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Battery Or Ecu Battery ?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wiwild, Dec 17, 2016.

  1. wiwild

    wiwild Junior Member

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    2005 Prius
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    Hello,

    So I found a 2006 prius near me with an "ECU problem", the car won't start.

    So I called and apparently the dealer said it can be either the ECU or the battery.
    So they will replace and reprogramm the ecu for 400CAD and if the problem dont went out they will change the battery for 3000+CAD. The seller wants to sell it 1000CAD so I think I will try. It has only 170 000km (~100 000mi).

    I'm here to ask what I should look for to know where the problem come from, wh. I can check DTC codes, AUX battery voltage etc..

    The car turn on but won't turn on the engine. So at least, I can put it in N to tow it with my car to my home (7,5km ~ 4mi trip) at low speed.

    I'm not afraid of rebuild the battery if I need to or buy a used one if I find one.

    Also I'll need to leave the car for 3 weeks because I'm going to see my family. Do I need to unplug something to keep it charged ?

    Oh I forget to mention that the car is a rebuilt one.

    Thank you in advance for the help.
     
    #1 wiwild, Dec 17, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! sounds like a good deal, but could be fraught with problems. first thing you need is a mini vci and compatible laptop to read the codes. then read through some of the technical threads here for assistance. all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 17, 2016
  3. wiwild

    wiwild Junior Member

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    I have an ELM327 Bluetooth and torque app. Do you think I'll be able to read DTC with it?

    I know that prius can drive with a bad battery. But could I just disconnect the battery and drive it with the ICE only ?

    Thank you.
     
    #3 wiwild, Dec 17, 2016
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it will read some, but not all codes. you can start with that and see how it goes. the hybrid battery starts the engine. there is no starter motor, and the 12v only fires computers and relays. it needs both batteries working to drive.
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 17, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2016
  5. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    I'd steer clear of that car if I were presented with the same opportunity, especially if the car had been hit in the front before the body was repaired. And, I would never buy a used car that didn't start and drive unless I could buy it at a salvage auction like Copart.

    And no, you must not put it neutral and tow it whatsoever. You need to get the front wheels off the ground at the least to move it or you will risk ruining the transaxle.
     
    #5 jadziasman, Dec 17, 2016
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    and you should disconnect the 12v if storing it, or put a battery maintainer on it.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 17, 2016
  7. wiwild

    wiwild Junior Member

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    I totaly agree with you but even at auction prius dont go under 1500 and are in worse condition. In addition I have almost new good winter and summer tire coming with.

    About the towing, I read here that above 52km/h I risk to overspeed mg1 but under on short trip its OK ?

    I ordered the carproof to have more information about the car.
     
    #7 wiwild, Dec 17, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2016
  8. wiwild

    wiwild Junior Member

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    Base
    I got the carproof :
    Incident Date Estimate Date Type of Record Detail___________Amount___Odometer
    07/07/2010___ 07/12/2010____Estimate Repair Left Side ________ $1,185.20__ 82,706 KM
    09/23/2015___ 10/01/2015____ Estimate_______FRONT CENTER_ $7,377.00__156,574 KM

    So front center 7377$ I'm still wainting for more information from carproof.

    What do you think ? Is it bad ? Maybe it got a new engine ?
     
    #8 wiwild, Dec 18, 2016
  9. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    I would just think that Prius with that low price would always be good deal. If you’re doing all the work yourself it shouldn’t be that costly to repair. And even if it is then you can just sell it as parts. If you’re not doing the repair work yourself then it probably doesn’t make sense to by a car with problems.

    Towing is fine if you keep speed below 60km/h. And you should keep the speed below that anyways. But remember that your brakes get there power from 12V battery and if it runs out your left with only front brakes with no power assist.
     
    #9 valde3, Dec 18, 2016
  10. wiwild

    wiwild Junior Member

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    All the work on my car is done by myself, the prius is a little bit different but with your help and the ressources on this site, I'm not afraid.

    Also I love the prius and I always dreamed I can buy one, so now, I can !

    Thank you for the advice, I'll try to get the price down a little bit more, I'll keep you posted.
     
    #10 wiwild, Dec 18, 2016
  11. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    Damn, front center damage for over $7k in repairs. My money is on a dead inverter.
     
    #11 CooCooCaChoo, Dec 18, 2016
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