I've got a 2007 Prius with 156K miles. Car had been working normally until recently. Red Triangle, Red Circle, Check Engine, and VSC lights all came on. Took car to a mechanic, and he was able to clear some of the codes (needed new spark plugs). After clearing the codes, here's what's left. P3013, P3000, C1259, C1310. Their thought is the hybrid ECU, or Hybrid Battery. I've searched the forums ( and still am), and tried cleaning the rear wiring harness, which helped for about 15 minutes, then the error lights came back on. I thought my case was unique, as when all the error lights are on, the AC and Cruise do not work. I've been driving the car on short trips, and within 5 minutes or so, the engine seems to rev up, and I loose acceleration. Stepping on the gas pedal does not make it accelerate any faster, but the car does accelerate. Only way to deal with that issue, has been to turn the car off, and then back on. Looking for another opinion on the matter, thanks.
The Spark plugs solved a different error code (P0300), one that I didn't post as it has been "solved", sorry for the confusion. So you think it's the battery, and not the ECU?
Every single DTC stored by a vehicle's computer(s) has a specific troubleshooting tree (step-based diagnostic path) to be followed in order to accurately and completely diagnose the code(s). That process has not even begun and I would bet the codes were not read with Toyota TechStream software, so there may be any number of additional DTCs present that you are, thus far, unaware of. The first two DTC "pxxxx" suggest there is a problem with the HV battery, specifically block#3. It could just be corrosion, or an actual failed cell. Reading of ALL the codes with OEM software and following the diagnostics will provide the information needed to effect a quality repair.
Thanks, I've been thinking about taking it to the local toyota dealer, instead of an independent mechaninc, but have not done so yet., I wanted to have a little more information before I walked in blind. Is this one of those cases where I can open up the battery myself, and clean some corrosion?
No need the dealer. You would have to clean the battery and possibly replace the weak modules.....plural if needed
Thanks, so what you are saying, is to remove the hybrid battery, open up the hybrid battery, clean connections, determine if module 3 is bad, replace as needed. Have you any recommendations for a step by step guide and or alternate forums posts? I'm ok with doing the work. Would the Prolong Hybrid Automotive system re conditioner be of any use in this case?
You are going to be working with high voltage, so you'll need to be careful. YouTube videos are available if you want a general idea of how to take apart the battery. The hybrid automotive charger is good for reconditioning the pack after it's been fixed
While certainly doable, it is most like purchasing used tires. They certainly won't match was is already there and may not be as good as what you have.
To be specific module pair 3 is reporting a problem. Hence that means module 5 or 6 has a problem. And of course you have to figure out how the 28 modules are numbered. If the issue is just bus bar corrosion you can clean it and be good. If a module really has failed then you may or may not be successful in replacing it. Also the success may be short term, so plan on disassembling/reassembling the traction battery becoming your next hobby.
Thanks, if the odds are against me, so to speak, and the work / reward ratio is not there (my free time is limited) would I simply be better off having the hybrid battery replaced. If this were a one time fix, then I'd proceed, but as of now, I'm not looking for another hobby Swapping the entire battery may be expensive, but better in the long run. Where's the best place to get a replacement battery?
Maybe there should be a service requirement of cleaning corrosion off bus bars at the 8 year mark. I've seen some really bad cases of corrosion and it could have lead to the battery failures
Inquire for prices at your local Toyota dealers. Avoid "refurbished" batteries. However it would probably be worth your time to figure out how to open the battery case without zapping yourself, so that you can inspect the module busbars for corrosion. If the issue is as simple as that you can get a bit more service life out of the existing battery.
