Battery and Battery Fan Cleaning

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016.

  1. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    My MPG has decreased from about low- to mid-40s to mid 30s, so I'm going to try a few things to remedy that. For one, I'm going to clean the battery and battery fan. I have about 122,000 miles and a sweet little puppy who travels with me a fair amount, so it seems like a reasonable step. However, I can't find a good write-up with pictures. Could someone recommend one? Thank you!
     
    #1 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2016
  2. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    ...way to end a post? :)

    The fan isn't your problem. It might be a contributor, but you need to run the discharge test in my signature. You're battery is likely to fail soon.

    Good luck,

    Steve
     
    #2 S Keith, Jul 1, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2016
  3. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    Yeah, the Internets was having trouble last night. Anyway, that's not good to hear. I'll try the discharge test you mentioned. How much are the batteries going for now? :(
     
    #3 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016
  4. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    I've read $2800-3600 dealer install. In the Phoenix area, it's about $3000-3200. As of 1/2016, Toyota increased the warranty on the battery to 3 years for non-commercial use.

    What part of the USA?
     
    #4 S Keith, Jul 1, 2016
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check some of the mileage threads, a number of engine problems can reduce mpg's, such as a dirty throttle body and maf sensor. have you done the standard 120k maintenance? fluids, plugs?
     
    #5 bisco, Jul 1, 2016
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  6. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    S Keith, I'm in Dallas, Texas. My car is a 2008 with 122,000 miles. Unfortunately, I won't get the 150,000 miles that California and other states have.

    Bisco, I previously cleaned the MAF sensor and restored about 3-4 mpg. I'll try it again, but I suspect that that's not the issue. I did the plugs, but haven't done the fluids yet. I just changed my Michelin Energy Saver tires for Michelin Defender tires, and that accounts for about 1-3 mpg loss, but the rest of the mpg loss is so far unexplainable.
     
    #6 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016
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  7. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    The discharge test will give you an idea of the state of your battery.

    If you're a DIY guy, a hybrid automotive prolong grid charger system may extend the life of your existing battery.

    If you decide you need a replacement, you can't go wrong with Texas Prius Battery Replacement. Matt is a sharp guy, and he produces a quality product.
     
    #7 S Keith, Jul 1, 2016
    strawbrad and 94hawk213 like this.
  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Dollars to donuts I'd bet you're losing battery performance as you're getting to that point in time, use, and environmental conditions (Dallas heat). If new battery costs are prohibitive to you, I would suggest researching the use of a grid charger/discharger and using it BEFORE you lose a battery cell module. Once the car begins throwing codes, it's usually too late and only replacing the failed module(s) or entire battery is the remedy. And YES clean your fan especially if you frequently carry pets.
     
    #8 fotomoto, Jul 1, 2016
  9. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    Thanks, Doug. Does anyone have a link to good directions with pictures for the fan and battery cleaning? I'd like to try that first. Thanks!
     
    #9 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Sunday driver DIY’r

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    If it's at all sim to 3rd gen, it's not that difficult, just winging it. Have on hand a socket set, a few pliers and screwdrivers, and a trim pry tool.

    Then just follow the ductwork, there should be a logical and reasonably apparent removal course. Keep all the fasteners organized. I found with our 3rd gen there were a boatload of tenacious fasteners, most of which I omitted at install, with no ill effects.

    It shouldn't be necessary to completely remove the fan to clean it; don't do any more than necessary.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jul 1, 2016
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can find it on you tube. i think luscious garage did one.
     
    #11 bisco, Jul 1, 2016
  12. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    Thanks S Keith and everyone. I'll do the test and report back. If the battery is dying, then I'll probably check out Texas Prius Battery Replacement, though it looks like they're out of refurbished batteries right now.
     
    #12 94hawk213, Jul 1, 2016
  13. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    #13 jeff652, Jul 2, 2016
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  14. 94hawk213

    94hawk213 Junior Member

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    Sweet. Thanks, Jeff!
     
    #14 94hawk213, Jul 2, 2016
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