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What's this?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Tynyyn, Feb 8, 2019.

  1. Tynyyn

    Tynyyn Member

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    Backseat, passenger side, between the seatback and the pillar is a rectangular box with a grill on it. It sounds like it blows air yet I don't know of a switch that turns it on.

    What is that box and what does it do?

    Thanks
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If it looks something like this:
    [​IMG]
    It is the hybrid battery air intake, it is very important not to block it.

    The back of that looks like this:

    [​IMG]

    It is thermostatically controlled, if your big battery gets hot, you can hear it.

    (I am not sure all these photos are from a Gen 2, but the idea is the same)
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Feb 8, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2019
  3. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    There is a picture of it in your owners manual telling what it is and not to block it.
     
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  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The owner's manual! Who'd a though it contained such good information! :whistle:
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you pull the grille off, it leads down a very interesting rabbit hole
     
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  6. Tynyyn

    Tynyyn Member

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    Thanks, fellows for the replies. I wouldn't have thought it was for the battery. It was cold outside, 12*, and I had my heater on full blast. I got hot while driving and turned the fan off and then I heard a very loud fan sound coming from the battery cooling fan. It just bugged me that the sound was so loud. I figured the fan was going to fail. But after a few seconds the fan stopped turning and it became quiet again. Maybe the fan started because it was hot in the cabin.
     
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Where’s Elmer Fudd when you need him:p.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hunting wabbits
     
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  9. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    If the cabin was in the 86ºF+ (30ºC+) range, then almost more than likely. Try and keep the cabin in the 64-75ºF (18-24ºC) range.

    If it was in the cooler range, then that could a sign that your HV battery is not in the best shape.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you have a 15 year old battery
     
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  11. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    The battery is not outside, it is in the cabin with you.

    Besides the possibility that the cabin was too hot, did you go down (or up) a long hill? Changing electricity into chemistry is going to generate heat.

    Talimena National Scenic Byway Home - Talimena National Scenic Byway
    as an example, but that seems south of you.
     
    #11 JimboPalmer, Feb 8, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2019
  12. greasemonkey007

    greasemonkey007 Active Member

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    Keep my number in case you ever need anything. I'll be glad to help in any way.