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Check hybrid system

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Azlandshaper, Mar 6, 2018.

  1. Azlandshaper

    Azlandshaper Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Old Pueblo
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    had the CHS light come on two months ago. Company came out and replaced four modules in HV battery. Light returned three weeks ago. Same company came out and replaced 4 more cells. Light didn't go out. Company returned and took battery off to their shop for a look. Returned battery three days later and CHS light came back after 5 miles of driving. Said company sent (new) employee back out but was unable to fix issue. Discounted repairs to 1/2 price due to (misdiagnosis?) inability to repair.
    Same company has offered additional services but I feel three times is enough.
    Took to dealer and they said needs battery but would require $500 in added troubleshooting to be sure.
    Charged me 150 for this service (statement).

    I have taken many engines from cars and even returned a few to their prospective locations. I've replaced alternators and head gaskets and even converted a few cars to newer motors. I'm confident that I could repair this w a little guidance. Removing the HV battery is not rocket science. Testing cells for voyage seems straight forward. Testing for load seems a bit more of a skill. Im assuming this is coming down the pike.

    For those of you familiar w Prius troubleshooting and diagnosis what would be the next step. How do I confirm its the HV battery? I'm considering a rebuild kit ($1600) if the battery is indeed in need of replacement. Just not looking to throw parts at it w/o proper eval of current parts.
    Looking to fix it myself and learn the Prius. Planning to drive this thing into the ground. Currently half way there at 178k on a 2010 Prius 5.

    Thanks ahead.
    Jay in Tucson.
     
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    II
    take the hv battery out, check each module voltage and check back in a few days if there a significant differences in voltage.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Did they divulge any codes?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    welcome!

    get yourself tech stream software and run the battery health under load. it will also give you all the trouble codes.
    see the battery thread by @ryousideways

    all the best!(y)
     
  5. Azlandshaper

    Azlandshaper Junior Member

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    Location:
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    2010 Prius
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    Four
    No codes divulged.
    I'll look at that thread.
     
    Raytheeagle and Mendel Leisk like this.
  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Get a new battery then.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  7. Azlandshaper

    Azlandshaper Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Old Pueblo
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I think I'll at least go thru and see what codes ive got and Poss test the modules for consistency. If it's not the battery I don't want to buy one.
    Sounds like fun to put it apart and start testing things.
    Does one need anything special to read the codes? I know FLAPS can do the basics but they appear lost for the most part (if it's not an option on the screen your SOL).
    I'll look into tech stream software.
     
  8. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
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    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Get an ELM 327 Bluetooth OOBDII reader, Android device, torque pro app. Cost you less than $75.
    This will give you access to reading live data as well as reading/clearing error codes.

    If you do buy a pack, You may be able to purchase a NEW Toyota battery from your local dealer's parts department for a couple thousand dollars. You may as well call and get a quote.

    Your current battery sounds like a message. Replacing even a couple of cells can upset the apple cart. Replacing 4 and then another 4. Yikes.
    No way they can be matched (as equally crappy as the rest of your pack).