2003 Prius - Battery Time Again (P3006)

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by KitsuneVoss, Aug 13, 2025 at 4:14 PM.

  1. KitsuneVoss

    KitsuneVoss Member

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    I am getting the P3006 Code, meaning an imbalance in battery voltage, which seems to translate to "Replace Battery" from other discussion on this board. Not unexpected and I had the code once, cleared it, but seems to be coming back now.

    The battery, if "Best Hybrid Batteries" will contact me back is under warranty for almost another year. Late in the day so don't know if they will contact me today or not. Hopefully they will contact me back because I have found their communication when I last replaced the battery was not the best.

    Assuming that I replace the battery and in another year I get the code again when out of warranty, or if they never contact me back, does the battery cells causing the 3006 code usually show something physical that will allow me to know which cells need to be replaced? If not, how do I tell? Also, if I do replace cells on my own, do I need to do some kind of load balancing that is NOT automatic? If not, is it something you do through Techstream in the car? If I understand I can use 2nd and 3rd generation cells and not limited to first generation cells?

    Theoretically you can get the battery from Toyota but it is pretty expensive (~3000 + 1500 core) but I am at least going to try to milk this one as long as possible at least if I can. I just thought about that they may have been $2000 before new tariffs hit us.
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Usually you can find the battery guy on Facebook marketplace that's a good job you just likes building batteries these guys have real jobs etc my guy chgs 499 exchange . Had really good luck with him . He can run like 56 modules at a time .
     
  3. Trombone

    Trombone Active Member

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    If you want a complete “new” battery, see http://www.greentecauto.com. I had them do a mobile install on my ‘02 last August, with excellent results, right in my driveway. Highly recommended!
     
    #3 Trombone, Aug 13, 2025 at 7:49 PM
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2025 at 7:57 PM
  4. KitsuneVoss

    KitsuneVoss Member

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    Is that link right? It redirects to an IT recycling company?
     
  5. Trombone

    Trombone Active Member

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    Yeah, I just realized this too. If you google “greentec hybrid batteries” you’ll find their main site. Try this link: Greentec Auto | EV and Hybrid Battery Replacement & Repair

    For your '03, this page: 2001-2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Replacement | Greentec Auto

    Looks like they have a shop in Bowie, MD, too. May be close to you? In my case, I live in Allentown, PA, which is about 75 miles from Livingston, NJ, where the installer guy drove out from. Worth every penny, IMO.
     
    #5 Trombone, Aug 13, 2025 at 8:01 PM
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2025 at 8:25 PM
  6. KitsuneVoss

    KitsuneVoss Member

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    Best Hybrid Batteries" did get back to me, wanting to know the code. Sent them the code and hopefully by the end of the day they will send me an invoice for a shipping box. Never knew when started buying Prius, how many battery swaps I would do.