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SOC dropped, battery status to one bar / pip

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Agape, Aug 1, 2013.

  1. Agape

    Agape Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    378
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    Location:
    Ireland/Eire
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Today I went to the national car test (passed. but), when the car has been returned to me by the employee of national car test center I noticed one bar on the SOC. This happened for the first time.

    Additional notes:

    1) recently (about 4 weeks ago) I had to temporarily replace for second hand (20 bucks) 12v small auxiliary battery (long story as to why I had to do it)
    2) recently (withing last four weeks) I noticed high temperature in the boot compartment, I tried to investigate and the ducting leading from the HV battery was really hot, which means that my battery was really hot too.
    I tried to explain this to myself that this might be due to HV operating at higher levels due to unknown state of the replaced 12v small aux battery (second hand product)

    3) Today I noticed that technician at the test center used some spring assisted bar to press the brake on the car while he tested the car, I recon that maybe he have had powered off the car while doing so, is it possible that this might have contributed to the dropped SOC ?- it's just my guess.
    Anyway I'm starting to worry a bit.

    I'm thinking to replace 12v aux battery to brand new battery and then test the operation of the fan and whether the temperature still rise. - is it good idea?

    Or should I just seek for the testing tool to determine the status of each of the modules?

    If so, which testing device can handle this task? I heard from this forum about ELM obd bluetooth adapter. I use android device, would this be okay or should I look for another device perhaps scangauge?

    Could any of those with knowledge provide me with advice and possible precautions I should take?

    Any help appreciated.
     
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    773
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    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Torque on your Android would be best suited for testing the modules.

    I honestly wouldn't worry about it unless it happens again. The tech may have left it on and drained the battery, it should still be fine. Your 12v battery is the one I would worry about. Until you get it replaced with the right size, you can't rule it out as contributing to the low HV battery and heat.
     
  3. Drafty01

    Drafty01 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2013
    42
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    0
    Location:
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'd use Torque as well, with the addition of usbseawolfs adapted and downloadable software.

    I've had it for a few months, and find it a great tool for finding out what your car is doing.

    Good luck.