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Driving without hybrid system????

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by CMJAnew, Mar 19, 2017.

  1. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    2012 with 230,000 miles. "check hybrid system" warning on. When this happens the hybrid system is disabled and a code is set. Couldn't get the car in for diagnosis right away, so drove it about 200 miles on ICE only. Dealer diagnosed -- needs hybrid batteries replaced.

    Here's my question: Can I Continue To Drive The Car On ICE Only?
    The reason I ask: I very indecisive about replacing the batteries ($3700) or trading the car immediately.
    Actually considering keeping it "as is" and buying something too.
    Open to any and all suggestions / options.

    Thanks
     
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Too many things depend on a healthy HV battery. For one thing, it cranks your gas engine to start it. It also charges your 12V battery to run the computer. And then there's the incredible anemic performance without the electric motor assist.

    It's not that old of a car, but it does have plenty of miles. I think I would sell it as is. I might think about getting a battery at a lower price, maybe a rebuilt one if everything else is in great shape. You don't give your location so no one can advice you about good places to get it checked out.
     
  3. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    LOCATION: basically between Binghamton, NY and Elmira, NY. One of my thoughts is to keep it and search for a repair center servicing hybrids. And purchasing AAA just in case.
     
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'm in FL, so can't help you with repair locations, but maybe someone can come along. Basically, I'd say you can't drive it like it is for very long. I would not drive it at all if it was mine, except to a dealer for trade in, to a repair shop, or to home so I could fix it myself.
     
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  5. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    No, because that option isn't available. There are not 2 propulsion systems. The engine provides some power to the wheels, but also to generating electricity. With a crippled battery-pack, all that generated electricity will be consumed immediately for driving rather than recharging. That will end up being hard on the overall system, accelerating the aging process from having to do that 100% of the time.

    230,000 miles in 5 years is more than double the average. I'm only at 91,355 after 5 years. Your miles must be mostly highway. The regular model Prius (especially gen-4) is better at high-speed cruising that Prius C. I'd consider the upgrade.
     
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  6. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    I forgot to mention: when the dealer clears the codes set, the vehicle systems operate as designed until the 'check hybrid system' light comes on again. Not that that makes a difference other than performance during such times.
     
  7. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    I actually drive primarily on secondary roads. Observing the 'screens' while driving with the 'check hybrid system' light displayed it appears the hybrid system is shut down completely. That is - the screen shows no flow to or from the batteries. As an aside - I lose cruise control during these times.
     
  8. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    You've worn out the battery. It served a full life.

    The battery is only part of the hybrid system. All power to the wheels is directed through the large traction motor, some is through the power-split-device and the rest through generated electricity. There is no traditional transmission.
     
  9. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    If you plan to keep it, you will need to purchase a hybrid battery soon.

    I have seen all sorts of "fun" outcomes from when people drive a Prius on a failing pack.
    No fires yet, but definitely exploded modules and shorted cells. Plenty of off gas and goo released from venting cells.
    I would be concerned about other expensive electronics being affected since the hybrid battery may not be able to provide the correct voltage.

    You know there is a problem and the dealer confirmed it.
    You need to put a stake in the ground and make a decision about what you want to do about it.

    Procrastinating and pretending there is not an issue is one of the options, I suppose.
    But it will not get you closer to actually addressing and solving the problem.

    The car is now known to be failing. Anyone who looks up the car's record via VIN will know it.
    So don't expect to get top dollar when reselling or trading in in.

    If you have an independent mechanic in your area you may be able to see if they replace it with a new battery for less.
    Hard to say. They may have lower labor costs at least.
     
  10. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I'm going to make your day a bit brighter. Don's Automotive Mall. They're a dismantler facility. Website is Donsauto.com Check it out. They're in Binghamton and have 5 prius C batteries, including a 2015 available for $600 (inventory #E6L161). They may even offer installation services.
     
  11. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    Ah, Thanks Much!
     
  12. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    That's a good price for a roll of the dice.
    Around here they run double that or more. Plus core fee.

    When I did a search no results were found.
    "We were unable to locate the parts you searched for. Please contact us for assistance in finding the part you need. "
     
  13. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I think they're still working kinks out of the website. And let's be realistic. A 2014 or 2015 is not much of a dice roll. Although I haven't done as much as you with modules, I have yet to see a 2013 and newer module fail any testing.

    2012 C Battery inv #E5K793
    2013 C #E5G079
    2014 C #E6C541
    2014 C #E6L084
    2015 C #E6L161

    Listed as $599 each
    Contact number 607-775-1542 or 800-283-3667

    I have resources.........
     
  14. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Ha, Ha,
    I figured I must be doing the search wrong. Entered zip code. Entered year. Toyota. Prius. Battery. Chose from the options.

    Given prices in my area, I could pay to have all these shipped here from New York and still be able to help save money for customers.
     
  15. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I'm with you on the price/shipping thing. Hell, I thought about driving there to check it out. Hopefully the online listing info isn't wrong. Let's let the OP have his chance first. If he can get the '14 or '15 then he'll most likely be good to go for another 200k, especially since those are most likely from wrecks.
     
  16. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    $600 doesn't even cover the core price here.
     
  17. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I did some more digging. They apparently have 2 locations, with one in Binghamton, NY and one in Pennsburg, PA. They have many other Prius batteries (non-C) listed which require cores or a core fee of ~700. Although none of the C listings showed a core required, it could just be a typo. That may nix outright purchases, but is still a super solution for the OP, who would have the core. Or he looks into the DIY aspect of module testing/replacement.
     
  18. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    I had trouble with the 'search' on the site as well. Have sent them a message asking for updated inventory and pricing (+ asked about installation).
     
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  19. CMJAnew

    CMJAnew Junior Member

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    Unless I change my mind in the next hour or so, I'm calling the dealer to.......................................(wait for it)...................................have the new batteries installed.
     
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  20. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    This is definitely the most worry-free way to go.
    From that standpoint you won't regret it.
     
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