Can I use this old 12v battery-charger to charge a Hybrid-block?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by priuslyfe, Apr 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM.

  1. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    273
    66
    0
    Location:
    43202
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I know the modern chargers have digital readings but this older one (from the 1990s I think) doesn't really have an exact reading to see whether or not its overcharging. Trying to see if I can recharge bad-blocks prior to buying a replacement.

    thanks.

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 priuslyfe, Apr 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    13,500
    2,426
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    But this is putting out 12 volts you're reading charging T what 8v or such
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Apr 13, 2026 at 5:08 PM
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    8,155
    7,657
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    That charger is designed for a different battery chemistry.

    It could theoretically charge a block of Prius batteries, but you would not be able to trust its "fully automatic digital smart control" system. That is kind of a big deal- you'd need to set up a voltage meter and be ready to intervene if anything went sideways.

    In other words you would want to watch it like a hawk for fire safety, and it wouldn't necessarily be the kindest way to charge that block. But it could be done.
     
    #3 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Apr 13, 2026 at 6:18 PM
  4. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    273
    66
    0
    Location:
    43202
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    so a dead or bad block would be a hard-no then. DANG!!
     
    #4 priuslyfe, Apr 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)