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Hybrid battery question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by kevensta, Dec 1, 2013.

  1. kevensta

    kevensta New Member

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    We just found out that the hybrid battery on our 2005 prius (75,000 miles!!!) failed. The dealer wants $3600 to replace it. My husband wants to buy a refurb battery and install it himself. Would love some feedback, and maybe suggestions for shops that install refurb batteries in the Seattle area. Pretty disgusted that it failed 6 months out of warranty, with half the projected miles...
     
    #1 kevensta, Dec 1, 2013
  2. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I say DIY. Lol
     
    #2 usnavystgc, Dec 2, 2013
  3. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    You do not say in your avatar where you live. I assume it is somewhere in the US but where. This could make a big difference to you as the HV battery could still be under guarantee.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #3 Britprius, Dec 2, 2013
  4. kevensta

    kevensta New Member

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    We live in the Seattle area. The warranty is for 8 years or 80K - we've owned the car for 8 years and 6 months...
     
    #4 kevensta, Dec 2, 2013
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    It would be worthwhile contacting Toyota customer care and seeing if they are prepared to help towards the cost of replacement. Some here on PC have found them to be very amenable in situations such as yours. A few well chosen words about how much you like the car and how disappointed you are considering Toyota's normally excellent reliability having a major failure just out of guarantee time wise but still in millage wise.
    Here in the UK we get 8 years 100,000 miles on the HV battery, and I know in the US CARB states they get 10 years 150,000 miles.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #5 Britprius, Dec 2, 2013
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I agree with Brit to contact Toyota for review of case and/or courtesy replacement or partial credit.

    This is possibly an interesting warranty test case in my mind.
    Assuming WA is your state of residence, it is a CARB state with 150,000 mile and 10-yr warranty. However, presumably WA may not have been a CARB state at the time you purchased. What state did you purchase? Where do you live now?

    If you look at the other auto companies (eg; FORD) their hybrid warranty states you get the CARB warranty if (1) your car is California-certified and (2) if you are currently living in a CARB state. I am thinking there is a possibility your 2005 is CA certified, even though purchased in WA. However, people here say Toyota has taken a harder line, that your state has to be CARB at the time of purchase. If it was me I'd fight that hard a line (but I would be kind and gentle at first and see where it gets me).
     
    #6 wjtracy, Dec 2, 2013
  7. kevensta

    kevensta New Member

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    I bought the car in WA, but I don't think it was a CARB state then - my warranty (according to the dealer) is 8yrs, 80,000 miles. Not sure it's CA certified, either - wasn't required to be in 2005.
     
    #7 kevensta, Dec 2, 2013
  8. kevensta

    kevensta New Member

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    I have made a call to Toyota, expressing my disappointment with the longevity of the battery. They are contacting the dealer, and will get back to me. The dealer had already gotten a discount from them for part of the outrageous cost of the replacement - would save us about $1200. The car has lived its entire life in WA, and I fully expected it to get to 150,000 miles before this kind of service was required!
     
    #8 kevensta, Dec 2, 2013
  9. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I am thinking my 2006 may be CARB certified, even though I purchased in non-CARB Virginia. As a result, I am exempt from emissions testing in NoVA for this specific vehicle (2007 model is different story).
     
    #9 wjtracy, Dec 2, 2013
  10. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    get a second opinion

    maybe its not even the battery but the battery ECU or something else...

    over here a battery is 1800 euros installed so at current care 2250dollars?

    a used one go's for maybe 400 dollars
     
    #10 Flying White Dutchman, Dec 3, 2013
  11. alexeft

    alexeft Member

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    You mean that if I called a dealership I would get a price of 1800 euros?
     
    #11 alexeft, Dec 3, 2013
  12. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    i am sying that 1800 euros is the price overhere

    wy they charge 3600 dollars i dont know

    maybe go somewhere else and compare prices?
     
    #12 Flying White Dutchman, Dec 3, 2013
  13. alexeft

    alexeft Member

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    You have a private message. Thanks!
     
    #13 alexeft, Dec 3, 2013
  14. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    at the moment i do not see any PM yet
     
    #14 Flying White Dutchman, Dec 3, 2013
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