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Collision Repairs and Hybrid Battery Care

Discussion in 'The File Library' started by treet007, Aug 12, 2010.

  1. treet007

    treet007 Member

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    Hi there. FYI. The following are articles from I-CAR concerning taking care of the hybrid batteries while in "storage" mode when the Prius is undergoing collision repairs.

    Basically, you do not want the hyrid batteries to completely discharge due to lack of use (and charging). To my understanding, newer Prius' have some protection mechanism to prevent complete discharging over a short period of time while the car is not in use, but the older Prius models (like 2001-2003 Gen I) do not have such "features". Others in this forum can better explain the science and technology behind it, but I can say from personal experience that you should never trust a collision repair shop to properly care for your hybrid system in your Prius ... always inform and verify that they are caring for your vehicle.

    Toyota's FAQ on this subject (I believe the context is on current models):
    Toyota Help Faq

    In addition to the "storage tips" for our conventionally-powered vehicles, our hybrids require additional steps for each battery, as the hybrid vehicle battery and auxiliary battery will discharge and their condition is liable to decline.

    To prevent excessive auxiliary battery drainage, charge the battery at least once every two weeks by driving the vehicle for 15 - 20 minutes with all non-essential electrical accessories (such as air conditioning and audio equipment) turned off. As an alternative, you may disconnect the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery.

    For the hybrid vehicle battery, charge the battery at least once every two months by starting the hybrid system for about 30 minutes*. Check that the "ready" light is on and all lights and electrical accessories are off. It is not necessary to drive the vehicle, but do not start the hybrid system in an enclosed area unless the tail pipe is connected to an exhaust hose to prevent harmful build up of fumes.

    *If the battery was disconnected, it will have to be reconnected before the hybrid system is started.
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    #1 treet007, Aug 12, 2010
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  2. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    In regards to non dealer repair, I would request to be on hand if, jumping 12V Bat, replacement or voltage checks. Many shops are unfamilier with the Prius and they can easily ruin the 12V and associated electronics. If possible, good notes before repair starts is important. If shop cannot produce DTC(s), look for another shop.
     
    #2 andyprius, Aug 12, 2010
  3. treet007

    treet007 Member

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    Agreed. The problem at my area is that the closest dealer-body shop is located in another city. So I have no choice by go to a non-dealer.
     
    #3 treet007, Aug 12, 2010
  4. actros

    actros New Member

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    There is nothing wrong with going to a non dealer collision repair shop--If they are trained to service the vehicle. Ask for certification of the techs at work BEFORE deciding to sign the RO.

    There are many benefits to doing this such as using commonly prescribed methods of repair say on an inverter. The dealer will always quote for a new unit when exterior connectors are damaged or the main case cracked.
    Since I am an independant Hybrid repair specialist we have the resources at hand to demonstrate cheaper proficient repairs so that high voltage connectors and major units are not cracked or compromised by a collison.
    Failure to conduct these repair remedies/precautions can often result in erroneous vehicle shut downs as the ECM sees the defect due to current leakage to chassis ground. These problems may show up much later after the repair has been apparently successfully competed and where moisture or a frayed orange cable leaks HT current to chassis ground.
    The same goes for transmission & inverter cooling systems that do need be carefully reinstated, bled out, and tested prior to vehicle handover.
    Actros
     
    #4 actros, Aug 15, 2010
    SteveWlf likes this.
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