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battery issues post accident 2003

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by katbyrd, Feb 11, 2011.

  1. katbyrd

    katbyrd New Member

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    2003 Prius
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    Our prius was hit on the driver's side about 3 weeks ago. It's been at the body shop ever since. Just this morning (when we were to puck it up) the shop called saying they were having battery problems (Battery light coming on). Considering it's a 2003 and I think on the original rear battery we authorized a new one. Unfortunately, now they say the turtle light is on and the electric motor is no powering up (with an error when they attempt reverse). They are still troubleshooting, but I wondered if anyone has any thoughts, so I can be prepared when we talk to them on Monday.

    It's been below freezing most of this time and while they hadn't had problems with the battery before today, they also hadn't been running it longer than it took to move it a few feet. We should be under the hybrid warrenty (bought in the summer of 2003) worse comes to worse. Could the battery just be run down from mostly sitting in the cold for three weeks???
     
    #1 katbyrd, Feb 11, 2011
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you are referring to the high voltage traction battery, then it is possible that with three weeks of non-use, the battery might have a problem. It will probably be necessary for the car to be towed from the body shop to your local Toyota dealer so that the diagnostic trouble codes can be read and a diagnosis provided. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Feb 11, 2011
  3. freidawg

    freidawg Prius Recycler

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    Its possible that the battery ran down during storage in the cold, its also possible that there is something else wrong from the collision.

    Very few body shops know the integral workings of the Prius.

    If this is an insurance repair, you should tell them to take it to Toyota for diagnosis.

    Eric
     
    #3 freidawg, Feb 15, 2011
  4. katbyrd

    katbyrd New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
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    They took it to the Toyota dealership yesterday for a diagnosis. So far it's looking like the battery ran down, but we should have info tomorrow.
     
    #4 katbyrd, Feb 15, 2011
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