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Info on reconditioning the Hybrid Battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Integraoligist, May 27, 2016.

  1. Integraoligist

    Integraoligist Junior Member

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    Hey all,

    Anyone have a good how-to on reconditioning the original Hybrid Battery (I've got a 2005). Removing the HV was pretty easy and I can find the cells online for $25-35ea.

    NAPA has an all new HV Battery for $1700, I find reconditioned batteries on Ebay for $800... might as well recondition myself for $100.

    Thanks all for the help!
     
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  2. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    First, read this thread.
    Gen II Prius Individual Battery Module Replacement | PriusChat

    Recondition it for $100? That's whack-a-mole money, my friend.

    There is no "one size fits all" procedure for this. Success largely depends on how long you can afford to have the car
    out of service and how much you can afford. If you need the car operational in three to four days, it will require investment in a
    grid charger or multiple module level balance chargers - either of which will cost $400 minimum just for the charger(s).
    If you have all the time in the world H.G., then you will be able to do it for less. But not $100.

    Consider yourself lucky if you can snag good modules for $25 a pop, you'll probably be spending closer to the $35
    to get ones that will last for six months or more.

    The most important aspect of reconditioning is locating and replacing the obviously bad and weak modules.
    The bad ones are easy to spot - low voltage. Load testing is essential to find the weak ones. Voltage tells you almost nothing.
    What's most important is actual capacity in amp hours. That's what kills one of the cells in a weak module in the first place - polarity
    reversal. Discharge/charge cycles can revitalize marginal modules but only to a point.

    The NAPA HV battery is reconditioned with used modules. Only Toyota sells a HV battery with brand new modules.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check member 's keith' threads. there's one on reconditioning and results. all the best!(y)

    napa does not have an 'all new' battery. do more research before purchasing.
     
  4. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    Just wondering if you were able resolve this issue because I am trying to do this also.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there are lots of threads here, and you can get a reconditioned from the priuschat store from @jeff652
     
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  6. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    Here is a succinct overview of the process:
    Battery Reconditioning - Hybrid Automotive

    For details (there are lots and lots of details) and other user experiences this is the best website to be on. You will find lots of helpful information here.

    [shameless plug] We now sell quality tested used modules with a one year warranty here:
    Replacement Toyota Prius Module - Hybrid Automotive
     
  7. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    yes thank you. The codes are: P0A80 / P3015/P3016. Those are the 3 codes as per Toyota
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her, she may be beyond reconditioning.
     
  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Blocks 5 and 6 have your opportunities ;).

    Ready to play whacks mole:whistle:?

    If you had the Prolong setup or access to it, it would make the process easier(y).
     
  10. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    Hi and yes, thank you :) I see that term a lot here of whacks mole..lol. We have been inquiring about the Prolong chargers/dischargers so let's see how it works. Will keep you all posted. Thank you.
     
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  11. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    she has a lot a miles 210K. She does run just that the dashboard has all sorts of lights on.
     
  12. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The people selling the Prolong charger now sell used modules matched to the car’s mileage too.
     
  13. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    yes good morning!. I saw that in their website and called as well. Their customer service is very helpful.
     
  14. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    Hello, how are you? I am in the mids of deciding if "reconditioning" and purchasing your charger/discharger OR buying a refurbished battery. I do have a question...if the red triangle VSC (and all other lights ..lol!!) came out in dashboard would the charger still help (of course I would replace the bad block (#5 and 6) but my question does it work? And have you had any success stories of individuals that have been successful in using Prolong charger and discharger ? I called your office a few times and your staff seems very professional and knowledgable. Let me know of any success story please :( . My concern is that we do it (we actually are going to record it step by step) and that a week later everything happens all over again. I hear stories like that and that is why I am concerned. Let me know and thanks.
     
  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    @Raytheeagle has reconditioned his battery a few times. He will remember some others.
    Be sure to follow the instructions, especially the cool down period after charging. One user here got impatient and had to replace his battery pack.
     
  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    We helped a member here swap some modules out and recondition his battery with good results:).

    I have performed several top end balancing and reconditioning cycles with the Prolong equipment ;).

    If I were in your position, I would buy the Prolong setup and the accompanying modules. Then you’ll be set up for the next steps as once you start, you need to continue :).

    Most rebuilt batteries fail due to not having regular maintenance performed on them;).

    Good luck with your decision (y).
     
  17. Totallylost

    Totallylost Member

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    Hi and thank you! :) I will follow up with all of you and post how it goes. I will be recording step by step
     
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  18. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Just know that this process covers several days;).

    Hopefully you’re just going to give us the cliff notes version :).

    But let us know the results as the data is very useful to refute the nay sayers (y).
     
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  19. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    It good enough, perhaps @jeff652 may be interested for promotional purposes.
     
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  20. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I’m sure he’d always be on the look out for that;).

    But having data here helps those coming to Prius Chat make a good determination for themselves (y).
     
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