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Traction Battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MNTech, Jun 12, 2013.

  1. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Every morning when I start my prius for the first time, it will display 6 bars like normal. But after driving a quarter mile, it will drop to 2 or 3 bars, then recoup back to 5 or 6 bars within a mile or two. After the battery recharges, it will NOT do this throughout the day. It does this everyday only the first time I drive it. Is this completely normal or sign of a bad traction battery?
     
    #1 MNTech, Jun 12, 2013
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    This sounds normal. Immediately after a cold start, the gasoline engine doesn't provide much power and the traction battery therefore provides a greater proportion of the power needed to move the vehicle. Some owners have obtained better results by letting the car warm up for a few minutes, especially if uphill travel is needed initially.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Jun 12, 2013
  3. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    I used to get the same issue. Now I just let it warm up for about 40 to 50 seconds before I drive off and there's no problem.
     
    #3 uart, Jun 12, 2013
  4. MNTech

    MNTech Junior Member

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    Thanks for the responses!
     
    #4 MNTech, Jun 12, 2013
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