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

Ok to drive 2010 Prius with bad HV battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by CWM, Jan 20, 2022.

  1. CWM

    CWM Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2018
    18
    0
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    147,000 miles later Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. "Check Hybrid System" flashes. I've read so many 'opinions' from 'experts' about driving this. Yes, no, yes, no... Dealer wants $4750 for "rec hybrid battery and cooling service" (does the 'rec' mean reconditioned?), $450 for "aux battery" ( I got the current one at Batteries Plus for $80; dealer said that's not the right one), $50 for a license bulb, $65 for a cabin filter, and $325 for "transmission service".
    Any input about this?
     
  2. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    1,639
    766
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Invest in an OBD reader like Carista, then download Dr. Prius app and find out what codes are showing.

    Going to Autozone for codes will not be optimal.
    Running on just the engine is not too good.

    May cause overheating issues, depending on how/where you drive.
     
  3. freebird1

    freebird1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2021
    58
    7
    0
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    check codes ,I had check hybrid and didnot start ,code,issue was to replace inverter after which it was gone
     
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,490
    14,095
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Apparently your dealer is behind on his yacht payments.
    You'll need the codes to get started on what triggered the lights.

    If it's the traction battery, those sell for about $1,600-1,700 plus a couple hours of installation.

    Dealers do not do reconditioned traction batteries; only new ones. Otherwise they would go broke doing warranty repairs on reconditioned batteries that keep coming back every few months.

    $450 for the aux battery is totally insane!! But that $80 battery you have is bound to be the wrong one. Gen 3 and 2 require AGM batteries, so expect it to be over $200 for a good one like what Toyota sells. As for installation, I would be embarrassed to hire someone to do that for me unless I had some physical impairment.

    A license bulb is about $6 for a pair of LED bulbs on Amazon. Easy diy.Amazon.com : prius license plate bulb

    Cabin air filter is a two to three minute job and you can buy one for about $15. Amazon.com : prius cabin air filter 2013

    "Transmission service" is drain and replace the fluid. It takes 3.5 quarts of Toyota ATF WS at about $15/quart. There are lots of threads here on how to DIY.
     
    Merkey likes this.
  5. Peter1

    Peter1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2019
    7
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks for the input. I ended up going to Prius Hybrid Battery specialist in San Jose, Ca. He plugged into the obd and told me that if there's more than a one volt difference between the cells, it's shot. That sound right? Saw him bring the battery in, and watched for two hours. Unfortunately I don't have time to do it myself, even though I'm a retired auto mechanic (way before hybrids). Guy said that the 12 volt battery is fine - had it for 3 1/2 years.
     
  6. Peter1

    Peter1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2019
    7
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks for the input. I ended up going to Prius Hybrid Battery specialist in San Jose. He plugged into the obd and told me that if there's more than a one volt difference between the cells, it's shot. That sound right? Saw him bring the battery in, and watched for two hours. Got a three year warranty instead of dealer's one year. Runs like a champ now, more power, smoother acceleration, and probably will be better mpg.Unfortunately I don't have time to do it myself, even though I'm a retired auto mechanic (way before hybrids). Guy said that the 12 volt battery is fine - had it for 3 1/2 years.
     
  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    5,836
    3,136
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Glad your Prius is running well.
    Question: You didn't have time to replace the battery yourself, but had time to watch him do it? o_O(n):whistle:
    Not complaining, just wondering. :)