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HV battery woes

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by robert Kwasny, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. robert Kwasny

    robert Kwasny Junior Member

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    Hi I will try to make this as short as possible. My daughter's 2005 Prius developed Hybrid battery code. She took it in to a hybrid battery Rebuilder( they're all over here in Southern California) warranty 2 years. 4 months later after the initial repair she had to take the car back three times. After the second return trip she had her catalytic converter ripped off. I hooked it up with a straight pipe as a temporary fix until we figure out what to do with this car. Hybrid battery repair man says that's what's causing the battery modules to fail. I think that's a load of crap and want to get somebody else's opinion on it.
    Any input would be appreciated.
     
    #1 robert Kwasny, Mar 2, 2021
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Your right. Cats have no relationship. Rebuilds are usually a bad deal because of exactly your experience. Every few months there are more modules that fail and most rebuilders try to deflect the problem.
     
    #2 rjparker, Mar 2, 2021
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    The only time a catalytic converter would affect the HV battery would be if the cat was clogged, preventing the engine from having normal power output at speeds typical of highway driving. This would typically draw the battery down and keep it at a low SOC while the engine is acting like a dog.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Mar 2, 2021
    strawbrad and donbright like this.
  4. robert Kwasny

    robert Kwasny Junior Member

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    2005 Prius
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    ----USA----
    Thanks for your replies. okay so I decided to take on this project myself. in the middle of reconditioning modules. over 25 screws missing from the battery pack case. they Apparently threw away the protective busbar covers. So far out of the eight modules that I have deep cycled only three are usable.
    I got an idea of how these places operate. They charge $650 slap in a modular or 2. They know you'll come back so they leave most of the screws out so they can quickly swap out parts. probably takes them less than an hour and a half. Then after your third return trip(and you without a car for 4 days) you just give up and sell the car for parts.
     
    #4 robert Kwasny, Mar 3, 2021
    edthefox5 and SFO like this.
  5. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Curious to know if the catalytic was borrowed during the 'Rebuilder' visit, or after she returned home?
    You might want to procure a hybrid compatible OBD2 scanner. Many DIYers will use a 'mini-vci' cable (20 usd) and techstream (dealer technician software) installed on a windows device. Others get by using an OBD2 bluetooth adapter and an App like Dr Prius, or Hybrid Assistant. Research which bluetooth adapters are worth purchasing : Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

    You might consider searching for a used pack with verifiable mileage by checking the VIN :Track Your Service Records with Your Toyota Owners Account - then make sure the module serials are in series, indicating a virgin pack.

    FYI : you're posts are being moderated until you've posted five times.
     
    #5 SFO, Mar 3, 2021
  6. robert Kwasny

    robert Kwasny Junior Member

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    The converter was stolen when she was visiting her boyfriend in another city so that rules out hybrid repairman.
    Good information on the used battery pack. I'm in the middle of the reconditioning now there's no turning back.
    Already using OBd2 Bluetooth and Doctor Prius and the other hybrid app.
    Thanks for your help.
     
    #6 robert Kwasny, Mar 5, 2021
  7. C Wagner

    C Wagner Member

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    #7 C Wagner, Apr 27, 2021
  8. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Yep you got whack a moled. Very very common story. There lyin and lazy be driving you crazy. Your take on them is spot on you have a taillight warranty.

    The problem with just getting it back on the road again is the battery may not be throwing codes but it does not have anywhere close to the power it had as all the modules are very tired so the engine has to contribute much more power than designed To get you down the road. You will be on that gas pedal.
    You will have to floor it often.

    2005 and it is approaching 200,000 miles? Not good.

    So......keep careful eye on the engine oil level. Keep it at the full line always.
    Even if it had a very minor oil loss this will greatly increase that.
    Which since it’s your daughters car will be difficult.

    it’s a very old car with special issues. We see this alot here good luck.
     
    #8 edthefox5, Apr 28, 2021
  9. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    If you're brave enough please post the name of the battery "repair" place so we can avoid them. This is the key to eliminating these scammers. Thanks to all other posters here for super helpful info, especially verifying age by VIN!!!! ;-)
     
    #9 JohnPrius3005, Apr 28, 2021
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