Help deciding my next step please

A failing module will be about 1.2V low. When that happens, that module runs hot and generates pressure that heats the adjacent modules, leading them to fail. Having two failing modules, it needs to be addressed before the car becomes 'lawn art.'

Fortunately, there is a lot of accumulated knowledge about how to handle failing traction batteries and you are in a good place to learn what folks have done. So GOOD, FAST, CHEAP - pick two and we'll offer some suggestions on where to go next. It would also help if you could tell us:

1. Is the Prius your only ride or do you have alternate transportation for work?
2. What auto tools do you regularly use?

Bob Wilson

 

Sell it?
That's interesting...

I like it.

Just remember that the G1 isn't that much younger than your daughter, so breakdowns for other things might be in her future.
The last time I was in Omaha it seemed like a fairly nice town, but make sure that there is a plan for the breakdowns that will surely occur.

If it were my car, then I would crack the case and do a visual inspection on the battery and replace the defective modules early...but I'm comfortable with that level of work, and I have AAA and a concealed carry permit, I'm a middle-aged person and I live three miles from work.

All of this adds up to a far different risk assessment matrix for me than it might for your baby girl.
You may want to start pricing out a replacement battery pack and watching some Youtube vids. You can probably replace the pack yourself for less than 2K and then attend to the other things that might be an issue for a 14 year old Prius.
I'd put replacing the CVT fluid fairly high up on my other preventative maintenance tasks as well.
The good news about having a 14-year-old car is that there is a lot of DIY info out there.
Most of it is even accurate.

Best of Luck!.

 

Sounds like they have a pretty squared-away Dad.

Best of luck!

 

Thanks! This is what I needed to know:

I would recommend going with a quality, rebuild with warranty. In 2009, I used ReInvolt, now Dorman, but I understand there have been quality issues but the warranty has been honored. I don't replace Prius traction batteries often enough to be an expert. However, @ericbecky or @3prongpaul are experience folks who do this stuff for a living. They would have current advice on the best approach.

This is something in the $2,000 range including labor. Probably closer to $3,000 if you use Toyota, the 'top quality' but priciest solution. You can 'do it yourself' and we've talked folks through it before but it is kinda of science project. I don't know if your daughter has an interest in things technical but it would give her insights and might 'work trade' the purchase.

Bob Wilson

 

if you decide to let the daughter have it, Find a oil change outfit that does multiple changes for one price. I bought my daughter 4 changes a year for her Subaru Forester. She knew when to do maintenance, she did not have funds to do maintenance. The car will last longer when maintained, and they will point out stuff before she would notice.

 

WHCSC,
Be glad to chat through some ideas with you.
Phone number is in my signature.

 

Maybe if I was in Madison, NERBRASKA.
Kinda far from Madison, WISCONSIN.

 

Back in 2009 rebuilding a Gen I battery was a good option. In 2016 there are just not enough good Gen I modules left. Gen II modules can be used but at the current market rate of $30 each for 38 modules that is not cost effective.

The only good solution left for Gen I batteries is a new replacement from Toyota. List price is about $2300 without installation.

At a one volt difference I would say you do not have a lot of time left before the car is stuck on the side of the road.

To learn more about your battery read this thread.

http://priuschat.com/threads/newb-with-a-2003.166376/

Brad