2006 CEL question

looks like it's time to weigh your hv battery repair/replacement options. i would still check the 12v first though.

 

it's always worth ask toyota for help. either call directly, or go through the dealer. but that's only if you would have the dealer install.
if you are going to diy, there are several options.
i guess if you don't do anything, getting stranded is a possibility, since the hv battery starts the engine.
theres a good post on line by luscious garage on the p0a80 code.

 

The car will leave you stranded and it will be undriveable without a healthy hybrid battery.

 

some suggest putting in a new battery, and if the rest of the car gets too expensive to maintain at some point, look around for a good car which needs a battery, buy it and swap the new one in.

 

+1

You have 3 associated codes with two failing blocks. It could last for months or seconds.

Would you continue to drive on a tire with visible tread separation? The answer to your question is the same.

You MIGHT be a candidate for the Hybrid Automotive Prolong reconditioning system as I suspect your issues are associated with self-discharge rather than individual cell failure.

 

Yes. They extend life by top balancing and reconditioning at the pack level. Check the "quantitative" thread in my sig.

Since you have two "becomes weak" codes following an extended period of sitting, I believe self-discharge pushed some marginal cells out of range, but they have not actually failed. That could only be confirmed by MiniVCI or Torque Pro with the extended PIDs I posted.

Also check the "how to test" thread for results from someone who did the process on a batter with > 300K miles.

 

Why don't you just invest in a new battery now and be done with it? They are suppose to be maintenance free, like the last 10 years from the first battery. Your worst case scenario is just around the corner!

The grid charger is of little help if the battery module has already failed

SM-N900P ?

 

Typically, once a Prius battery has coded with a failed module, the reconditioner won't help except if you decide to try to replace module and rebalance. The "becomes weak" codes do not always indicate cell failure. Given your specific circumstances with the extended sitting, I believe you may benefit.

Note that I bolded my previous response. MiniVCI or Torque Pro w/Extended PIDs can confirm voltages. If you can confirm block voltages, it's likely worth pursuing and would require periodic grid charging to stay ahead of the self-discharge.

Additionally, if you would rather crack open the pack and measure all the voltages, that's another way. Just don't electrocute yourself.

 

I suggest you just buy the 2 modules at $40 each and balance the pack out afterwards. You'll only spend $80 more and you should get a way better result knowing you're not playing around with 2 failed modules.

 

Why didn't you buy the reconditioning system per my recommendation?

A lot to be said for an easy discharger that just plugs into the harness. Good luck with the hacking.

 

Did you buy extra modules or not? All the balancing and charging/discharging in the world is not going to fix
what's ailing your HV battery if a cell failed in one of the modules.

Don't get me wrong. I hope you get it repaired and soon.

 

And you have the $200 crimping tool?

Anyway, for expediency's sake, if you haven't buttoned everything back up, you could just wire directly to the same terminals to which you have the grid charger harness connected. Use the safety plug as an on/off switch.