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Regarding the hybrid battery...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jimnvicki, Jan 23, 2010.

  1. jimnvicki

    jimnvicki New Member

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    Simple question: will the prius run without the hybrid battery or if it completely fails?
     
    #1 jimnvicki, Jan 23, 2010
  2. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Yes but I imagine it will get <10 mpg because there isn't enough engine power to compensate.
     
    #2 macmaster05, Jan 23, 2010
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I believe if the traction battery dies, there is no power to available to make MG1 spin and then the gasoline engine cannot be started.

    Which means, no, the car will not run w/o the hybrid (traction) battery.
     
    #3 Paradox, Jan 23, 2010
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  4. Felt

    Felt Senior Member

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    That is my understanding as well. The ICE has no starter (in the traditional sense).
     
    #4 Felt, Jan 23, 2010
  5. spinkao

    spinkao New Member

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    No, it won't. No way to start the ICE without the traction battery, as it is spun by MG1 (as others stated before me).
     
    #5 spinkao, Jan 23, 2010
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I also believe that without power to MG1 or MG2, the ICE will be in neutral and unable to move the car. It needs to push against something, as it is not directly attached to the wheels.

    A simulation of Prius's Planetary Gear
     
    #6 JimboPalmer, Jan 23, 2010
  7. w2co

    w2co Member

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    Jimbo, Thanks for that planetary gear sim. cool. Regarding the original question, all above is correct and the only thing I would add is the fact that without a traction battery, the system will have DTC's up the yingyang, and will probably disable the car from even moving. You'd be lucky if you would even able to get it out of park in that situation...just my 2c.
     
    #7 w2co, Jan 23, 2010
  8. Frayadjacent

    Frayadjacent Resident Conservative

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    My SWAG is that, no, the car will NOT run if the hybrid battery is COMPLETELY DEAD.

    The system REQUIRES the battery to provide power in even low load situations to provide torque to MG1 while the engine spins. I could be wrong, but the system works by balancing torque, and sometimes MG1 gets driven (generating power) and sometimes it has to push, too.
     
    #8 Frayadjacent, Jan 24, 2010
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