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Rear Struts and the Hybrid Battery

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by thephoenix, Nov 6, 2011.

  1. thephoenix

    thephoenix New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2010
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    Location:
    West Allis, WI
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    After having my front struts replaced sucessfully. I still need to replace the rear ones. Looking at the repair manuals it states that I will have to disconnect the main battery. Im not even entirely clear where exactly the switch is and quite honestly Im not sure how dangerous this situation is. They recommend using rubber gloves, and then letting the battery sit for 5 minutes after its disconnected. Im curious if this is a precaution I need to take seriously when working on the rear struts is the battery that close. I dont want anyone getting hurt but Im very unsure of all the varibles here. Any advice and information would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I did not bother to remove the orange traction battery switch when replacing the rear shocks. The switch is located on the left side of the traction battery case.

    However if you wish to be perfectly safe then you will observe the Toyota repair manual instructions.
     
  3. thephoenix

    thephoenix New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2010
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    Location:
    West Allis, WI
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    thank you for the response I called Toyota and a tech told me he wouldnt disconnect the main battery. I just want the person working on my car to be safe. I just am unlclear how "bad" it could be and if anything would be reset after I disconnect and reconnect
     
  4. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
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    Location:
    Boulder Hybids, Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If the car is off, it is near impossible to hurt yourself with the HV battery since big relays inside the HV battery assembly disconnect the HV battery from the rest of the car until the car boot cycle completes...even if you cut the two orange HV cables under the car with bolt cutters nothing would short out if car is turned off.

    That being said, it's a good habit to disconnect the HV battery service plug when working on Prius..the service plug separates the battery pack internally, so even if had the battery apart and touched the battery side of the positive and negative relays you would not get hurt.

    When the service plug is out, don't try to start the car otherwise it will throw a code. No preferences (window settings, radio stations etc) will get lost when you remove the HV service plug.