Hello from newb in London, HELP

The original Japanese only Prius 1997-2000 is similar looking to the official UK Prius 2000-2003 but that's where the similarity ends. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius_(XW10)

The original Prius you have was almost a Japanese home market test bed for the Prius and wasn't quite as 'polished' as the later one released for worldwide distribution. I understand that the HV battery needed to be 'balanced' by the main Toyota dealer every service. This is done automatically by the Prius released worldwide and as such it is very unlikely any dealer outside Japan will have the equipment.

I do believe there is a guy in the UK but can't find the details when I've just googled it now

This website from New Zealand gives details of the issue which might help you;

HEV Battery Problems in Prius

 

I wouldn't just scrap it off just yet. Maybe try resetting the car as shown on that link - by disconnecting the 12v etc. You might also look at one of those scanners refered to in that New Zealand link?

All I'd say is be very very careful if you mess about with the high voltage battery pack. It can kill. If you're not sure what you're doing then leave it alone. If you're an electrical engineer you might look at tinkering with it assuming you take suitable precautions.

 

Try reaching out to Peter Perkins. He rebuilds hv battery packs on Honda Insights. I believe that your Prius uses hv battery modules similar to that used in 2000-2006 Honda Insights.

The Nimh charger is an emergency start, that upconverts the 12V battery to charge the HV battery pack.

 

The newer Prius HSD system is one of the few hybrid systems that incorporated a HV battery cell balancing system. This why Honda is having so many issues with their batteries. If you get your car fixed your may be able to use a new product that is currently in production that allows your to charge and balance your pack at home. I would check out 99mpg.com for more info on their universal grid charger.

Grid Charger - MIMA Honda Insight Modified Integrated Motor Assist

 

Ack, forgot to link to Peter's website

Home

 

:welcome:
Hi dij - sorry to hear about your finding PriusChat the hard way. Maybe this will help. I suggest you contact a very knowledgeable / helpful member here on PriusChat who goes by the screen name ken1784. He's in Yokohama if I remember. Send him a message (and maybe scan/fax/email your japanese manual) and he may be able to translate your battery charger manual - or at least give you enough of a clue to move forward. Here's a link so you can contact him:
http://priuschat.com/forums/private-messages/send-to/217/
I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't already know about issues with the Japan only - 1st Gen Prius, including the very best solution(s)
good luck!

 

Because the HV battery is a totally integral part of the hybrid system. The engine will not run without the HV battery as this powers the electric motor to start the engine. This system enables the engine to fire on and off seamlessly when driving - which is necessary for the hybrid system to work as well as it does.

There isn't a gear box in the traditional sense. The hybrid system is the gearbox AND the power/charge unit etc. It's all reliant on each part working together - in synergy.

To complicate things further the original version you have isn't quite as flexible as the official, later versions.

As others have said, without a working HV battery the car is scrap.