Battery Module (Cell) Replacement 2nd generation

Good day to all of those Prius Chatters that have posted information on battery module / cell replacements. This is a posting to thank all those who provided information that allowed my son and I to successfully replace a single module to resolve battery pack failure in his 2007 Prius with 209K miles. In addition would like to provide some additional information for other DIY folks that don't have the level of expertise that many of you have.
- First read everything you can to understand your project. Those on this chat have a lot to contribute to success. But there are additional sources on hybrid technology and NiMH battery cells.
- Next every video and write up I saw / read did not show more than one individual doing the removal and installation of the pack. And although it can be done I highly suggest that you invite a buddy to help. The pack is heavy.
- Dr Prius / Torque is a must, 14.00. Also a BlueTooth / WiFi OBD for another $25-30. Worth ever penny.
- From my perspective the hardest part of the process was ordering a reconditioned module. Lots of them out there and they or my not be the best vendor. Make sure you check out reviews. I used one recommended in the chat. I purchased mine at 2ndlifebattery via ebay. We were 100% satisfied with the product and delivery.
- The research I completed lead me to add cycling each module / cell 3 times. To accomplish this purchased an RC smart charger and programmed the unit to discharge at 2 amps to 5.6-6 volts and recharge at 3.4 amps to 8.2 volts. We did this on 3 modules/cells. This effort took almost 40 hours and due to time constraints additional module cycling was aborted. With that will add that I truly believe that cycling the modules/cells does provide much benefit and if you have needed tools and time would suggest adding it to your repair action. Will add that testing using Dr Prius app following installation showed that the cells cycled were more balanced. Proof to be determined at a later date IF additional issues arise due to not completing additional cell cycling.

Again many thanks to all those in this chat that provide information that assisted in this effort.

 

ACDC-10 by CommonRC is what I used. Yes, it does measure mhH in and out during charging cycles. It is only a single channel charger. But works well for the cost. ($49.95 on line).