Gen 2 Epic Failure--Dealer Perplexed--Need Real Help

Yes I live in Franklin TN.

 

I have yet to see any feedback or long term reliability info about these amazing new cells... has anyone here bought and used them?

 

Yes there are a couple of extensive threads (you'll need to weed thru some noise) in the gen 2 forum. Spoiler: working fine so far for everyone who's using 'em.

 

Yes, @ericbecky is one of our experts running one. The reports got too boring so he stopped updating us His last report was after 3000 miles..

Here is one of the threads. Prius Battery Replacement Kit (GenII/GenIII) with NEW custom cells | PriusChat

 

Same name, same town! Unfortunately I don't

 

The rc charger will charge the battery, but it will take a while to do all 28 modules. You can buy a grid charger from hybrid automotive and charge the whole pack at one time. You can even get a complete kit to recondition it yourself. Given the age and miles on the car, it's due for a hybrid battery. But by charging yours up, you may be more able to fully diagnose the car. The battery may or may not recover enough on its own with the warmer weather. You could have a bad inverter but you really need to get the codes read. Make sure you keep the 12V charged up.
I'd suggest getting a mini vci or making friends with someone that has 1! If your 12V is charged, you should be able to retrieve codes unless there's a problem with the diagnostic connection. You'll need the hybrid battery charged to complete the diagnosis, but you should be able to at least see what codes are stored.

 

Go amazon.com and buy a mini vci. With prime it’s like next day almost. Go on Craigslist buy a XP laptop for $30 so for $50 your in. 2 Days.

 

Like IMkenNY, I am still mulling the original post, in which the car lost engine power while driving, and was then maneuvered off the road at up to 30 mph on battery power, with two battery bars still showing afterward.

It sure doesn't sound to me as if the battery was the original problem, and also doesn't sound very much like it was drained to a damaging degree afterward.

I'll be holding my guesses until there are codes....

-Chap

 

There was another member with similar loss of power issues, which depleted the hv battery to the point dealer is suggesting the hv battery is an issue.

Without codes, it's very hard to guess at this. I also don't feel a new hv battery will solve your problem

 

Grassland car care here in Franklin is a reputable company. They are hybrid certified and have been working on Hybrid cars for years. I would probably put them over the local (shitty) Toyota dealerships here. I just have a basic code reader myself.

 

if you are going to charge the mods one at a time DO NOT REMOVE THEM FROM THE PACK.. they can swell during recharging and you will never get the pack back together..

 

“Car would not move and all lights were on.”

Codes should be available. 12 v might need a boost. Dealership response, if your description is accurate, Indicates dealer is additional part of your problem.

Find honest reliable mechanic.

Flee from the dealership.

Check fuses, get codes. Codes are the beginning

Good luck.

 

Just checked with a local dealer to me in Maryland. Parts person offered or sell me a new battery for my 2004 Prius for $1,950.00. Makes $3,600.00 offer from a dealer to replace sound just a tiny bit high, perhaps !

An experienced mechanic should be able to make the exchange in what, a couple hours ? Maybe more to unpack and repack the old piece ? Anyone know ?

 

If the dealer installs there is a 3 year warranty. If you can find a dealer to sell you a battery there is only a one year warranty. An experienced mechanic may not have the training to work with the high voltage of the traction battery.