Rapid full/empty battery cycling

ugh. sure sounds like it, those are classic symptoms. check in with luscious garage.

 

If the 12 volt was never replaced I would do that about 5 years ago. I would take it to autozone or advanced auto parts and have them test it. Either way, if you plan to keep the car I would get that done.

 

Although in general agreement with the comments on the 12 volt battery because of it's age it cannot be that bad if it started the car after a week of none use.
I'm afraid as already stated rapid cycling of the HV battery is a sign of failure. It may be that a grid charger re balance at this stage could extend it's life. It would be best to do this before there is any chance of reverse charging one of the cells.

John (Britprius)

 

if you're going to keep the car, start with the 12 volt, since you need one anyway. who knows, might get lucky?

 

This car is under warranty in California. Let the hv battery fail and throw a code. You'll get a new one for free. Do not prolong the battery life. You'll hate yourself for doing it

 

the car was purchased in north carolina.

 

never hurts to ask, all the best!

 

I've also had funny behavior after sitting in the airport a week, especially if A/C is on you drain battery.
What I try to do in this situation, let the car warm up and charge the battery for a few minutes before pulling away. Another thing might help if it is cool, put the heat on a little a this makes the ICE run to make the heat and charge up the battery a little more. In any case, I 've also noticed on sitting for days or weeks the HV batt seems to dive. I also turn off the SKS system (button under the steering wheel) to preserve the 12v, but even so it still seems the HV batt needs a little warm up.

 

That's probably true but if you live a CARB state, that's the first requirement. Toyota often helps if asked properly and somebody's gotta tell me why a CARB certified Prius registered in a CARB state does not qualify. But I am not sure HV battery is bad yet.

 

Hate to rain on your hope for CARB HV Battery warranty, but here's the likely reality.

1) Previous owner(s) in non-CARB State may have had warranty work performed during course of ownership; ie Inverter Pump recall, Intermediate Steering Shaft, etc.
2) Dear owner letter sent out to registered owner about the extended warranty on the combo meter display.
3) Any maintenance performed at a Toyota Dealership will have logged VIN, license plate (State of vehicle registration).
4) Because of 1,2,&3 above, Toyota will see that the car was in a non-CARB State.

Current owner can check what has/hasn't been done to his Prius by inquiring online at Toyota
Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More

Look-up status of any recall. Remote possibility that NO Recall work was performed; if so, current owner might have some hope, esp if previous owner never had a Toy dealership perform any maintenance work.
Lookup Safety Recalls & Service Campaigns by VIN

You can always ask and hope that Toy gives you a good will gesture.

 

NEW Toyota HV Battery Warranty is ONE year, unlimited miles. This warranty applies to nearly all of their parts as well. Except struts/shock if installed by an overpriced dealer, then you get "lifetime" warranty.

NEW HV Battery will outlive a rebuilt. But this is your decision and payment. A NEW HV Battery could increase the resale value?

Camelback Toyota (Phoenix, AZ), has a NEW Battery for $2174.48. However, there have been people who have had difficulty in getting a dealer to sell them the HV Battery. Maybe call and ask Camelback to see if they will sell to you. If they do, you'll have to do a road trip w/ the old battery to drop off when you pick-up the new battery, to avoid the $1350 CORE fee (refundable).
2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

Dealers always want to replace the ECU that in housed inside the HV Battery compartment. I believe it is Part Number: 8998147212 (Control Module), $310.01 at Camelback. Many people who have replaced the original HV Battery w/ a NEW or rebuilt one, seem to have been OK reusing the control module. You could knock off $300+ in parts by reusing your original control module.

You can still call Toyota and ask if they can cut you a break (25%, 50% off), since you did buy it new, and had it serviced by a dealer for all those years. Worst they can say is no, which is where you are at.

If you are in the SF Bay Area, call Lusciou's Garage (SF) or Art's Automotive (Berkeley) to see what they charge.
If you are in the LA area, try Avi's Advance Automotive (1050 S La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301); (310) 426-8432; www.hybridfix.com

Good luck.

 

Wow that is great! I do not know I guess tow is safe approach but you might clear codes and limp over OK. I'd go late or something to avoid traffic. The disparity on how these cases are handled is mind boggling.

 

OK great well I did not want to jinx it! so I was quiet about it.

But this positive outcome this is consistent what I said above earlier: I do not personally live in a CARB state, but if I did, somebody would have to explain clearly to me why a CARB certified Prius (they all are) does not qualify for CARB warranty in a CARB state. Especially a 2006 which I don't think has wording in the warranty to say anything to the contrary.

If there is a better explanation of why Toyota covered in this apparent non-warranty exception (purchased outside CARB) please let me know if possible (PM if necessary).

PS- How'd you end up getting the car to the dealer for service?