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HV Battery failure - thoughts on where to buy a *new* battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by bpollard, Jul 2, 2017.

  1. bpollard

    bpollard Junior Member

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    Hello,
    My 2010 Gen 3 prius just had a HV battery failure at 130k miles. I'm not terribly excited about buying a remanufactured battery (which, as I understand it, is just a battery made up of different used cells).
    Does anyone have any tips on where to buy a new Toyota battery (part #: G951047060) for ~$2200 (vs the dealer list of $2700)? It seems like online is an option, but getting you can't ship the core back because of haz-mat issues.
    any thoughts would be very helpful.
    I live in Austin Texas BTW.
    Thanks!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Contact Matt at Texashybridbatteries.com
     
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  3. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Your understanding is only partly correct.

    "Cheap" replacement batteries usually have ONLY the failed cells replaced and come with little or no warranty.
    Some companies, however, replace ALL of the cells and then test the finished product......and should give a good warranty, like at least a year. I believe those completely rebuilt ones go for about $1500.

    Reports from those who have experience will follow.

    P.S. Are you absolutely, positively sure that the HV battery has failed ?
    It is a little early for that......but not unheard of.
    The 12 V battery, however, is probably shot if it is the original.
     
  4. bpollard

    bpollard Junior Member

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    The 12V battery was replaced a few months ago with a yellow top. I took the car to a very reputable place here in Austin, and that is the code they said showed up. Could that code mean something else?

    In Austin it seems like re-manufactured batteries can go from $1300-$1700. I think I just procured a new OEM battery at $2300, and will go that route.... (thank you to the suggestion for Matt at Texas Hybrid Batteries).
     
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Note: recent price increase for a new Toyota battery from him.

    Texas Prius Battery Replacement
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Matt seems to be a sucker at helping people, he'll probably give you a discount if you ask. I think his prices are still one of the lowest around.
     
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  7. bpollard

    bpollard Junior Member

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    I got a quote, all-in (including taxes) for a new OEM Toyota Gen3 battery for $2650 from him (no trip fee since he'll already be in Austin doing some other work). From looking online, I *might* be able to secure a new Gen3 batter for $2200, then $330 to install (from a place I trust) then taxes and fees.... puts me right around $2650 and he'll do it at my house. Am I missing something in my math?....
     
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  8. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Sometimes a weak 12 V makes seemingly random codes that include a false indication of HV battery failure.
    If nobody has actually tested the HV battery itself......like checking for actual failed modules, I'd be reluctant to fork over $2300 just yet.

    And what do you mean by "I think I have procured" ??

    A completely rebuilt battery pack should, in theory, be just as good as a new one; possibly even better.
     
  9. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Matt offers a 4 yr. warranty but he's of course further away. Also, it's more than just a battery swap, electronic internals within the pack need to be switch out too.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Where's your savings? Matt will stand by his product and his work.

    If you source from one location, install at another location, who's responsible when you have a problem?
     
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  11. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    What exactly and why ?
    "electronics" usually don't wear out.
     
  12. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    The batteries packs from Toyota do not come fully assembled.
    It is much more work that a replacement pack from a rebuilder.

    The installer must transfer over quite a few parts from your old battery onto the new battery. (computers, relays, vent tubes, clips, HV safety plug socket, etc) More possibility of errors if your guy has not done the work before. Especially the torque specs on the additional electrical connections.

    Personally I'd spend my money on folks that help support this forum as well as someone who specializes in hybrids.

    I would 100% confirm that your trusted guy has done a NEW Toyota HV battery before. It is much different job than a drop-in REBUILT battery. You do not want to be their Guinea pig.
     
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  13. bpollard

    bpollard Junior Member

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    I'm going with Matt - seems like a no brainer.
     
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