Hymotion is dead. Do I have any hope for a fix?

OK I won't plug it in any more.
Last night, I did plugged-in and charged the 12v (2amp) again. The error 11 code is now constant with the Hymotion turned on or off. I agree the 12 v battery was getting low. I'll look for the A123 Guide.

Cheers,
John

 

Just downloaded saved and printed all 59 pages of A123 TSB-521100-001. Looks very good!

Thanks again!

 

I have a 2007 Prius with a Hymotion system installed by Fitzgerald in Gathersburg MD. It also has 3 blinks and does not come on line. I would like very much to find someone to give me an estimate and repair it for me. While I am handy with electronics and mechanical things, I am 85 years old and would rather let someone else do the work. I do make occasional visits to the Detroit area, but live in Delaware.

 

Bringing it to Detroit would help you avoid the shipping.

It could be several thousand dollars to fix the issue(s).
Do you have someone there that I could explain how to do the work needed? A trusted mechanic or electronics person with access to CANBUS tools?

 

I'm confused. You say bringing it to Detroit could help avoid shipping costs, yet your profile shows you in Wisconsin.
If we were to make an appointment, can you give me a guess of the time involved? ie.could it possibly be done in say a week's time? I wouldn't want to impose on my family for too long.

 

Hi guys,
My Hymotion L5 kit will not turn on. I checked the LED and saw it blinking. I counted 10 short blinks then 1 long blink. Sometimes the LED does not come on at all, but the pack does charge ( tail-lights come on while charging too).
Is there any hope for fixing my pack? How much it could cost?

 

If it is really an error 10 you have some real work on your hands.
Is this something that you would work on yourself, or do you have a local tech available?

You'll need to check the wiring to each module.
Seating of connectors, resistance (ohms) between pins of connectors, power, etc.

Cost could easily run a few thousand if you have someone else do the work.

You may end up just swapping out the pack itself for a known good/rebuilt one, which would be quite costly ($4K-$6K)

 

I re-read this.
Perhaps you actually have a code 11?
This is generally when you have a low cell.

This may be easier to pinpoint if your tech has the needed software/hardware, but the end result may be the same anyway.
Replacing the pack.

 

Thank you Ericbecky for your answer!
Could I get some decisions less then 1k$ instead of one more my prius cost?

 

i don't see why not.

 

I have the hymotion in my prius.
I have removed it because it would make a strange almost arking sound when I would turn it on.
It seemed to charge properly and I was able to drive in EV mode for a good amount of time.
No error codes.
I suspected it would have a relay to enable it.
I removed the unit, disassembled the battery modules, and then realized the relays were mounted in the bottom.
I like the build on the batteries.
tested one module and all cell groups are 3.35V(nice balance)I will check remaining modules, but believe they are all OK.
From reading here there is a DC/DC converter? 3.6(Cell voltage)*4(4 cells per module)*14(14 modules)= 201.6
prius battery 1.2(cell voltage)*6(cells per module)*28( number of modules) = 201.6.
Is there really a DC/DC converter? seems to be same voltages.

How would I determine which relay in the bottom would be the main relay to turn on the pack?
I suspect its contacts are pitted and need another one.

I can take a picture if needed.

Thanks for any help.

 

There is a dc/dc converter. Certainly as you dismantle things you will find it.
Most of the electronics are in the part that was lowest area of the unit. In the black part at the bottom.

 

i tested all modules and they are 3.34 volts each cell and 13.40 per module

 

here is a view of the bottom - I suspect the relay to the left is the main contactor to supply power to the prius.
I am wondering if these are available, how to test them also.
The noise was kind of like arking. One time kind of a hissing also. this is why I removed the unit. To make sure a cell wasn't getting ready to go up in flames.
Since all cells look good and have the same voltage, I suspect I have a bad relay.
Also because I had no errors.

 

That part is basically unobtanium.
Plus, even if you replace it, it would be best to update the software with the Hymotion software interface (also unobtanium) so that problem does not recur. There is a good chance the version loaded in the system is out of date

Feel free to call me to discuss.
The price to repair is likely much more than you want to spend. Basically send entire unit in for refurbishment/replacement.

In the meantime, keep chipping away at it as long as it is fun for you.

 

Thanks for the reply Eric.
I live in vancouver Canada, so I suspect shipping to repair it would be too much money.
I think I will use the cells for a couple of other projects. Electric boat and solar.
Since the Prius has the upgraded suspension to take the extra weight, I am going to try running it off of 2 ford escape hybrid packs.
I have started another page related to this project.
replace hv pack with ford escape NIMH cells | PriusChat

 

Be very careful running nimh in parallel.
Be sure to have a way to monitor their voltage and state of charge.

I've seen bad things, including fires happen if not properly watched.