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battery replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by wfz, Feb 24, 2017.

  1. wfz

    wfz Junior Member

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    I have 2008 Prius that never had the battery replaced or conditioned. The battery to start the car died a few days ago. I jump started it and found the battery storing the power to drive was actually almost full. so it seems that the battery to start the car functions independent from the battery to drive the car.

    I think I might want to replace the battery to start the car. Is it something cheap you can do it on your own or from the store that you purchase the battery?

    Thanks,
     
  2. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    You'll find the 12v battery under the deck after you remove the deck and the tray. While you are there, you'll see one end of the traction battery in front of you. No need to touch the traction battery.

    There are several direct fit batteries to choose from. Look for:
    Group Size S46B24R

    Shop around, Amazon, elearnaid, various auto parts stores, and the dealers all sell batteries.

    It should take about an hour to swap it out. Check the prices and the warranties.

    Don't forget to replace the cap on the positive terminal.


     
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  3. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    For someone with almost no mechanical skill, it is do-able, but it will probably take a couple of hours -- provided you have the tools. With a bit of skill, an hour. With moderate skill 30 minutes.

    Having the dealer do it, including the cost of the battery, should be around $290. Cost of battery from dealer, around $200. You can look on dealer web sites and find service and/or parts coupons that could save you some money.

    There are lots of threads here on priuschat that have video and step-by-step instruction. Also, a few YouTube videos that are excellent. To be honest, I would post a link to you, but just too lazy today. But, no worry, you can find them with a little help from google.
     
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  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Jim & Steve both give good advice. It's very easy to replace. However, just for future reference, the battery I believe you're talking about does not start the engine (ICE), but it does kind of start the car in a way. The big traction battery starts the ICE. The 12V battery basically powers up the computer and closes the relay between the traction battery and the inverter. The Prius pro I deal with says the Toyota battery is the best choice and it's not crazy expensive compared to others, but it does cost more than most. There are lots of threads here about choosing a replacement 12V battery. Good luck.
     
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  5. robert mencl

    robert mencl Member

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    I have been using a $40. Walmart lawnmower battery for 3 years now
     
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  6. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat, tell us more about your company, we are curious.
     
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  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The 12 V battery, which is what this thread is about, is not dangerous and anybody with basic DIY skills can change it quite easily and safely.

    CEBA batteries have been discussed by 2k1Toaster in another thread.
     
  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    This is the company @2k1Toaster developed his battery brackets with. He has tested their cells and they are a cheap, inferior version of hie $1600 kit that is mentioned in my signature.
     
  9. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Lol that’s awesome!
     
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    I think the Gen 1 Prius 12 volt battery may have been under the hood. The Gen 2 & 3 should have a properly vented battery to keep charging gases out of the passenger area.
     
  11. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Ya true. Or sealed batteries. Wonder if the Toyota ones are sealed.
     
  12. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The Toyota 12 volt batteries for Gen 2 & 3 have an external vent connection that is vented outside. The Gen 4 battery is under the hood.
     
  13. Priifan

    Priifan Member

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    We have not faced any battery problems...yet... with our three Prii, but when we do, the first person I will call is my neighbor, Tim, who owns Green Bean Battery. They offer refurbished batteries for hybrids... and a five year warranty at about half the price of a new one. And come to your home to do the work.
     
  14. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    So about $1150 installed, then?

    I'm glad you're a fan, but since Toyota dropped the wholesale price of a new OEM battery to $1625, you should be able to get an installed price of around $2250 from any competitive Toyota dealer. Cheaper if you DIY.

    It just does not make sense to buy a re-worked second-hand battery anymore.

    But, feel free to support Tim, if his price is cheap enough.

    BTW, not sure what that has to do with 12 V battery replacement. Please try and keep on topic.
     
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  15. Marty7788

    Marty7788 New Member

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    Anyone that needs a replacement battery for your Toyota hybrid car I would suggest that you look up the site green bean. They offered excellent prices for installing the main battery for your Toyota hybrid car. For instance I have a 2009 Toyota Prius into install and purchase the main battery for my car will be a total of $1,600. That's right $1,600 to purchase a battery and to install it! That is considerably less then other prices that I've heard people paying when that main battery finally when that main battery finally dies. Green bean. Check it out. Also they will come to your location to install the battery. Green bean that's the name of the company. I never hope that I will ever have to use them but you never know and this type of information is great to have.
     
  16. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Green bean have just repaired old failed batteries. You can get a kit of new cells for $1600 delivered and sell you old modules to Green Bean. :D
    All the companies, including Green Bean have a very poor track record on battery reliability.

    The kit of new cells linked in my signature is sold by @2k1Toaster here. He has not yet has one warranty claim for hos 32 year warranty. Green Bean cannot say the same. You end up with a reliable battery instead of one that could fila and leave you stranded.
     
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  17. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    1. Dealers do not ship
    2. There is a core charge
    3. Some dealers will not sell the battery without installation.
    4. The kit of new cells should last as long or longer. Tests indicate the cooling is better.
     
  19. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    1. Some dealers let you use this for price match. Mine does and I pick the items up at the counter.
    2. The core charge is refunded.
    3. Shop around until you find a dealer that does.
    4. I have nothing against 2K1’s batteries and agree they will probably last as long. If you decide to sell your car a genuine original Toyota battery will be a better draw for most buyers.
     
  20. Nicole Lee

    Nicole Lee New Member

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    What is the core fee? With that included the cost of the battery is over $3,000. And, I’m guessing it doesn’t include installation