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Repairing the Hybrid Battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Berch1943, Mar 20, 2020.

  1. Berch1943

    Berch1943 Member

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    I have been watching this video on how to repair the main battery:


    I want to try and do this myself, I am on a tight budget, I have no experience. Has anyone followed the steps he did in the video and is it accurate everything he says?

    I would need to get one of those chargers to do the resistance test and restoring capacity. Is the one he used in his video any good? Is there a cheaper one I can use?

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. George W

    George W Active Member

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    This is a very good video for the do-it-yourselfer. The only item you might not be able to purchase NEW is that specific hobby charger.
     
  3. Berch1943

    Berch1943 Member

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    I don't care if it is new or not , at least if it can get the job done. But the one he used was priced $75+ for doing 4 batteries at a time. Maybe there is a better model you know of? I would like something cheaper than that , time is not an issue for me.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    plenty of threads here with charger models
     
  5. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    If you want to save more money, skip the charger altogether.

    Can be a waste of time/money.

    If you are simply replacing one module because it is shorted out, get it close in voltage, take the afternoon to replace it and move on.

    Other portions of your battery will fail in the (hopefully not near?) future. Just play whack a mole and replace them as they fail of needed.
    Quick. Easy. Rather than spending days charging and discharging.

    Did your battery already fail in some way.

    Also be sure to use an inch-pound torque wrench to properly secure each nut. Over/under tightening is bad. Very bad.
     
  6. Berch1943

    Berch1943 Member

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    The car hasn't been used for months. Came back with the dreaded triangle symbol and a P08A0 error code. Now it won't even start up any more.The 12v was recently replaced. So likely I think the HV needs some recharging,
     
    #6 Berch1943, Mar 20, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2020
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you might need a grid charger
     
  8. Berch1943

    Berch1943 Member

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    That would be way above my budget
     
  9. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    A Meanwell power supply that could charge the whole battery at once for around $100. Charge it up overnight.
     
    Catherine Kourouklis likes this.
  10. Berch1943

    Berch1943 Member

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    .
     
    #10 Berch1943, Mar 25, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2020
  11. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Wow.
    You realize you are abusing the return policy if you use it, and then return it, right?

    You really shouldn't do that.

    It is just poor form.

    Remind me not to sell stuff to you.
     
    kenoarto likes this.
  12. Phildo

    Phildo Active Member

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    Which model Meanwell would you recommend?
     
  13. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Return policies are just that if you want to return the item you can within the time allowed on reciept.

    It is up to the location to actually return the item to manufacturer.

    Abuse is the shop putting the item back on the shelf and selling it to another person.
     
  14. JerryScript

    JerryScript Junior Member

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    I have to agree, purposefully buying something, using it, then returning it even though it works fine is beyond poor form, it borders on outright fraud!

    Returns are meant for items that don't function, don't fit, or were ordered erroneously.
     
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  15. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    So if you are unhappy with the product just keep it even though you can return it?
     
  16. JerryScript

    JerryScript Junior Member

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    You can Google it to see, but in some states, if the item is as advertised, works, and has no manufacturer defects or shipping damage, the seller does not have to accept a return. That is why many sellers and/or manufacturers often require a return authorization, commonly referred to as an RMA, before you can ship it back.

    Everyone should realize that returns are a significant cost to legitimate sellers and manufacturers, and the costs eventually are put into higher prices for everyone.

    I used to build computers, and was a member of several over-clocking forums where members discussed pushing chipsets beyond their manufacturers recommendations in attempts to get the fastest computer possible. Many would over-clock to the point of failure, then request an RMA, and laugh about it. Many were identified and banned by Newegg, but all of us pay a bit more for computers due to these people taking advantage of sellers and manufacturers trying to keep people happy!
     
    #16 JerryScript, Jul 13, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020