2005 Prius Battery Cooling Fan Problem

1) Yes, it appears that the dealer tech erased the code so that the warning light would be off.
2) DTC P0A82 means that the traction battery is not receiving sufficient cooling. It is reasonable that a fan failure has caused this, if you do not hear the fan running.
3) Although I have not needed to replace the fan I have gotten into the vicinity of the fan. This is not particularly difficult especially if you are motivated by the prospect of saving $700. Suggest you download repair manual info from techinfo.toyota.com if this is needed to supplement whatever service manual you have. Good luck.

 

Does anyone know how difficult it is to clean out the fan and air ducts for the HV battery? I'm a bit worried about mine getting too much dog hair in there as well. (look at my avitar and you'll know why ).

 

I seem to recall reading another thread on this topic and someone added their own pre-filter if you will. They used some kind of material right behind the intake grill so they could relatively easily clean that out periodically.

 

Yeah I've been thinking about trying something like that too. I was wondering what would be involved in checking out whether anything was clogged already. Would I have to get to the HV battery and open the metal case to check or would there be an easier way?

 

I would say that you would need to get to the traction battery fan and see what debris if any is present on the blades and behind the fan. If you see debris then remove the plastic ductwork and see if debris is present. If you find debris in the ductwork then open up the traction battery case (first removing the orange traction battery interlock.)

Carefully note how you remove the interlock so that you can replace it without a problem, and be aware of the high voltage shock hazard that exists when the case cover is removed.

 

Wonderful. Good for you and your wallet. Multiply that times the other members that may be able to use that info and the savings are very substantial. Sort of puts the "Independence" back into Independence Day celebrations!

 

I thought you were going to say divide the $787 between the members above who helped out and everyone's happy

 

OK, I think I've got the same problem with dog hair/hay/dirt in the fan. Opened up side to expose fan, and am happy to take it out and vacuum/blow it out, but can't figure out how to get the fan off. I dont think the fan is bad because it comes on and I can hear it. A couple of weeks ago, a bunch of diagnostic codes came up and the dealer said it could just be a "glitch" and reset the codes. Drove fine for a couple of weeks, but panel lit up again yesterday. I want to try this fix before I get a significant shocker dealing with the battery. Any thoughts?

 

Take a look at the following thread Kinsemfarms. It's got some really useful links.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...oubleshooting/82092-battery-fan-cleaning.html

 

Did it!! You're right, harder to get to the fan than remove it. The pictures posted by rondodog on 10/6/08 titled "Fur and Dirt causing major battery problems" could have been pictures of my gunk and filter. Practically identical. The light (triangle w/ exclamation point) was still on after I cleaned it, and I went to Advance Auto to see if the codes had cleared, but the scanner didn't work. Should I get it in to the dealer to see what if anything is still wrong, or should I see about clearing the codes and drive it again to see if the warning light/s come back on?
I won't give up traveling with the dogs, or hauling hay from time to time, but I also don't think Toyota intended the Prius as a farm vehicle. And, almost everyone else I know who owns a Prius does seem to keep them clean and neat.
Couldn't have done a thing without this forum! Thanks!!
Kathy

 

my daughter is a farmer. she built a little trailer for hay and produce and such. dogs are a whole nuther issue. poodles?

 

Jim - based on your note, if this cleaning the cooling fan didn't fix it, I'll check on the inverter cooling pump. Was it an expensive fix? And did that take care of it? Thx.
Kathy