another hybrid battery problem

this is a whole 'nuther world for me. i have never kept a car that long, much less a hybrid. i suppose you could think of it as a new tranny or something. not too unusual on a ten year old car with 160,000.

 

Many of us are of the Do it yourself variety, consequently we always doubt a good portion of what the stealerships say. Many times problems are related to more simpler systems, the 12V battery is a big offender, inverter circulation is another as well as HV overheat. It would help if you could give us the codes and sub-codes from the dealer and then many of our more sophisticated technicians will chime in, in short order. Amazingly many problems are resolved thru mere conversation and wonderful support.

 

Could be a clogged fan.

 

I'm not clear on what the dealership would be charging you $450.00? That seems like an excessive charge for diagnosis. IMO diagnosis cost shouldn't be tied to age and mileage. In other words it shouldn't cost "more" to diagnosis a problem whether the vehicle has 150 miles and is a month old, or whether it is had 150,000+ and is 11 years old.

The fact they have the code that indicates it is tied to a tempature problem with the battery gives any technician a significant head start on diagnosis. Just seems to me $450.00 before even applying a solution seems excessive.

Hopefully with the codes some of the brilliant people of Prius Chat can help you narrow the diagnostic possibilities.

You're behind the 8 ball, when it costs $450 just to find out what it REALLY is going to cost you.

Sounds like a tough situation...good luck with your outcome. I might just casually start investigating other repair center options....maybe a respected independent shop, or another dealership...just because I thinking charging you $450 for diagnostics, with a computer system that should be telling them almost instantly what the problem is...seems excessive.

 

There's a guy in Healdsburg that does Gen I battery repair. This is your best bet without losing your shorts to a crooked dealer.

38 - Toyota Prius 7.2V Nimh Battery Cells 6.5ah 04-09 | eBay

 

Recycle the car? I'll pay you some money for the car and take the risk myself. Why the hell would you ever help a stealership. PM me with some pics and facts. I'll take it off your hands with less hassle. Thanks.

 

Take a look at the ebay web page that I linked. It appears to be a professional operation on par with ReInvolt. He has 100% feedback. His contact info is on the page:

Call Ted 707 694-4092 or e-mail [email protected]

I strongly encourage you NOT to spend $3000+ on a new battery.

 

I installed a refurbished HV battery a few months ago that came from ReInVolt. Total cost was under $2000 and its working fine. As long as the refurbisher knows what he is doing, your results should be good.

JeffD

 

I haven't got anything other than a good vibe from seeing his setup in pictures and the 100% ebay feedback. In either his or the ReInvolt case, I believe that they pull good working modules from Gen II salvage and recondition them. I doubt that there is a major difference between either process. The same process has been used on Honda batteries with good results. But, after talking to the guy, if you do not have a good feeling, then ReInvolt is the next best option.

 

I'm curious to know what you decided and what your experience has been like.

I'm seeking an HV battery replacement for my 2002 Prius, 120,000 miles. I'm debating between replacing it or cutting my losses and getting a new car! Any thoughts on what you decided to do would be helpful.

Thanks,
Ben

 

Sounds like the fan issue

 

i pm'ed bennie 49. that's exactly what it was, and it's been trouble free for the last 6 years. well past 200,000 miles!

 

Phew! Dodged a bullet to the wallet there!

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Why do people insist on resurrecting 5 year old threads?