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HV battery failed - what to do

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by maggieddd, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    I just got back from the service dept and was told that my hybrid battery died. The errors are P0A80 and P3000. They quoted me $3541 for parts and labor. I am in MA and my milage is 152000 so not covered under warranty. I called few other places to get a quote and they vary but not much. I am trying to figure out what to do. Let the dealer fix it and pay what they quoted me? Get it from Reinvolt or priusrebuilders? I also looked on car-part.com but I have no idea what conditions these batteries are in. What would you guys do?
     
  2. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    I'll let others comment on the codes*, but if they agree this is the traction battery I have two questions for you:

    1. How quickly does the car have to be back on the road ?
    2. How long due you plan to keep the car ?

    I advise you to ask Toyota for financial assistance. They are often quite generous when failures occur just outside of warranty.

    Good Luck!

    *Addendum
    From a wiki on Prius:
     
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  3. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    I would not go for a new battery. I would most likely go the with the best (newest, lowest mileage) salvaged battery with the thinking I can replace it 2-4 times if needed before being at the price of a new one, and then the price is spread out. But a re-manufactured one is not a bad idea either.
     
  4. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Of all the choices, reman is the riskiest and the only one I personally would not consider. If I had the time and could find the local expertise required, I would buy a lightly used salvage G3 Prius baterry off Ebay and have the modules swapped into my case.

    For OP, a couple of steps should be done first as I outlined:
    1. Verify that this is in fact a traction battery failure. It might be prudent to just replace a 12v if it is older than 3-4 years old and see what happens.
    2. Talk to Toyota. If they cover 1/2 the cost then the choice is easy.
     
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  6. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    The car does not have to be on the road right away. So we are not desperate. I was hoping to keep the car as long as possible.

    Does anyone have any experience with Toyota honoring the warranty if you are just a little bit over the warranty period? I know it's a long shot but maybe worth a try?
     
  7. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Definitely worth a try, particularly if your car has the 150k miles warranty.
     
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  8. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    1. I posted the codes. How can I find out what they really are? I had the 12v replaced less than 3 years ago.
    2. How would you go about making them cover 1/2 the cost? I tried to bargain with the service dept but they didn't change their price.
     
  9. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    You need to call Toyota USA in Torrance, CA. Speak to Customer Service. They will assign to a local regional Manager. Be very polite.
     
  10. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    Thank you. I'll call them on Monday.
    Would you ask them straight out about fixing it under warranty or would you just tell them the problem hoping they will offer to fix it?
     
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  11. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would ask them if they would conside helping with some of the cost. all the best!(y)
     
  13. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Mention that the problems started while on warranty (Reduced MPG, Gas engine constantly running, car acting funny), you just did not think it was serious. You are a long time Toyota patron, use the dealer for services. You will be making another purchase of a car in the near future and would consider Toyota again. Be very humble. Let them know this will be a financial hardship to pay $3,541 on your family.

    Let us know how it works out?

    If you get no Credits from Toyota than consider the Reivolt or Gogreen or Scrap Yard option or sell the car unrepaired and move on. Using the dealer for a new battery is just too expensive.

    What is the car worth unrepaired and repaired as a trade in. I know this conversation may whip up a firestorm of debate on PC as people weigh emotional attachment to a car and number crunching budgeting. The real decision is should you repair a car with over 150,000 miles on it and not much life span left or cut your losses get some money on a trade in and get a new car. That is a personal decision but one you must come to grips with.

    I have in the past dwelled on different options in trading in my old BMW for a new car. However for me peace of mind and worry free motoring is worth a lot to me, enough to make a new car payment which is just a part of my budget a few Benjamin's.

    However you car may be OK to repair and drive a few more years but get the best deal you can with the least out of pocket or buy a new car or certified used one with an extended warranty. Best of luck :)
     
  14. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    Thank you. I am going to call tomorrow morning.
     
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  15. theshark

    theshark Member

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    Any update?
     
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  16. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    I got a case number and I am waiting for them to call me.
     
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  17. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Good time to prepare your Presentation. Remember be very humble and polite. Present in a Chronological format. Let them know your a loyal Toyota Buyer and are considering another Toyota in the near future. The problems started prior to warranty expiration although you did not report
     
  18. theshark

    theshark Member

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    Best of luck.. please..keep us informed..
     
  19. maggieddd

    maggieddd Senior Member

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    OK, they called me back and said they can't replace it under the warranty. They are supposed to call me back and tell me what financial assistance they can offer.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds promising anyway.:)