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Battery running at warm after cleaning fan

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by DarkenMoon, Oct 7, 2020.

  1. DarkenMoon

    DarkenMoon New Member

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    Hey all,

    I finally got around to cleaning the hybrid battery fan, and man, was that thing nasty. I cleaned it because I noticed that the battery was getting hot and causing the engine to come on and stay on. Even though I cleaned the battery and the vent(?) underneath the battery, I am still hitting 120 degrees when driving the car like normal after 20 minutes or so.

    I should mention that I just tested how cool the battery can run, and was surprised to see it hit 120f during the night in Reno, where it was about 65f outside with all the windows all the way down.

    Essentially, I am wondering if there is anything else that I can do to help the battery stay cooler, or something that I may have overlooked. I'm just stunned that the battery can run so warm when the outside temperature is fairly cool.

    Thanks!
     

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    #1 DarkenMoon, Oct 7, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    was it dirty? could you hear it running? how many miles on her?

    what are toyota's parameters for acceptable battery temps?

    i think there is a thread or two here on cooling mods, especially to the center of the battery
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 8, 2020
  3. DarkenMoon

    DarkenMoon New Member

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    Yes, it was filthy. I was able to hear it running before and I can hear it now, although not as much as before.

    I'm currently at 109,800 miles.

    I don't know what the acceptable battery temperature is, but I know that when it hits 120, I start to have issues where the engine won't turn off until the battery is cooled down, and there isnt as much regenerative braking once it gets warm.
     
    #3 DarkenMoon, Oct 8, 2020
  4. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    That battery is a densely packed structure that can stay heat soaked for hours. If the car had been sitting in a hot environment during the day with the windows closed the interior temperature can get very high...that includes the traction battery. I would let the car cold soak overnight, down to early mornig temperatures, then take your readings after a regular commute. Please let us know your findings.
     
    #4 BZzap!, Oct 8, 2020
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you may want to get the dr prius app and monitor your cell voltages. sounds like they might be getting close to breaching the parameters.
     
    #5 bisco, Oct 8, 2020
  6. varun singh

    varun singh Member

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    Did you check what was the running temperature prior to cleaning ?
     
    #6 varun singh, Oct 9, 2020
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    See post #1 attached photo.
     
    #7 Grit, Oct 9, 2020
  8. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    The problem with the dr prius app is the default temp when hv fan is to turn on is set to too high. There are people coming here saying that they have high hv batt temp while using this app, this is the third person. The last person ignored my statement and never bothered to make changes to the temp setting. I won’t be saying this anymore since its just an “opinion” and not a solution.
     
    #8 Grit, Oct 9, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2020
    bisco likes this.
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