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Red triangle and need battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Diana H., Dec 2, 2021.

  1. Diana H.

    Diana H. New Member

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    2012 Prius
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    Hi - I'm a newbie to posting here yet have found this site helpful in learning about my new to me 2007 Prius (140,000 miles). The car's been great, but had my cat stolen the second week I had the car, and now the triangle of doom and check engine light came on yesterday. I just got the car in July! Went to dealership today and they wan to charge me 6085 to replace my hybrid battery (which is what is apparently the issue) but I would get 1350 back if my old battery passes some kind of test. So I took the risk and drove home. The battery stayed charged on the highway and she seems to be driving fine. Here's my question - should I take it someplace else for a better price? And, I have a 150 mile commute to a job tomorrow. Should I rent a car rather than risk driving her again before getting the battery replaced?
    Any help (and kindess) is appreciated. Thank you!
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Were there OBD2 codes (aka DTCs; like P0A80, P3000, P30xx) included with the 'quote', please post them here for additional guidance.

    4735 to replace a HV battery is excessive, they must be doing a brisk business or someone thinks you will trade in your vehicle for another.
    There are less expensive options, you might try calling another dealer for a phone quote, or if you know someone with some basic tools and a DIY attitude they could install a NEW aftermarket for 1600+. If you're closer to WA, or if @PriusCamper is heading south for the holidays, he may be the least expensive option.

    Though many have driven with a failing battery, it may not be in your best interest, especially if the journey is mission critical (school, work, doctor, etc). Not knowing the "where and to" part of the ride, and assuming you are driving along the flat part of I5 (eugene to ptown), at speeds under 60, with no heavy braking or acceleration, it may do the job for days, weeks, months, or you may being calling AAA before arriving at a destination. Posting the scanned OBD2 codes (DTCs) would help in determining to what extent the HV battery is failing.

    FYI : you're being moderated until you've posted 5 times.
     
    PriusCamper likes this.
  3. nancytheprius

    nancytheprius Active Member

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    iowa
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    2006 Prius
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    II
    Good thing you didn’t get it replaced there! For labor, they are trying to charge you more than double the battery price. The battery itself costs just under 2 grand. I’d try a different dealership or maybe a different shop that would install the new oem for you
     
  4. ammdb

    ammdb Active Member

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    Only reason the dealer won't give you the $1350 core deposit back is if your original Toyota battery had previously been replaced with an after market pack. They should be able to determine this before doing any of the work.