1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Quick Tips Needed - Traction battery failure

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PCM111, Jun 18, 2017.

  1. PCM111

    PCM111 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2017
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Dublin, PA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi everyone. I have a 2008 Prius with 172,000 miles. Got in the car this morning and within a minute all kinds of warning lights came on (photos attached). I turned around and went home. Been looking through the forum and I'm guessing it's the traction battery. I am not a DIYer, everything is done at the Toyota dealer. I bought the car in 2010 with 25,000 miles on it from a dealer. I'm having the car towed to Toyota tomorrow morning. Looking for any tips, advice, warnings, questions to ask, things to suggest, from all of you experienced Prius people, to hopefully make the right decisions and also not get taken advantage of. Thanks so much!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 PCM111, Jun 18, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    This might actually be a failed inverter pump. Reading the car's codes will tell you the actual problem.
     
    #2 JC91006, Jun 18, 2017
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,198
    6,464
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I noticed the MAINT REQD light is on. How current is the car with regards to the maintenance schedule? For example when were the iridium spark plugs last replaced? What is the engine oil level now?

    Since the skid control ECU warning lights are not on (ABS/VSC/BRAKE) I think it is not likely the inverter coolant pump is at fault.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Jun 18, 2017
    JC91006 likes this.
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yes definitely check the oil level
     
    #4 JC91006, Jun 18, 2017
  5. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    993
    324
    0
    Location:
    Golden, CO
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    If it is a failed hybrid battery, the dealer will likely quote around $4000 to replace it. An option is to install a remanufactured used battery for about a third of that cost, but all remanufactured batteries may be close to failure since they're all about the same age.

    A DIYer may be able to replace the battery for less than $2500, or repair it for under $100, so your car may have some value as a project car for someone else, if you decide not to repair it.

    One consideration is to install a used/reman battery to get it running, then sell it as a working car, disclosing the work done.

    Of course, it may be something else, so get the diagnosis first.
     
    #5 andrewclaus, Jun 19, 2017
  6. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    1,193
    1,681
    0
    Location:
    Laughlin, Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    There are options for new, too.

    Texas Hybrids has a very good reputation and track record. He has access to OEM parts and will install for less than the dealer. Maybe they have a relationship with an installer near the OP.

    Bumblebee Batteries is another option. They are manufacturing new batteries and are less than OEM. Someone local could install it.
     
    #6 srellim234, Jun 19, 2017
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)