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2002 Prius engine swap

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Franc, Oct 19, 2015.

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  1. Franc

    Franc New Member

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    Hello, my name is Franc and I recently received a 2002 Prius with a nonfunctional HV battery. Local Toyota dealer asks for the equivalent to 2500 USD plus labor to replace it, but I cannot afford that replacement.

    It is not my intention to be a troll. I understand that "engine swap" threads are not well received in this forum, but I would appreciate some help and input about how to keep the car running.

    I want to know if is it possible to remove the whole hybrid system and install a conventional drivetrain. I considered a Gen1 Echo 1NZFE (pricetag under 1000 USD here in my country).

    Thank you.
     
    #1 Franc, Oct 19, 2015
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    You would be a pioneer.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Oct 19, 2015
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That is certainly "possible", but it may not be possible on a tight budget - unless you do not care about the instrument cluster gauges properly working, the braking system being impaired, etc. Besides removing the engine/transaxle drivetrain, you would have to remove the braking system feeding the hydraulic lines leading to the wheel cylinders and remove all of the electronics including the engine ECU, hybrid vehicle ECU, traction battery ECU, body ECU, SRS ECU, combination meter ECU, immobilization system ECU, etc. Then, replace with the powertrain, braking system (brake master cylinder and power brake vacuum assist), electronics and gauges from the donor car.

    The Prius hybrid system is tightly integrated into the overall vehicle design. It is not a layer of frosting that you can scrape off the top of your piece of cake.

    So you would be better off trying to figure out how to replace the traction battery more economically, by doing it yourself and fabricating a used battery using 38 modules from two salvaged G3 Prius batteries (2010 - current model years).
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Oct 19, 2015
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2015
    bwilson4web and Merkey like this.
  4. Franc

    Franc New Member

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    Thank you for your replies. I keep searching for options. I found a local shop where they said the damaged cells could be replaced. I'm taking the car there next week.
     
    #4 Franc, Oct 19, 2015
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Recognizing that the traction battery is ~14 years old, any solution that does not involve replacing all 38 modules is going to be a short term fix.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Oct 19, 2015
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