I have the pack off the 2007 Prius and I'm using a Vector 12V (2/4/6amp) charger. I have it on 2amps charging and am checking each module after 30 minutes. The problem is charging one module affects the module next to it. I am using a 12V battery-tester and after charging it read "recharge-retest" on the healthy module and the module next to it loses voltage/battery health. I tried searching for how to charge them but am only finding methods for more advanced-charging machines. 1. should I take each individual module off and charge it so as not to affect the module next to it? this causes the module to swell and is not encouraged as its best to keep the module in the pack while charging. 2. If I leave it in the pack what is the sequence to charge the modules that are bad/low? There are 8 modules aka 4 blocks on the right-side of this picture below that are bad (8modules/blocks 1-4...reading blocks as right to left). The rest are reading at 7.4 and above.
Each module (28) is 8 volts... Each block of two modules (14) is 16 volts. With a 12volt charge you'll either be overcharging a module or undercharging a block and it won't work. You can either buy a charger that charges up to 8 volt range or a charger that charges to a 16 volt range or a charger that charges to a 250v range.
It did work for charging up a module that was at 6.5 to 8.1 in the middle of the pack. the module next to it remained at 7.5
What's the history of this pack? Usually if a module is 1.0 to 1.5V (or more) lower than the others, then it has a FAILED cell. It will not recover. Also, "just" replacing bad module(s) can work but maybe 90%(?) of the time it will throw more codes within months - weeks or days. There are MANY threads in the forums about replacing battery modules - or "refurbishing" your pack. Those who have had better results discharge - charge cycle all the modules. Some use a "grid charger" system that can cycle the entire pack at one time. Other use RC hobby chargers that cycle individual modules. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
there does seem to be a see-saw effect when I try to charge a module. I get what you are saying though, If I'm gonna have to buy an expensive charger I'd rather just buy an entire refurbished pack. What about directly hooking it up to a 12v battery that isn't fully charged. I think I have a battery that has a lower reading maybe 9-10volts that is off the car. BTW: the rest of the modules block 5 through 14 all have 7.4-8v. I have also read some other priuschat threads regarding this issue. Most are using better more accurate chargers. I'm just trying to rig this battery pack to work. I have a feeling I'll have to buy 8 modules are roughly equal in voltage to the remaining blocks.