I bought a 2003 Prius this summer with about 153k miles on it. Before I bought it, I had it checked out by the local Toyota service center and it had a good report. It was previously owned by the regional air quality mgmt district, so I assume it was well maintained. Six months later, I have put about 4,000 miles on it. I commute by bus so I mainly drive it on weekends. Last weekend, after driving about 40 miles the hybrid system warning light (the car outline with the exclamation point) came on. I took it to the Toyota dealership. After the diagnostic test, they said the only option was replacing the battery, total about $3,000. A friend familiar with Prius' said that one could instead have a non-Toyota-employed mechanic replace the cells in the battery (about $40 per cell, plus a few hundred for labor). Is the cell-replacement a good option? What are my other options? -- Chris
The genuine Prius battery G9510-47020 sells for $2101.26 over the Internet. Just get it through an Internet Toyota dealer for $2101.26. I guess this is one downside of owning a hybrid or electric car. It makes you think whether it's wise to buy an hybrid or electric car. Batteries are going to get even more expensive with Li-ion batteries, plug-in cars, and fully electric cars.
Chris, one can go into the OEM pack, clean up the bussbars, and verfiy the sense line cable is intack, then replace the weak cells in the pack. Students and I did this on a 2001 Gen1 over the summer and have been having fun driving and experimenting with the car ever since. Now that said, do you have electronic experience, or know of a mechanic who does, and is willing to learn about hybrids? I don't suppose the dealership gave you a printout of what the individual cell modules were reading did they? I personally find it fun to do our own repairs on the battery pack, and save some money at the same time. I've attached a photo of what you typically will find inside a Gen1 pack, look close at all the corrosion.
One option is to purchase a tested, used battery or a reconditioned, upgraded battery. Both are available with warranty from a few sources. I have both in stock at Adopt A Part in Denver. PM me or call me if you would like more info. Eric Adopt A Part 800-508-2211
