Battery not working- help!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ashley larios, Sep 19, 2020.

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  1. ashley larios

    ashley larios New Member

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    I had my car dormant for about 2 months or so since i’ve been quarantined at home. I drove it 2 days ago and then suddenly the triangle of death came on along with all of my break lights and check engine lights! It wouldn’t drive and was acting as though I had no gas, yet my tank was full. Eventually I got it home by holding the gear in place. My family friend (he’s a mechanic) checked it out and the meter said there was something wrong with the hybrid battery pack current sensor or hybrid power train control. He took it for a drive to see the problem. When he came back into the parking spot, a new symbol appeared- a low battery. He also checked the oil and it was fine- golden. It also said the voltage was 4V. I don’t want to buy a new battery, the Toyota dealership said it would be nearly 2-3k! Does anyone know if I would be able to charge the battery somehow? The car only drives for max 5 minutes before stopping!! I start back at work next week! Please help!!!
     
    #1 ashley larios, Sep 19, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    Which metroplex in TX are you closest, as it is still a fairly large state.

    Would you (or the family friend) have any OBD2 codes (DTCs) that you could share with us here?

    If the 12v battery is measuring 4v it may need charging or replacing, have it charged and tested at a local auto parts chain store for free.

    If the HV battery is reading 4v then the vehicle won't start or drive. Can you hear the HV battery cooling fan in the back seat passenger area?

    There are ways to charge a HV battery, but we need to know if that is the actual issue or not.

    Please post the scanned codes here for additional guidance.
     
    #2 SFO, Sep 19, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2020
  3. ashley larios

    ashley larios New Member

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    Thank you so much for replying! These are the codes that the machine read: P0AC0 & P0A1D
    Also, no I cannot hear the fan in the back. I would like to take it to AutoZone to have them take a look but my friend told me the battery is underneath the car so I’m not sure how they would access it. Additionally, I’m pretty sure my car wouldn’t make it to my local AutoZone that is 9 minutes away. ):
     
    #3 ashley larios, Sep 19, 2020
    SFO and bisco like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the battery is in the rear right corner of the hatch, under the floor that lifts right out, where you access the storage bin above the spare tire.
    it's a fairly easy swap out of you want to just grab a battery and diy.

    how many miles on her? maybe your friend could install a 'newpriusbatteries' for $1,600.

    it is possible to change out the bad modules and rebalance the battery, but it's a big learning curve, and a lot of work.
    there is also a grid charger from hybrid automotive. the fine folks there might be able to tell you if your battery qualifies for a recharge.
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 19, 2020
  5. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    #5 kenoarto, Sep 19, 2020
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Seems to be some confusion on what battery is failing. I don't think your friend knows enough about hybrid systems. You have a 12v battery under the right side inside hatch that any autosupply could check, it can be charged with a conventional 12v charger or you could replace for $200. If a battery is 4v it has to be the 12v battery.

    However if the dealer has checked the car (?) and wants to replace the high voltage battery (201v) that is the expensive one. If you just called and asked for a price based on your mechanic that means little to a proper diagnosis.

    I would pull the 12v battery out and have an autosupply check it as a first step. Watch this:
     
    #6 rjparker, Sep 19, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2020
  7. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Best to make sure the 12v is in a healthy state before you continue.

    How many miles are on the vehicle?

    DTC P0AC0 is: Hybrid Battery pack current sensor circuit range/performance and some trouble areas include:
    1. HV battery assembly wire harness or connector
    2. Battery current sensor
    3. Battery ECU
    Check the voltage sending harness (wire frame no.2) inside the HV battery assembly (tiny wires pictured below)

    [​IMG]

    Check all of the connectors on the left end (drivers side) of the HV battery, including the the harness and HV battery ECU (below) :

    Notice the corrosion forming on the two (2) pins in the upper left corner of the socket, expect the same on the connector side as well

    [​IMG]


    DTC P0A1D has 50+ possible sub codes (AKA detailed code or INFs), is the family friend using Techstream (dealership technician software that anyone can operate) or an appropriate OBD2 scanner that can report these possible toyota hybrid sub codes?

    Knowing a possible INF (sub code or detailed code) for a particular DTC may save time and money when diagnosing.

    P0a1d - with INF 134.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 139.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 140.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 141.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 142.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 143.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 144.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 148.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 150.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 159.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 163.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 165.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 166.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 177.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 180.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 187.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 188.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 390.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 393.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 568.pdf
    P0a1d - with INF 615.pdf
     
    #7 SFO, Sep 19, 2020
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