Recent experiences with HV battery core credit if you DIY

I've heard if you buy a new battery from them, you can return anything back as a core. As long as there's 28 modules inside, they take it. They do this because they don't resell the core

But if it's a warranty claim, then they need to verify what's inside the core. If not warranty claim, they just take back a pack with 28 modules of any condition.

 

Of course the dealership would give it to you. That's where you bought it.

I'm sure you can call the dealership to ask this question too.

 

Member johnjohnchu bought one recently from longo Toyota, he might know the details.

 

As JC91006 said just call the dealer and ask them. I realize that must be hard for a Hillary supporter to do but if you give me their number I will be more than happy to call for you.

 

In all fairness, if your dealer lies, cheats and steals, then it doesn't matter what other (honest?) dealers have done. In order for you to feel secure in the transaction, you need to get it in writing from your dealer.

 

My assumption would be that the core is credited by the dealership when they take possession of it. The only reason I assume that is simply because that's been my experience with how other cores are credited. If they do it differently with hybrid batteries, it would be good to know. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

I bought a new Toyota hybrid battery from a dealer back in early July. I took the core back to them a few days after picking up the new battery and they gave me the core deposit back on the spot. I don't think you will have any problems unless you are taking back a non-Toyota battery such as a Dorman reconditioned one.

Glenn

 

You are confusing Warranty work vs retail/OTC (Over The Counter) purchase.

Warranty) Dealers are to verify that all module serial numbers are sequential and appropriate for the model year Prius presenting. They are to also verify that the bolts/nuts have not been removed, implying that the HV Battery presenting, has been manipulated/rebuilt. Toyota needs to reduce fraud, thus the physical checks.

Retail/OTC) Lets apply some logic. The customer is paying for the HV Battery, not Toyota. All Toyota will likely care about is that they recieve a comparable HV battery assembly, like the new one leaving the door. This will likely mean:
silver case (non-painted, so no Doorman, & no Greentech),
28 modules (sequential serial numbers will not be required),
same number of internal components just like the new one leaving the door. One could always give them more components (ie ECUs), but not less.

Why haven't you called the Toyota dealership parts department, to put conspiracy theories to rest? Best to speak with the parts department manager; take notes of what you said, he said, day/time/duration of your conversation.

What has been listed in this topic will turn out to be true.

 

I believe Toyota will take back even a Dorman or Greentech core if you buy a new battery. It doesn't matter to them what they take back, they just need a complete battery.

I've read members with Dorman batteries and when they sick and tired of them failing, they get a new one at Toyota. They never have a problem turning in the Core when they buy new OTC. Warranty repair is a whole different beast

 

Our member Matt, (texashybridsomething) does this regularly. He sells BRAND NEW Toyota batteries installed for $2400. He does this nearly at cost because this is how he recycles all the old failed modules. He turns in 28 bad modules as the core when getting a brand new battery. He sells the brand new battery for $2400 and gets a failed pack with 26-27 good modules in it to rebuild. Rinse and repeat, an endless supply of rebuildable modules.

 

Good for you, being proactive/preemptive.

Yes, the challenging part will be to get a dealer to sell you the HV Battery. Last time I called, San Bernardino Toyota will sell the HV Battery OTC to a non-mechanic, if the parts Manager gives the a OK. Perhaps you have a relative/good friend, who is ASE mechanic or a licensed electrician w/ the necessary tools helping you with the install?

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Worst case scenario, they still won't sell, but will give you the Internet price of $2071 (2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Toyota of San Bernardino Online Parts Store), if they install. Now its a game of how low can you get them to go for labor; maybe have the rear disassembled and removed so all they have to do is remove the case. HV Battery fan will have already been cleaned by you. 2-3 hours labor tops on their end. Sucks, but this may be the best that you will get.

 

My dealer did not remove the cover while I was there. They did open the shipping carton to look at it.

I don't understand. Are you trying to not give them a complete battery back for the core fee? Or trying to use a Dorman or otherwise aftermarket reconditioned battery?

If you have an complete original Toyota battery to return I don't think you will have any problems getting the core fee back.

Glenn