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2007 Hybrid Battery part 2

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by gatorglenn, Jun 15, 2016.

  1. gatorglenn

    gatorglenn Member

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    I posted a little while back that my 2007 Prius with 176k had the warning lights on the dash. I finally got the code read and it is the P0A80 code. The 12 volt battery seems good, it is about a year and a half old or so. That was the only code.

    I guess I have to take to to a Toyota dealer to have them look at it and tell me that the hybrid battery needs replaced. Any idea of how much they will charge to diagnose it?

    I'm really not sure what I want to do with the car. It has been a great car but I was quoted $2800, I think, for a new battery from Toyota plus labor and I cannot spend that much on it. Used batteries are around $750-800 locally. I can get a reconditioned battery with a six month warranty for $500 installed. There are also folks that replace the bad cells and recondition my battery.

    Is it okay to drive the car 15 miles to the Toyota dealer to have them check it out?

    Thanks,
    Glenn
     
    #1 gatorglenn, Jun 15, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    get a used battery for $700 - $800 locally
     
    #2 JC91006, Jun 15, 2016
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you'll probably make it 15 miles, but i can't guarantee it. the dealer should charge you for one hour of labor, whatever that is, they are all different. shop around, some dealers are less than others. what are your plans for the car? depending on how many more miles/years you want out of it, will dictate what you should choose for a replacement battery.
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 15, 2016
  4. gatorglenn

    gatorglenn Member

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    I would like to get another 50-60k out of the car.
     
    #4 gatorglenn, Jun 15, 2016
  5. gatorglenn

    gatorglenn Member

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    Thanks,

    I am considering that option. Then I have to decide if i can install it or find someone to do it.
     
    #5 gatorglenn, Jun 15, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2016
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    with a rebuilt, you depend on luck, warranty service and labor.

    with a new battery, you'll likely get another 150k+. unfortunately, there isn't much in between.
     
    #6 bisco, Jun 16, 2016
  7. gatorglenn

    gatorglenn Member

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    The used battery in the $700-800 range was a bust.

    I called Toyota and talked to them. No help from them. They asked if either of my Toyotas were bought new from a dealer and they were not. Also most of the regular service was not done in a Toyota dealer.

    So I'm stuck for now. I cannot justify paying $3300 or so for a new battery when the car is probably worth about 5k. Even though I think it mechanically it is good except for the battery, anything could change in a year or so.

    I can get a rebuilt battery but it seems to be hit or miss.

    I guess I might end up selling it as is for next to nothing. I will hate to see it go but time marches on. I will probably not buy another Prius even though it was a great car before this.

    Glenn
     
    #7 gatorglenn, Jun 20, 2016
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    i think the car is worth a gamble with a good rebuilt Dorman battery with a 3 year warranty. The cost would be around $1500 and it'll increase the value of the car by at least that amount. A non running Prius will get you around $1000
     
    #8 JC91006, Jun 21, 2016
  9. gatorglenn

    gatorglenn Member

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    I am considering a Dorman as well as a couple of other reconditioned batteries. They all seem to get very mixed reviews here. Even with a warranty I don't want to go thru a bad battery again any time soon.

    Thanks,
    Glenn
     
    #9 gatorglenn, Jun 21, 2016
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    A rebuilt battery will most likely give you problems again in the future. The good thing about Dorman, they have a national 3 year warranty that they'll for sure honor.....other rebuilders, you won't know what you'll get when warranty time comes around.

    Only reliable repair is a NEW battery from Toyota
     
    #10 JC91006, Jun 21, 2016
  11. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    If you feel 3 years is "soon", then really your only option is a new pack from Toyota.
    But least outlay of cash is, of course, to sell.
     
    #11 ericbecky, Jun 21, 2016
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