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Need to recondition charge n replace hybrid pack in So Cal

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Rrrolfff, Mar 20, 2022.

  1. Rrrolfff

    Rrrolfff Junior Member

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    I know this has been covered - but couldn't find the right answer.

    I need to charge my cells to figure which are bad. It seems people have tested chargers that are no longer available.

    Can someone recommend a charger I can find on Amazon (or better the OC or So Cal area) - I need to try n do this Monday if possible.

    Anybody have a loaner (or rent it to me) for a day?

    I tore apart the pack n tried to charge one cell with a 12v charger to disastrous results (more on that later).

    Thanks!
     
  2. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    Did you find a charger? A 12.volt charger would not be good.
     
  3. Rrrolfff

    Rrrolfff Junior Member

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    Does anyone have a cell charger recommendation that can be found either on Amazon or preferably in So Cal?
     
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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  5. Rrrolfff

    Rrrolfff Junior Member

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    Thanks - I read through multiple threads and can't find a relevant recent thread showing what chargers are currently available Can anyone with experience help?
     
  6. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    First step it to take voltage readings of each of the 28 modules and write them in order or make a spread sheet. It takes multiple charge and discharge cycles to locate the stronger modules from the weaker ones.
    And logging voltages is only the beginning, but it's the best and simplest way to start. There is much to learn and it wouldn't happen over the weekend. Using a hobby charger/discharger (even a quad channel) can take up to a week or 2 to finish the entire pack using the recommended 3 cycles of charge and discharge pre module.
    I use a whole pack charger/discharger similar to the prolong system
    Prolong Battery Systems | Hybrid Automotive California, USA
    It's simpler to learn and takes about 3 to 5 days to recondition the pack, but it's a lot more $ than a hobby charger.
    Keep in mind when looking at hobby chargers, some of them need DC power supplies. Not all of them are able to just plug into a household outlet. Although some of them do have power supplies built in and can plug directly into a normal household AC outlet.
    Also, the modules are NiMh ( Nickel Metal Hydride ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel%E2%80%93metal_hydride_battery
    so you have to make sure the charger discharger you get lists NiMH as a battery type it charges.
    Here are some links to explore.




    Just getting a charger doesn't mean you'll be successful fixing an old pack. You have to learn what to look for while charging and discharging the modules. Most important is knowing how to setup the charger for your modules. Lots of reading involved.
    This guy is the most knowledgeable module mechanic here at Priuschat IMO and owns several Ev-Peak CQ3 charger dischargers as well as a Prolong Kit.
    Recommended Hybrid Battery Chargers/Reconditioners? | PriusChat
    And this guy is a close second, again IMO anyways
    Looking for a readily available hybrid battery module charger - Amazon or So Cal - need asap .. | PriusChat

    read their threads and learn how to setup the charger and monitor the modules.

    Don't forget (THIS IS IMPORTANT) make sure you have a fan blowing on the module(s) while you're charging.
     
    #6 vvillovv, Mar 21, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2022
  7. Rrrolfff

    Rrrolfff Junior Member

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  8. Rrrolfff

    Rrrolfff Junior Member

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    Thank you for all that info! I'm going the hobby charger route - and now know it's also important to clamp each pack to stop swelling. I'm heading out to get a charger and start this not so fun project - seems it's better to charge in the less than an amp range - does anyone know the pack specs ,(3000 amp hour?) and max charge rate?

    Thanks!
     
  9. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Make sure you post which charger you're getting,
    especially if you don't know what to look for while charging and discharging. It takes longer to run through all 28 modules, it also give weaker cells in the module more time to catch up to the stronger cells and balance.
    I've read healthy modules will take 5500 watts maH from the hobby chargers and you should be looking for just over 8 and a half volts / module. But that depends on how healthy the module is. The weaker ones will take more charge, rise up in voltage faster while charging and loose their voltage faster while discharging, than the healthy ones.
    tags:
    cells modules blocks pack
    6 cells per module - 2 modules per block - 14 blocks per pack
     
    #9 vvillovv, Mar 23, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2022