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HV Replacement Time?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by NotSoSimple, Aug 10, 2019.

  1. NotSoSimple

    NotSoSimple New Member

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    2010 Gen III w/ 130k miles on it. Yesterday I got the triangle of death, CEL, and a couple other dummy lights as well as the 'Check Hybrid System'. Notice I was using ICE only at that time. First time I have had any issues with this vehicle. With some research I did the start/restart three times but still nothing. Using Torque Pro I cleared the code and drove it around. So far the code has not persisted.

    Last night I did a Dr. Prius test and got a 27% grading. This morning I followed S Keiths procedures and got a 27%, not good. Did another Dr. Prius test and got a 38% this time. I am still getting the same mileage when we got the vehicle (We are second owners) at about 45MPG which I think is pretty darn good. Mix of highway and nasty stop and go. Looking at the individual voltages I cannot see anything super low (They are all within .1v of each other under load), however the multiple testing methods point to something else.

    All in all this sounds like an HV battery replacement, correct? Would prefer an OEM Toyota but I can't seem to find difinitive proof of then being under $2k for new. That said I am leaning towards a newpriusbatteries set. I have no problem with the DIY. Am I barking up the right tree here?
     
    #1 NotSoSimple, Aug 10, 2019
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  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Have you cleaned the HV fan? Do you have pets that ride in the car?
    It's fairly easy to check and clean. Couldn't hurt. :)
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Aug 10, 2019
  3. NotSoSimple

    NotSoSimple New Member

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    Just did that this AM. Some dirt and hair but nothing I would see that is alarming.
     
    #3 NotSoSimple, Aug 10, 2019
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    start by reading the codes, and sub codes. if dr prius can't do it, get a prius aware scanner like torque, but tech stream is your best bet
     
    #4 bisco, Aug 11, 2019
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just thought I'd check: looks like you're out of warranty. Anyway, I would first take it in to dealership, see what they think, and ask about "good will". That'll set you back maybe $100, but you will get a definitive diagnosis, and can find out what the options are through them.

    It's still pretty rare for 3rd gen batteries to be going, and your miles are not that high. Worth a try: there may be a behind-the-scenes policy to help.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Aug 11, 2019
  6. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The Gen2 batteries list for under $2k, but Gen3 batteries list for $2700-$2900.

    That will be $180 here, sir.
     
    #6 The Critic, Aug 11, 2019
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  7. wheezyglider

    wheezyglider Active Member

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    Living in Portland OP might also consider bumblebeebatteries.com which is also in Portland. They claim to use all-new cells and their pack has a larger capacity than the OEM one (8Ah vs. 6.5Ah). $2350 with 3-year warranty, extendable up to 5 years . Haven't tried them myself, just looks like an interesting option.
     
    #7 wheezyglider, Aug 12, 2019
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    'newpriusbatteries.com' is a much better deal at $1,600.
     
    #8 bisco, Aug 12, 2019
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  9. wheezyglider

    wheezyglider Active Member

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    Possibly bisco, but given all the different variables I think that is going to be a subjective calculation for each of us in the end.

    NPB only has a 2-year warranty, and how does their approach of using a different cell design inside the Toyota cage affect engineering considerations (e.g. cooling and crashworthiness)? Maybe it's superior to OEM design in every way, but it feels like one serious kind of gamble to me. But then I crash quadcopters and watch LiPo batteries do bad things -- it confirms my natural paranoia. :eek:
     
    #9 wheezyglider, Aug 12, 2019
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  10. Roland Fischer

    Roland Fischer Junior Member

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    I'm watching this thread as I need to buy a battery.

    Which battery did you buy?
     
    #10 Roland Fischer, Sep 6, 2019
  11. NotSoSimple

    NotSoSimple New Member

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    Wanted to give an update. Since I was still getting 45+ MPG and no other side effects from the first P0A80 code clear, I decided to keep driving and see what happens. I got just over a month (Sept 16th) from the first P0A80 and I got it again. A coworker pointed out the extended warranty for CARB compliant vehicles, which is 10 years or 150k miles. My 10 years are up in January, but my mileage is 132k. Took it in and it was covered under warranty completely. They did say the 12v battery was defective as well (Although no one could give me proof) but at under $200 and I am still using the original battery, I purchased a new one. All in all a good day when I get it replaced for free. They also replaced the stock battery vent with a filtered vent.
     
    #11 NotSoSimple, Sep 20, 2019
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! pretty sweet. if it was the original 12v, well worth it. most dealers get $3-400. installed.
     
    #12 bisco, Sep 20, 2019
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what makes it carb compliant in oregon?
     
    #13 bisco, Sep 20, 2019
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