install)? It runs, just no battery and fan is full on.
     
    #18 Ryan L., Jan 7, 2013
  19. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    No harm at all.
     
    #19 Britprius, Jan 8, 2013
  20. Ryan L.

    Ryan L. New Member

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    Oh and another thing I just thought of, seeing how the SRS system or crash detection will disable the HV system. But back in the summer, around July, the SRS light came on and then in August after a long drive, it went off again. Could this be related or the cause?
     
    #20 Ryan L., Jan 8, 2013
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