HV battery Dead on 2006 Prius HELP!

I have done nothing but brag on this car since purchasing it (used) 3 yrs ago. A couple of weeks ago I got the dreaded red triangle, ck engine, etc... We have a code reader and it read HV battery and cell 10 errors. I did research here and learned about the recall on the inverter. Had it trailered to Toyota, who replaced the inverter and said I need a new HV battery (and ECU of course) for a total of $4600.00. 113,000 miles on it so no warranty. I had it hauled back home.

I replaced the 12V battery pack after reading here, and prayed. Nope, still reads the same two error codes.

So here I am. I am still making payments on this car monthly, I am a nursing student and BROKE, school starts back in 5weeks, and I need a dependable vehicle.

I have read here since this happened (was just accepted and able to post this morning). From what I have learned it appears that changing the cells has not worked well. Refurbishing the battery is time consuming and has not been a great option. Although Re-Involt seems to be doing that and people seem to like them. A salvaged battery seems to be my best option. But I cannot find 1 darn person in the Fort Worth Texas area that works on Hybrids, and there isn't a lot I can do with a salvaged 80lb battery sitting on my front porch once delivered.

This experience has sure wiped the Prius owner smirk off my face, and I am eating a lot of crow these days.

Does anyone know of any places around Fort Worth Texas that is knowledgeable about these hybrid cars other than dealerships? If the local dealership had tried to help me in any way I might put more faith in them. Like suggesting exchanging the 12V, or cleaning up the HV battery, maybe even taking it to a recharging station if that is an option of curing it's ills. I really love this car and am very disappointed that things have gone so far south with it.

 

Sorry, didn't realize I was in the Prius V section, but maybe someone may know of a good mechanic so I will keep my post here.

 

I have done nothing but brag on this car since purchasing it (used) 3 yrs ago. A couple of weeks ago I got the dreaded red triangle, ck engine, etc... I have a code reader and it read HV battery and cell 10 errors. I did research here and learned about the recall on the inverter. Had it trailered to Toyota, who replaced the inverter and said I need a new HV battery (and ECU of course) for a total of $4600.00. 113,000 miles on it so no warranty. I had it hauled back home.

Code: P0A80 and P3020

I replaced the 12V battery pack after reading here, and prayed. Nope, still reads the same two error codes.

The car runs (can be driving onto the trailer to be hauled), and now the fan by the back seat has begun making a noise.

So here I am. I am still making payments on this car monthly, I am a nursing student and BROKE, school starts back in 5weeks, and I need a dependable vehicle.

I have been reading since this happened (was just accepted here and able to post this morning). From what I have concluded it appears that changing the cells has not worked well. Refurbishing the battery is time consuming and has not been a great option. Although Re-Involt seems to be doing that and people seem to like them. A salvaged battery seems to be my best option. But I cannot find 1 darn person in the Fort Worth Texas area that works on Hybrids, and there isn't a lot I can do with a salvaged 80lb battery sitting on my front porch once delivered. ~I have read contradictory info today regarding the cell blocks and refurbishing, frankly it is confusing to me~

This experience has sure wiped the Prius owner smirk off my face, and I am eating a lot of crow these days.

Does anyone know of any places around Fort Worth Texas that is knowledgeable about these hybrid cars other than dealerships? If the local dealership had tried to help me in any way I might put more faith in them. Like suggesting exchanging the 12V, or cleaning up the HV battery, maybe even taking it to a recharging station if that is an option of curing it's ills. I really love this car and am very disappointed that things have gone so far south with it.

Thanks,
Sherri

Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/hv-battery-dead-on-2006-prius-help.110301/#ixzz1wwZvnesT​

 

Cwerdna:
Thanks, read that already, great info.

Paradox:
No problem, thanks for fixing it.

usnavystgc:
The car is in my driveway.
The car runs.
When we changed the 12V battery I believe it was reset??? Everything cleared for about 10 minutes then the red triangle, etc... came back on. We double checked to see if the codes changed, nope, same codes.
I haven't reset it purposefully because the fan by the backseat has started making noise, I would think clearing the codes wouldn't fix that for me. Sure wish it would!!
My husband wants to change the bad cell. I don't want him electrocuted, so I am not happy about that option.

 

HaroldW, I'm gonna give it a try!

Thanks JimboPalmer, that is the route I prefer. I would also prefer finding a mechanic to remove and install it. Not having much luck with that one!!

Thank you usnavystgc, not my favorite option since "I" will be the one driving and left stranded if it fails in 6 mos. Its the route my husband wants to take though.

 

Thanks wjtracy, I have 4 weeks to solve this issue.

 

Thanks JimboPalmer, I have seen that advertisement. I just can't wrap my head around a kwik kar doing work like this. They are on every corner. My husband wont even let me get my oil changed at our local one. I will call them and double check.

I attempted HaroldW's advice. No luck there.

Research on Sielerts brought me to something he posted, "If you hear the fan running in the back seat, it is the hybrid battery. Otherwise, there's no way to tell without getting the codes read."
YES I hear it.

Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/2004-prius-warning-lights-help.109906/#ixzz1xGGw8FSh​

 

One question before I start spending money, I have read here about CLEANING the battery. I think it was talking about generation 1 batteries. Should I try this? It works all the time cleaning the connections on regular car batteries, is this the same? I mean, if the car is running and only has one cell coding, couldn't this be the issue?