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Hybrid battery question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by LiaLady16, Dec 24, 2016.

  1. LiaLady16

    LiaLady16 New Member

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    Hi again!

    Lately, during regular driving, I've been seeing 7 green bars rather than the usual 6 gray ones. Maybe I don't need to be worried, but I keep wondering if my battery needs balancing or something. Perhaps one of the cells is losing capacity and makes the computer think the state of charge is higher than normal?

    Anyways, I've been getting good performance from it, so my situation is not yet dire! Just fishing for ideas :)

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 LiaLady16, Dec 24, 2016
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    You do not give adequate information in your profile to know where you live, but much of the US has been cold lately, so Prius in those cold areas run the engine just to keep the cabin warm. One side effect of running the engine more is more electrical charge.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Dec 24, 2016
  3. LiaLady16

    LiaLady16 New Member

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    Ah, that makes sense! This is my first winter with my car. I live in the DC area, so it hasn't been very cold, but I suppose it could be chilly enough. I don't really use the heat, but the car might need to keep the cat warm for emissions?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 LiaLady16, Dec 24, 2016
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    balancing is an excellent idea. see @jeff652
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 24, 2016
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  5. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Not really.
    Unless there is hard evidence that it NEEDS to be done, as evidenced by something more than a small subtle change in a display, it probably should NOT be attempted.
    If it ain't broke, don't fix it !!!!
     
    #5 Sam Spade, Dec 25, 2016
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're probably right, i'm just repeating what i've read here. there's likely no value in rebalancing the cells in older batteries.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 25, 2016
  7. LiaLady16

    LiaLady16 New Member

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    Alright! I can wait until it starts dragging its feet, if you will. I was more worried about it because right now I'm driving at least 2500 miles per month, and was considering some preventive battery maintenance.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 LiaLady16, Dec 25, 2016
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    word on the street has it that battery maintenance only works when the battery is working, not after it dies.
     
    #8 bisco, Dec 25, 2016
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  9. LiaLady16

    LiaLady16 New Member

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    I've read that too, on the prolong battery charger site. I'll probably go for a charger soon, for maintenance purposes and maybe a little more highway passing power! I'd like to keep it for another 80k at least. And I've seen that some on the forum have over 300k!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 LiaLady16, Dec 26, 2016
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  10. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    If you start seeing rapid and wide swings in the charge, coupled with the cooling fan running (vent in the rear seat), it's time to start worrying.

    There may be some value to a high voltage charger, but I think they're an expensive tool for maintaining a single car. Personally I'm putting that money into my battery replacement fund. I've noticed the Prius does a pretty good job of maintaining its battery under many driving conditions (see this report). And if a module fails electrically or mechanically, which they do, discharging and recharging it is not going to fix it.
     
    #10 andrewclaus, Dec 26, 2016
  11. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    So you seem to be suggesting that you only need to get insurance just prior to having an accident! o_O Please explain your logic to this ignoramus as to how you get the timing right… :confused: ;)
     
    #11 WilDavis, Dec 26, 2016
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  12. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    OK, let's put it a different way:
    Most average users shouldn't worry about it.
    Because to KNOW when and if it needs to be done requires some testing.....and to be sure, testing individual cells.
    There is some danger involved in that. Many owners don't have the skill required.

    And I personally have some doubt that it really does any significant good anyway.

    Just my opinion, mind you.
     
    #12 Sam Spade, Dec 26, 2016
  13. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Ok, so I realize this is an oldie, but how much more appropriate for me to reply with another "oldie":

    "Allow me to remind you of the following:

    1) If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
    2) If it ain't broke, fix it until it is broke! [​IMG]

    …and let us not forget the Software Engineering Rider:
    2a) If it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features!" ;)[​IMG]
     
    #13 WilDavis, Jan 4, 2018
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