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Purchasing car with dead Hybrid Battery?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by twinturboguy, Mar 11, 2015.

  1. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    I just DIY our recent prius that we purchased for $1100. and fixed the power booster. and we are planning to keep it. Its perfect, near 200K Miles.

    And Now I stumbled across another prius 2003 Minty and low miles and owner selling cheap because he says battery dead as the dealer told him. (has title in hand and is registered)

    I would probably test all cells and maybe replace the bad ones.

    But my main question is it safe to use the prius with a dead hybrid battery? or will it do damage? As I am told you can drive them with a Dead Hybrid Battery.

    Let me know thanks before I miss this deal!
     
    #1 twinturboguy, Mar 11, 2015
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    If the traction battery is dead, it won't start. The real problem is we don't have anyway to check for the other 'usual suspects.'

    GOOD LUCK!
    Bob Wilson

    ps. Read the "Who should ..." sticky.
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Mar 11, 2015
  3. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    But he says it runs and drives. I assume its a Dying battery.
     
    #3 twinturboguy, Mar 11, 2015
  4. littlehandegan

    littlehandegan Junior Member

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    Just have it towed if you don't want to risk it
     
    #4 littlehandegan, Mar 11, 2015
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Find out how dying ... what were the symptoms he took it to the dealer for, and what codes did the dealer scan out to make them think it's dying?

    A dying battery will eventually reach a point where the car won't go READY ... but it might be hard to predict whether that's today, next week, or next month. How far would you need to drive it?

    -Chap
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Mar 11, 2015
  6. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    I asked and he said they didn't give anything. They just said it needs to be changed. (He works there as a salesman and I am pretty sure they just trying to rip him off) it shows NY plates and says he drives it and Title in Hand.

    Id just need to drive it about 35-45 miles. Then i have my computer with the scan tool to read everything going on with the car. (prius software)
     
    #6 twinturboguy, Mar 11, 2015
  7. littlehandegan

    littlehandegan Junior Member

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    Why not go check it out and carry scan gauge or comp and cable and check it on the spot?
     
    #7 littlehandegan, Mar 11, 2015
    bwilson4web likes this.
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Choice 1: pay for a 45-mile tow because you're concerned about the trip ...

    Choice 2: start driving ... pay for a tow if it conks out.

    I think there are very few failure modes that would leave you abruptly dead in traffic. More likely you'll get reduced power and limp off the road, or shut it down for a stop on the way and not start it again. I'm guessing neither will happen to you in 45 miles.

    -Chap
     
    #8 ChapmanF, Mar 11, 2015
  9. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    Well it won't harm the car right? What essentially is happening when you run with no hybrid. Its running off alternator? Or it just runs like normal car. I just want make sure no internal damage will be done. And it can stop running?
     
    #9 twinturboguy, Mar 12, 2015
  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    It should be safe enough but I would recommend having a fall back in place.

    A failing battery typically has one or more modules working like resistance heaters. If you get home, good. If you have to stop, have your fall back plan ready to execute.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #10 bwilson4web, Mar 12, 2015
  11. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    In most cases when the hybrid battery fails the car will not be driveable.
    Especially not 35 to 40 miles!

    Other risks is that it is not just the hybrid battery.
    For example if there is a p3009 code hidden in there, you could have a transaxle problem as well.

    I'd want to know the codes before I bought a dead Prius.
    Either have it scanned or bring your own scanner.
    Be prepared to bring a 12v as well, since often those are dead as well.

    It's worth the small amount of extra effort.
     
    #11 ericbecky, Mar 12, 2015
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I've watched several season of "The Walking Dead" and sometimes things that are dead "move". But that doesn't mean you want to deal with them.

    If I cared much about outcome, I'd just tow the zombie.
     
    #12 The Electric Me, Mar 12, 2015
  13. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    Lol thanks. Yeah I will stop by soon one day with both scanners. I'll update to tell you codes
     
    #13 twinturboguy, Mar 12, 2015
  14. twinturboguy

    twinturboguy Junior Member

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    Ok Bad News with the sale part itself.

    The Guy is in Ossinging NY and wants $1000 if you folks want it but its firm. Craigslist

    He said the Prius just needed a battery.

    But he forgot to mention... (which pissed us off a bit)
    No Ac
    Power Locks weren't working correctly

    It seems like it would make it home if you bring a code read and wipe the code every 15-20mins when it comes on.
    P30006 and one other for battery.

    We would of taken it for $650-900. but when we said $750 he just said no and wouldn't even try to negotiate. So we just left.

    he also didn't even ask us if we want to drive it. he just went around block twice and was scared shitless to go far. he says it will vibrate and shake and feel like its going to stall after 10-18mins driving. (we had it running for over 40mins)
     
    #14 twinturboguy, Mar 15, 2015
  15. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    You dodged a bullet.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #15 bwilson4web, Mar 16, 2015
  16. kutcht1

    kutcht1 Member

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    What Bob said, you got away cheap.
    TomK
     
    #16 kutcht1, Mar 16, 2015
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