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Prius Hybrid Battery Sluggish

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by roy.saahab, Apr 8, 2021.

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  1. roy.saahab

    roy.saahab New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I bought a Gen 2 2007 Prius (Base Model) last September with about 73k miles on it. It seemed like a good deal from all the posts I read about it! It has been functioning pretty smoothly, however recently I have noticed that the hybrid battery is a bit sluggish to come on! It drops to the last bar before actually coming back up again! At those times, I feel a slight kick from the engine, and then things go on smoothly again! However, if I leave the car for 2-3 days without driving, the hybrid charge doesn't seriously depreciate!

    Recently, my driving habits have changed, insofar as I have started making more frequent 100-200 miles trips! Is the hybrid battery reeling from the effects of that?
    Or is this a telltale sign of a failing hybrid battery and should I be concerned at the moment? Is there anything I can do preemptively to correct for this issue before there is a major failure?

    I will be happy to provide more details! Thank you! :)
     
    #1 roy.saahab, Apr 8, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is likely failing, but not because of recent driving, just old age.
    no one can tell you how long it will last. you'll get all the warning lights when it happens.
    if you're interested, you could study the module replacement and balancing threads, or try a reconditioner.
    in the end, you'll need a new battery at some point. but with those miles, it would be well worth it.
    the only other like expense will be the brake actuator at some point.
    all the best!
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 8, 2021
    roy.saahab likes this.
  3. roy.saahab

    roy.saahab New Member

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    Update: I found out that the blower motor was almost bent out of shape and had to be replaced because of about 60 acorns being stuck in there! It was making a loud rattling noise when I took it to the shop! I'm wondering if that had an effect on the AC's cooling capacity which in turn drained the battery faster! Thoughts?
     
    #3 roy.saahab, Apr 9, 2021
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    That isn't the battery "coming on", it is the battery recharging from the engine after it has been helping to propel the car as long as it can.

    If you have the original HV battery, it probably is getting a bit weak.......but when it will fail is anybody's guess.
    Going down to 1 bar does not by itself indicate a problem.
    Doing that more often or more rapidly might.
     
    #4 sam spade 2, Apr 9, 2021
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