1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

engine battery replacement

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Lynn E Davis, Aug 14, 2021.

  1. Lynn E Davis

    Lynn E Davis New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2021
    1
    1
    0
    Location:
    Houston area
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2013 Prius and was inquiring about engine battery replacement. I found the battery that it takes and I called the dealer to see how much labor would be to install new engine battery and she told me $700.00 JUST LABOR!!! So, it'd cost almost a thousand dollars to install one engine battery? I had a 2008 before and I replaced that battery on it and seems like it cost around $200 battery included. Have they changed the location so much that it requires that many mechanic hours and expense to change a simple engine battery? Can I hire another mechanic that would do it cheaper or does it need to be left to the expensive Toyota mechanic lords??? thanks in advance!! Lynn
     
    #1 Lynn E Davis, Aug 14, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  2. burrito

    burrito Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2021
    274
    114
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The $200 battery was probably the 12 volt battery, like what all cars have. The other, high voltage one is the traction battery. That one is in the thousands.
     
    #2 burrito, Aug 14, 2021
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,776
    48,983
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    call back, and say '12 volt battery'
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 14, 2021
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,923
    4,427
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    For starters, there's no such thing as an engine battery... You car has two batteries: a 12v and a high voltage battery, aka: traction battery, aka: hybrid battery.

    Assuming you're talking about the high voltage battery it takes me 2 hours to install one at $44 per hour so your total labor cost from me would be $88. But Toyota Stealership will charge as much as 6 hours for this job, which is ridiculous and if their service rate is over a $100 an hour, that's where that $700 price tag is. Don't do business with those crooks and tell your friends not to do business with them either.

    You could do this job yourself just by watching lots of YouTube videos. Or you could find a friend or family member to do it. Or call around and find an auto mechanic who lives nearby.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Aug 14, 2021
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,710
    38,247
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I’d guess OP is talking about 12 volt battery, and dealership is taking her for a ride. Battery prices have been climbing a lot, due to COVID, but $700 is too much. Also suspect $700 PLUS battery cost is miscommunication: even dealerships have their limits lol: the labours 1/2 hour tops.

    phone different dealerships, check Pep Boys etc online, there’s got to be better deals.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Aug 14, 2021
    Montgomery likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)