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HV Battery Failure?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Priusfromevil, Oct 5, 2013.

  1. Priusfromevil

    Priusfromevil Junior Member

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    Was crushing around and received the red triangle, check engine, DSC, etc. pulled two codes from my scan gauge P3022 (bank 12 low) and P0A80 (replace hv battery). Car was in limp mode, engine running full time, battery gauge showed hv battery depleting.
    After reviewing other stories online, seems as though I might be looking at a new battery. Molle Toyota in Kansas City will be calling tomorrow with the diagnosis.
    Car is 2006 with 112,000 miles. Lived its whole life in flat Florida minus one winter in KC. Shame but you just can't control these things.

    Question: I've been looking online for remanufactured batteries, but I would need to find an installer as well. Wondering what the cost of refurbished battery and install runs, and are these shops hard to find? With dealers charging $3000-4500, how much is there to be saved by going refurbished?

    And does anyone have any recommendations for Kansas City area?

    Would a person with average mechanical abilities (but no electrical knowledge) be able to R&R?

    Thanks
    Jeremy
     
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Google "prius hv battery replacement Kansas City" without the quotation marks. Also try "prius hv battery rebuilders Kansas City" to try to find rebuilders.

    Here is the top result of that search, can't vouch for them though.


    Greentecauto - Hybrid Battery Replacement | Specializing in Honda Civic and Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Replacement | Hybrid BatteriesGreentecauto – Hybrid Battery Replacement | Specializing in Honda Civic and Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Replacement | Hybrid Batteries


    I think there is a outfit in Denver that is also doing that sort of stuff. Check the local Craigslist too. There are rebuilders out there, you just have to do some research and make some phone calls.

    Also Reinvolt was the leader in this stuff. But it seems they sold out to Dorman. I would call them and see if they can point you in the right direction.

    Dorman® Products, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Re-Involt Technologies and Launch of New OE Solutions™ Hybrid Drive Battery Program

    Dorman Hybrid Drive Batteries

    I am sure others here on PC should be able to give more info concerning your question.

    If you are not comfortable working around electricity, I would not suggest you do the R&R. Supposed to be safe once you pull the safety plug, but be forewarned. The traction battery in the Prius has over 200 volts DC.

    You might consider getting a battery out of a wrecked Prius and pay Toyota to install it for you if you can't find someone to do the rebuild for you. Lot's of Prius crashing with good batteries still in them. I would bet you could find one if you call around to the local junk yards. Any Gen II will work, the newer the better.
     
  3. Priusfromevil

    Priusfromevil Junior Member

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    Thank you dorunron.

    I found Greentecauto, which has a location in KC. They have mobile installation (future readers of this post consider this if necessary) as well as a shop locally.

    Would I be doing much damage if I pick up the car in its current condition and drive ~15 miles to the Greentecauto shop?

    Thank you for your help!!

    Jeremy
     
  4. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I don't believe it will hurt the car to drive it, if the only problem is the battery pack.

    As I stated earlier, I can't vouch for Greentec. Please post back with your experience concerning them.

    Best of luck to you.
     
  5. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    No problem at all to drive the car, but there are the obvious driveability issues: very sluggish acceleration, no reverse.
     
  6. Priusfromevil

    Priusfromevil Junior Member

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    Thank you everyone for your feedback. I'll update when I have more on the repair process and results.
     
  7. Priusfromevil

    Priusfromevil Junior Member

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    How much would you expect the dealership will charge for diagnostic testing? They've been working on it for 3 hrs and haven't called me back. I confirmed they started three hours ago. Isn't a ~$125 diagnostic fee standard? Would they charge more than that if I already pulled error codes P3022 and P0A80, signifying a bad battery?
     
  8. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I would think the standard diagnostic fee. If I were you I would call the dealer and ask that question as they are the one's doing the actual work. IMO, unless you authorized repairs to be completed you should only pay the diagnostic fee. But that is only my opinion.
     
  9. Priusfromevil

    Priusfromevil Junior Member

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    Update from dealer: Molle Toyota in Kansas City has offered to replace hybrid battery (and necessary bits) for $2500 plus tax. I asked specifically if this was a new battery. They said it was. I will be swinging by dealer to ensure this is what I'm paying for.

    I compare this to Greentecauto's price for a new battery at $2295 plus installation (not sure what install is as its not listed on website and they are closed on weekends). For a new battery cost seems comparable.

    It will take dealer 5 days to make this happen. Convenience always costs something!
     
  10. avipet

    avipet Junior Member

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    I live in St. Paul, MN. My 2006 Prius hybrid battery died yesterday after going to the dealer for diagnosis of the DTC codes. I drove it home and am now looking for a replacement. My dealer gave me an estimate of $3,394 including installation. I'm trying to find a less expensive option. Any suggestions in this area?
     
  11. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Your dealer is giving you a reasonable price for a new HV battery installed for $3400. Other options are:
    1. A rebuilt HV battery from a known good source (eg. Dorman Hybrid Drive Batteries in NC) for about $2000 installed.
    2. A salvaged HV battery from a low mileage 2008 or 2009 Prius for about $1200 installed
    3. A salvaged HV battery from a Gen3 Prius (just use the 28 Modules in your old battery assembly) also about $1200, but requires more expertise on the part of the installer.
    If I were to use plan 2 or 3, I would also plan on testing and rebalancing all 28 modules before installation. This requires additional expertise and about $150 in rebalancing units to get it done in a reasonable amount of time.

    JeffD
     
  12. avipet

    avipet Junior Member

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    Thanks for the valuable information. I read that you can get a core credit ($1,300) from Toyota for the old battery when it is removed. How do I get that credit?
     
  13. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    A long time ago Toyota would offer $200 to take the "core" to recycling. Actually your dealer will remove the battery ECU from your old HV battery and install it in the "new" HV battery as it is not delivered with an ECU. Some dealers tack on anothe $700 for a usually not needed ECU as part of the job. I have never heard of Toyota valuing the "core" at that high a price.

    Rebuilders put a high value on your old core as they will reuse it to produce another rebuilt battery (along with a number of salvaged modules from other sources). It is assumed that you will give them the old "core" as part of the installed cost.

    JeffD
     
  14. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    If the rebuilt battery is $2000 you would pay $3200 initially and get $1200 back when you return the old part , the core.
     
  15. C Clay

    C Clay Member

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    Try Greentec.
     
  16. C Clay

    C Clay Member

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    Try Greentec.