Worth replacing battery (or a cell)

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Was Dad the original owner from new, or do you know if the HV battery has ever been serviced/replaced in the past?

Does the vehicle have water intrusion issues, usually in the rear of the vehicle, like the 12v cubby or the spare tire area?

Could take it into the actual dealership for around half of that 350 diagnostic fee, or for free if you have a dealer like one of mine nearby. Of course a dealership will tell you the same thing once they scan it (needs a new HV battery per P0A80 and P3000), and then likely add on a new HV battery ECU, just because then can. All of this would cost around 4k or so. On the other hand, If this "repair place" doesn't have much hybrid related experience, or a real "rep" fixing or servicing hybrids, then I would pass unless you're feeling lucky (are you?)

It appears the son has a usable OBD2 scanner handy, and the codes (DTCs) being retrieved do point toward "related" HV battery issues. Since the scanner didn't find issue with any of the "modules" (not cells), it is unlikely that the HV battery assembly needs replacement at this time, though going forward (in the near term) you might consider reconditioning by balancing the HV battery with a grid charger.

These "issues" might be fixed with a new $60+ voltage sense wiring harness, and or a little corrosion clean up on the related HV battery ECU connector pins. But someone would need to investigate to be sure, not a big job and only basic hands tools are needed, and yes you could also diagnose this without tools, such as a laptop running Techstream (dealership technician diagnostic software) or a toyota hybrid compatible handheld OBD2 scanner. Would I pay $350 to a rando garage in KS to hook up a scanner (will they go into the HV battery?) and tell me to open my wallet, not if I was four hours away, but I have basic tools and believe I may already know what the issue is.

Never too late to learn, and think of the lesson; saved $350 on the diagnostics, then likely fixed it for $100 (including tools), which saved (someone?) over $4000 that was wanted by said shop or dealership. Of course you're still stuck with an old HV battery, but it drives again!

This comes up often, and the answer usually starts with "what vehicle can you purchase to replace it with, and at what price point."

Many here would say you have a free/gifted 2009 with lower mileage, just fix it yourself- and there are other issues that may arise in the (near) future; 12v battery ($$$), lost fob ($$$), stolen catalytic ($$$-$$$$), HV battery fan cleaning ($$$), brake actuator ($$$$), combination meter dash array ($$$), MFD ($$$), AC unit ($$$$), engine water pump ($$$), inverter coolant pump ($$$), and when the HV battery actually does fail ($$-$$$$), this list goes on, tires, struts, etc. If you can't DIY on many of these items, then you will pay whatever the "shop" says it will cost to fix it, or just move on.

Guess it boils down to how long do you want to keep the vehicle, and how much it is worth to keep it on the road. You could try the $100 fix, or a DIY installation of a used HV battery from a known rebuilder for $1k, or spend $1600 to $2500 on a "New" HV battery, be it new OEM, new aftermarket NiMH, new aftermarket Lithium (again all DIY situations at those price points).

There really isn't, the best you can do is let you 'fingers do the walking' (*call around), check reviews (yelp, angies, FB, reddit, here, etc)

If anyone would know, it would likely be @Raytheeagle

Also ask Jessica (hometown hybrids linked above) for known installers in the KS area, she would likely offer you a list, even if not currently purchasing a new/used product for delivery. Most HV battery installers should be capable of installing a new harness and cleaning up the related ECU, and it could cost about the same as an install.

If you are buying a HV battery, it is generally best practice to buy NEW, and not buy into a rebuilt, refurbished offering, regardless of the claim warranty. The new option may cost a bit more than the used hodge podge of mix matched modules option, but it will last much longer as well.

FYI : you're moderated until you've posted 5 times.

 

Greentec and Priuskings have locations in KC, and both seem to have good reputations (at first glance anyway ). Might be worth reaching out to them for a start...

 

The Prius generation 2 in my eyes is worth keeping You can buy another one even a nice looking one if you look around for about $2,000 maybe $2,500 but it's going to be coming up more than likely on this same issue they all are now if they haven't already. Kansas City is a tough nut to crack I don't know that much about it it's just kind of strange place I've only been there when I was much younger what is your son do that makes you think he could do none of this this stuff is actually pretty easy so if you can work on and repair computers essentially you could do this battery work Not sure if you would want to now that's another thing wants and desires and getting those in check and all that If he doesn't mind spending the $3,000 to getting a new battery in the vehicle there's only a couple other things that generally go wrong with these cars that are less to fix that only require nuts and bolts to be undone and some brake bleeding and little things like that You should be able to find a private garage in the area to do this work without killing your bank account but unfortunately at the moment things are very costly because of this new business we have going on in the world right now but there are people out there that know about this I hate to say it but you might look on craigslist or Facebook marketplace people here on this list some are capable some do some things some have work and things and this is just kind of a hobby and they're trying to keep their personal car running not get into the car business. So it is tough at the moment but it can be done I just put a whole motor in one of these cars and a transmission from a low mileage vehicle from another country All said and done was ridiculously inexpensive to be honest about it I've seen people spend double doing the same operation so I know it can be done and I did not do it.

 

HI. I live in Kansas City and have DR Prius App and ODB Scanner. I have 2 Gen 2 2008 Prii. I'd be happy to help your son out. I travel for work but will be back after next week. I haven't lived in Kansas City long enough to find a mechanic. I usually do everything myself.
PM me here and we can talk.
I just realized you are new to the forum. Welcome. I PM'd you in case you are unable to until you have posted a few times. I have pulled the entire interior out of our Prii and could inspect the hybrid battery connections and fan. If he does need it replaced Toyota of Olathe has a decent price on them. I could help with the install.

 

sell it while prius prices are high because of gas costs, and look around for a small gasser that any mech can repair if neccesary

 

contact Green Bean Battery | Reconditioned Hybrid Battery Company, I have mine installed in my Camry 5yrs ago. Save that $350 diagnostic fee from the dealership. If you can DIY it will be even cheaper. I have a grid charger here and I can let you borrow it. I live near KCI if you happen to pass by

 

WOW. $1700 including installation is not bad if they can schedule you ASAP and get you up and running. New cells would be better, but the wait is longer and would require DIY. Not sure if your son has time for that. But good options to know.

 

I live south and west of the KC area, 90 minutes from the downtown area. I do all of the work on our Prius, therefore not knowledgeable of technicians in the area that I would recommend. I am partial to our Prius as we have 627K miles on it and it is our daily driver. We would say yes to resolving the hybrid battery issue. I use the Dr. Prius App along with the Dr. Prius OBD plug in interface that communicates with your phone via Bluetooth to troubleshoot/diagnose issues. Be mindful that the version you need is specific to the phone that you have (I Phone or Android). Reach out if you have any questions.