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Failure rate of rebuilding a HV battery

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Tashfeen Ekram, Feb 7, 2014.

  1. Tashfeen Ekram

    Tashfeen Ekram Junior Member

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    2001 Prius
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    I have a 2001 prius needing the HV battery replaced. I am a bit hesitant of replacing the battery as I bought the car for $ 5k about five years ago. It will cost me around 3k to put in a new battery. Rebuilding appears to be cheaper in the short term but wanted to see what people have heard and experienced as to their failure rate?

    Thanks.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Most people would advise against rebuilding gen I batteries as the cells are too old to be reliable.

     
  3. Nibras Yousaf

    Nibras Yousaf Junior Member

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    Hi Tafsheen
    If nothing is wrong just drive it as long as you can. If there,s a problem with HV battery then there many manufacturers have OEM available. Just google it. Craiglist is also a good source. I have a friend who has 500000 miles and still going. Just drive.
    thanks
     
  4. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    You can probably get a refurbished battery with Gen2 cells for under $2000 pretty easily.
     
  5. Nibras Yousaf

    Nibras Yousaf Junior Member

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    Tafsheen
    Sorry I forgot to mention Auto Zone and Interstate has them as well around 1500 to 1700.00. Find a mechanic locally to replace it for you. I did change cells on mine and I agree with JC 91006 that cells are getting old. if you can change one or two and buy some time and really drive the battery to ground.
    Here,s another idea buy a Gen 1 battery with gen 11 cells. i have heard it gives batter mileage.
    Goodluck.
     
  6. Tashfeen Ekram

    Tashfeen Ekram Junior Member

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    Location:
    Fremont, ca
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    2001 Prius
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    N/A
    Great. My hybrid light has come on and when I took it to the dealer they said it needs to be replaced. The car is running but every so often it does this weird thing where if I press the accelerator it just revs up and then I just restart the car then it is fine.

    Any one know a Bay Area mechanic that they can recommend?

    Will look into autozone but I thought they have it for closer to 2500.
     
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Two: Art's Automotive and Luscious Garage.

    Bob Wilson