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New owner....not a good start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Anthony Catalan, Oct 3, 2018.

  1. Anthony Catalan

    Anthony Catalan Junior Member

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    hello Prius owners,

    I just got a 2006 Toyota Prius with 93,000 miles for $4,000. A deal that seemed too good to be true, so I bought it. 2 weeks later I get a check engine light, the triangle of death, VSC and the breaking light system. The following codes I received were:

    C2318
    P3000
    P0A80
    P3014

    I was hoping I didn’t have to change the battery since I didn’t want to spend $1,000+ on parts. I also noticed from other forums that dealerships are asking for $4,000+. Anways, any advice as to what I should do? Most likely looking for the DIY route. Thanks for your time!
     
  2. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Get tech steam diagnostic software.
    You will need some new cells and learn how to balance
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Or buy a new battery for 2k and change the whole thing
     
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  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Clear the codes and list it for $3995

    [​IMG]
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Oct 4, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2018
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  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    It almost seems like that is what the previous owner did to him.
     
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  7. LoganAragon

    LoganAragon Junior Member

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    Hey, me too!
     
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  8. Anthony Catalan

    Anthony Catalan Junior Member

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    Well Toyota said it had one 1 dead cell. So I might look into some modules and change then out myself, or just buy a whole new battery.

    Sorry, I’m not that kind of person. I’ll take my loss and make an investment, Well invest more I guess I shoukd say.

    That’s my guess. I’m going to give them a call back and maybe see If I can get my money back.
     
    #8 Anthony Catalan, Oct 4, 2018
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 4, 2018
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a 12 year old battery. although one module may be low now, you will keep chasing more as they fail. it's the nature of the beast.
    if you plan on keeping it any length of time, a new oem is the best option.
    if you like pulling the battery and fiddling around frequently, or plan on selling it in the near term, module replacement is the way to go.
     
  10. Anthony Catalan

    Anthony Catalan Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice everyone! Yeah I plan on having it for a while, well at least try to, so I just ended up buying a brand spanking new one Just out of curiosity, how long does a battery usually last for? I’m hoping I don’t have to buy a new one for a LONG time.
     
  11. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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    That depends - when you say "Brand Spanking New" are you referring to one from Toyota or a battery rebuilder like Dorman?

    Toyota's 8 - 10 years maybe.
    Dorman or other battery rebuilder - 12 months
     
  12. Anthony Catalan

    Anthony Catalan Junior Member

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    I’m talking brand spanking new from Toyota haha. Thought about buying a module, since it only had 1 dead cell. I wanted to keep it but Toyota told me there would be a $950 core charge for the old battery! On top of the $2000 dollar battery! So I’m in the process of removing my old one and sending it to the curb with toyota.
     
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  13. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    If you can get a new one from Toyota for $2k, that's a good deal since you want to keep the car. And $6k for a car with a new battery and under 100k miles ain't bad as long as it's OK otherwise.
     
  14. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    Since the original battery lasted 12 years and you are replacing it with another original battery it would be a safe bet to say around as long as the first one.
     
  15. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Oh man that sucks. Those low mileage Toyota’s are suspect. Good luck with what ever you choose.
     
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  16. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Don't forget to clean up the HV battery fan before or after replacing your battery.
     
  17. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    OP received a pretty good price on his vehicle, which gives him some options. If he puts in a new OEM battery (depending on the Portland dealer prices), he will have the option to drive it a long time, or sell the car for what he paid for, as shown here. I'm going on the assumption it is in good shape, which can be stretched to excellent condition with a new OEM battery.

    And if the OP came here and asked for advice here, there would have been warnings about having a new hybrid battery fund available since it's 12 years old.
     
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  18. Anthony Catalan

    Anthony Catalan Junior Member

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    Just give you guys an update,

    I want to keep this car for the long haul just because it’s in such good condition, so I bought a brand new factory battery. Since my friend is a contract mechanic through yellow cab, he deals with the Toyota Prius all the time. So it was a plus for me to have someone professional show me the way to properly install a HV battery. Might have went overboard and bought a new hybrid fan lol. But keep the old one just Incase it gives out on me. Thanks for the advice everyone! If I came in knowing about all this, I still would have probably bought the thing ha.

    Glad to be a Prius owner
     
  19. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Ventilation & cooling needs are no joke on these things. You did right, this will protect your investment.
     
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  20. Aztechmaster

    Aztechmaster Member

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    Lol

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.