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Need advice for hybrid battery replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by west, Apr 26, 2017.

  1. west

    west Junior Member

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    Hi All,
    I need some advice.
    I am the first owner of a 2006 Prius with 69,000 miles. I love this car, so reliable.
    I replaced the 12V battery a year or two ago, and have 4 new tires.
    The HV battery died recently, after I left the car in the garage for 5 days. The dashboard major warning lights are up. Toyota Service Center diagnostic test gave me codes P3000 and P0A80. Bloc #8 is 13.9 volts and all others are 15.3 volts. I drive the car 3 miles a day during the week, more on the weekends.
    I have a growing family, and was planning to replace the car in about 2 years, so I am conflicted about the how much money to sink into this car.
    KBB says the car is worth @4000.
    Dealer offers to replace with brand new HV battery for @4000. Two local garages who specialize in hybrids will only replace with all new modules for @2900, they refuse to install reconditioned batteries. My husband wants to find a reconditioned battery. I found a service that will warrant for 6 months, or 18 months, depending on what you buy, @1000. Any thoughts on reconditioned batteries on this forum? Any other alternatives I should look into? I am guessing that a salvaged battery from a wrecked Gen 2 Prius doesn't make sense since they'll all die at @10 years. Is it even possible to install a salvaged Gen 3 battery in a Gen 2 Prius?
    What do you think is the best choice? Since I don't plan on keeping the car much longer, I don't want to sink money that practically equates to the value of the car. But I am concerned about cutting corners and risking money and headache buying a dud.
    In the meantime, I tried to resume driving my car one week for the usual 3 mile trip, and now I am certain the car will roll backwards if stopped on a hill. The car has zero pick up, and I don't feel safe driving it anymore, so I'll let the current HV battery die in the garage until I figure out what to do.
    Thanks for your thoughts.
     
  2. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    I talk people through these kinds of decisions all the time.

    I'd be happy to discuss these things through on the phone. Feel free to call me.

    A rebuilt battery is hard to quantity since there are so many people doing it so many different ways. It's way to cut corners and call it "rebuilt". Basically, though, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    Where I live we have had some real ripoff artists who scammed many people out of their hard earned money. And even on this forum I see people have been quite unhappy with certain companies. Not all rebuilds are equal!

    6 months is not much of a guarantee when it comes to rebuilt batteries. I would not bother putting much stock in that option.

    For reference, the large reputable companies offer 3 year unlimited mile warranties.

    Salvaged from a wrecked Prius would be fine if you had the tools to test it. But then again most people don't, and still it is a crap shoot.

    A Gen 3 pack is not a drop in replace for a Gen 2 pack. But, technically you could dismantle a Gen 3 pack, and replace the innards from the Gen 3 pack into a Gen 2. A lot of labor involved. Lots of room for errors along the way way, but again, technically possible.

    There is some danger in driving the car in its current condition. Including a fire risk. A small explosion of a failed cell may occur, it'll sound like a loud bang in the back. This can release bad stuff.

    How soon do you plan on getting rid of the car?

    Do you own hand tools and feel comfortable working on or replacing the battery yourself?
     
    #2 ericbecky, Apr 26, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2017
    WilDavis and Raytheeagle like this.
  3. ntender

    ntender Junior Member

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    west, WilDavis, bisco and 1 other person like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if they don't come through with goodwill, i would go with dorman. $1,400., about the best rebuild quality you can get (not perfect though), a 3 year warranty, and you should be able to find someone who will install it for a few hundred.
    all the best!(y)
     
    Katie Gard and WilDavis like this.
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    WilDavis likes this.
  6. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    West,
    If you plan to follow fotomo's lead, I have plenty of modules available.

    As I mentioned earlier, I'm happy to talk to you on the phone and discuss options. There is a lot of information to sort through.
     
    Raytheeagle and WilDavis like this.
  7. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat, the very best place to learn about the amazing Prius, and all the information you are ever likely to need to sort out any problems which might come up! The search function is your friend, and most folks here are only too willing to share their extensive experience! Good luck! :)
     
  8. west

    west Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone! This forum is so helpful, you guys saved me some money and headache.
    I am satisfied with my resolution, and will post on the thread / sticky that tracks member's resolutions on this subject!