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Hybrid Battery fan cleaning?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by PriusToo, Jun 12, 2014.

  1. PriusToo

    PriusToo Junior Member

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    Was wondering if there is a simple way to inspect and clean hybrid battery fan.
    I'm not having any problems, just would like to keep it maintained.
    My car has over 150k
     
  2. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    It isn't easy to get at and that's the only way you can inspect it. By the way, if you do remove it to clean it and you use compressed air don't allow the fan to spin, especially in the reverse direction, as you may burn the motor out.
     
    Woodstock74 likes this.
  3. PriusToo

    PriusToo Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice, goes without saying to disconnect the 12 volt battery also.
     
  4. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    And Start switch off. Always a good idea!
     
  5. PriusToo

    PriusToo Junior Member

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    When you say start switch off, you mean just the fob not in car???
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no, just don't power up the car.

    if you haven't carried fury pets and the like, there's really no need to inspect it.
     
    #6 bisco, Jun 12, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 22, 2014
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You shouldn't need to disconnect the 12 volt.

    I've dug down to ours, 3rd gen. Didn't actually pull it out, just got close enough to see the inside was clean. The main hassle was sorting out how to pull the covers and panels off, without destroying fasteners.

    I subsequently put a piece of vacuum cleaner motor filter material behind the fan's air intake, and just keep an eye on that, pull it out clean it occasionally. It's looking pretty clean. Once in a blue moon we transport a dog, but that's all.
     
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  8. PriusToo

    PriusToo Junior Member

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    Thanks again, I think it has been a pet free car.
     
  9. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Why would this burn out the motor ?
     
  10. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    Apparently it generates a current and particularly reverse direction can cause problems. Additionally the compressed air causes serious over revving. You can damage computer fans the same way.
     
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  11. jejb

    jejb Member

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    I burned out a laptop fan once letting it spin while I cleaned it with our air compressor. Learned my lesson on that one.

    I've heard that you can get pre-filters for the intake fan. We will have dogs in the car often, so would like to get some of those. Are they custom jobs I'd make for myself, or does someone sell them? Thanks.
     
  12. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Have had the fan out removed the bearing label and oiled the motor bearing. 3 in 1 oil made for electric motors found at Lowes. Same stuff you use on your home ac compressor fan. Never seen a fan burn out from reverse direction with air compressor and do it all the time.

    Go to Home Depot and buy thin filter media. Buy double sided heavy duty tape. Ring the outside filter cover with the tape. Cut media to fit. Press media onto tape. Good for years.
     
  13. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    While filters are a good idea, be careful that you do not get an overly-restrictive filter.
    Especially if you live in a hot-climate area.

    Restricted air flow is just as bad as a dirty/clogged fan.
     
  14. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Hence the thin media.
     
  15. DrPepperholik

    DrPepperholik Active Member

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    What kinds of filters would be recommended? I have a German Shedder and while I don't plan on toting her everywhere I go there will be a significant amount of hair in my car.
     
  16. Prius_Cub

    Prius_Cub Member

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    You could probably use the replacement window a/c type filter pads or the filters they sell for floor vent registers.

    HTC Evo 3D
     
  17. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    See edthefox5 above and heed ericbecky's warning.
     
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  18. PriusToo

    PriusToo Junior Member

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    This is all good to know, appriciated all the input from everyone.
     
  19. robert mencl

    robert mencl Member

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    nylon stocking
     
  20. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Hey nylon stocking is a great idea. Thanks!