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Pre-filter for traction battery intake?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jejb, Jun 17, 2014.

  1. jejb

    jejb Member

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    I started a thread in the Mileage forum about our new to us Prius, and someone mentioned that we should look into a pre-filter for it since we often have dogs in the car. I tore into the battery intake yesterday, just to check it out. I removed the tube from the squirrel cage fan and had a good look at everything I could see. Clean as a whistle. But I could see where dog hair could get sucked in there, so a pre-filter sounds great.

    Does anyone know about these pre-filters? Are they a roll your own kind of thing, or does someone sell these?
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    I'd use a screen rather than a filter. A filter might restrict flow.
     
  3. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    I've seen several posts that mention "pre-filters" (or screens) but none that specify exactly what these are. It sounds like an add-on for the traction battery air intake.

    Where do I buy them?
    Dealer, online?
    Where are they installed?
    Do I really need them?

    Thanks for some details,
    Bob
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I put a mesh filter behind the air intake grid (in the back seat cushion in our case). It's a coarse weave, you can see right through it. It's a vacuum cleaner motor filter, I happened to have some surplus, just cut it to size and pushed it in, friction-fit.
     
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  5. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    Thanks, gives me something to think about...
     
  6. Indy John

    Indy John Member

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    Your Toyota dealer's Parts Department can order a snap on "filter" that goes over the back-seat battery air intake. At $30 plus it's something of a rip I think, and it doesn't appear that it would filter very effectively. Never-the-less, I have one on my 2010 hatchback.
     
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    ^ Can you post a pic or link? Thanks.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's interesting, i had no idea there was an oem. someone mentioned cutting up a/c filters in the past. they are similar to the cabin filter material. i think i would prefer a course foam.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Here's a couple of pics of what I'm using. I've never heard the fan, though maybe I'm not attentive enough. I've checked it a couple of times, has minimum stuff, a bit of dust and a few airborne seeds.

    image.jpg
    image.jpg
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that looks like good stuff.(y) i have have never heard the fan on any of my pri.
     
  11. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    Lots of good ideas here. Thanks everyone...
    Bob
     
  12. Stevevee

    Stevevee Active Member

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    Where is this battery intake? I was out yesterday looking through the back seat storage area and could find nothing.
     
  13. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    In my 2014 Prius v I found it under the back seat on the right side. I had to open the door and lay down on the floor looking under the seat. Hope that helps. (It's not in the back storage area)

    Good luck, Bob
     
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  14. jejb

    jejb Member

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    Same place on our 12 v.
     
  15. crpriusv

    crpriusv Junior Member

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    Agreed. I use a rigid fine mesh plastic screen from a dehumidifier. I cut it to fit over the vent under the right rear seat and taped it in place.
     
    #15 crpriusv, Aug 22, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2014
  16. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Here's the one for the Gen III hatchback, from another thread:

    HV Battery Vent Filter.PNG