2001 gen 1 prius Battery repair in AZ...some help and guidance appreciated

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by MortenAZ, May 20, 2011.

  1. MortenAZ

    MortenAZ Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2011
    26
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    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    II
    HI Guys,

    I've been lurking and reading lots of good info on this site, and now it's time for me to get my hands dirty.

    I've decided to jump into the repair of my hv battery - one day i got the error code, high rpm, etc....

    As I was troubleshooting, I noticed something amiss in the trunk. First, let me preface by saying that I'm the second owner or the car, and the elderly couple selling me the car did tell me about some body damage in the rear side.....

    As the car was running, with the codes cleared, I was trying to see if the cooling systems were working...liquid and air....yes to liquid, but the air duct in the trunk seemed like it pumped hot air into the trunk almost down where the 12 volt battery is... What's up with that? Is is missing a little piece?

    Also, is the MRC 989 charger the one to get?

    I'm in Chandler, AZ does anyone want to jump in on the action? I'm prepared for the project to take about 1 month.

    Thanks in advance!
     
    #1 MortenAZ, May 20, 2011
  2. fixitguy

    fixitguy New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2011
    21
    3
    4
    Location:
    PORTLAND,OR
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    My "bad battery" was because the Battery ECU went TU.
    $125 and recharging the drive battery with a bench power supply
    fixed it!!
    So
    A. How did you determine the battery is bad?
    B. I had a friend who has a dead prius and we used his battery to
    start my car and check for codes.
    C. I determined the battery ECU was toasted from the codes.
    2001/ 186,000 miles this was the first snafu!!
    D. $1100 was the ECU TOYOTA cost.....

    Did you get the sub or INF codes?

    My 2001 186,000 just one battery computer repair....Not $1100 from TOY, but $120
    from the used parts bin!!
     
    #2 fixitguy, May 25, 2011
  3. MortenAZ

    MortenAZ Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2011
    26
    6
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Update 9/22/11

    Prius is up and running!

    I was lucky and got two fresh kills 2nd gen batts.

    I went and paid the $15 for 3day access to Toyota Technical, and removed everything carefully.

    I took some photos in the process, but everything went pretty straight forward.

    I was able to line everything up nicely, and fit the cover back on; I was told this was not possible.

    The car started straight up with no codes, and ran perfectly.

    Thanks for all your help, especially Bob Wilson!
     
    #3 MortenAZ, Sep 22, 2011
  4. April Panknin

    April Panknin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2015
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Desert hills, Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Hi Bob!
    I need help figuring out what is wrong with my 2002 prius. Not sure if the battery needs to be replaced or just something wrong with battery! Single mom in need of the cheapest possible way to fix my car. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
     
    #4 April Panknin, Mar 15, 2015
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
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    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Patrick,

    Is she in your neck of the woods?

    Anyone near-by?

    Bob Wilson
     
    #5 bwilson4web, Mar 16, 2015
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    27,792
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    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    First comes diagnosis and that means choose one:
    1. miniVCI - requires a PC (aka., laptop with Windows XP), costs $35.
    2. scangauge II - costs ~$150.
    Have you done any 'car' or technical stuff in the past? The reason I ask is we need to communicate and that means understanding what you've done in the past. We're not out to demean anyone and will explain what is going on. We just need to understand how much you've done in the past, the foundation. We'll work to bring you up from that base.

    It would help if you could explain what symptoms, what problems you've experienced. This does not diagnose the problem, that is why we need a miniVCI+your PC Windows XP or Scangauge II. Rather it gives us an idea of the general problem areas.

    If the car runs, you might take it by an by an auto parts store after calling to see if they have an OBD (On Board Diagnostic) scanner and will check your 12V battery for free. Be honest with them as they are expecting follow-up business which is only fair.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Mar 16, 2015
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