Toyota Prius batteries being targeted by car thieves

Our Prius range from 12-14 years old. Not impossible but not terribly likely. We're supposed to be the ones needed more modern Prius batteries. . . Hummmm . . .

So what tools do we need?

Bob Wilson

 

i hooked the high voltage to the battery case, so any unauthorized nimble fingered thieves will get the shock of a lifetime.

 

For a 2001?
Let them steal it.

Replace the pack with a new one for about $1200.
IIRC Priuses won't run at all without the traction battery.
I'm a little curious as to how many battery pack thefts on the left coast constitute a "rash."
I'm also curious about how somebody can smash a window and wrench on a car for 20 minutes without being discovered.

If the would-be thief cuts the cables prior to yanking out the pack then they are going to cause a lot more damage than the $1200 for the replacement battery pack in wiring and glass. I've read where some people have tack-welded the bolts for the battery pack in place, but I'm thinking that this is a less than perfect solution since the would-be thief will have already broken into the car and more than likely cut the cabling before realizing that the bolts are a little tighter than they should be.
After 20 minutes (or so) the would-be thief might be foiled, but the driver is left with cut cables, broken glass, and a used battery that was probably beat to hell and cannot be easily replaced by the dealer's $250/hr technician.

In Anit-Terrorism, they teach a number of principles that boils down to a simple concept:
"Make YOUR Prius a harder target than the other Prius." or, more simply put:
"Screw your neighbor."

Consider the problem from the standpoint of a battery thief and employ a few countermeasures:
1. Back in instead of pulling in.
2. Consider a simple car alarm. Everybody hates them, ESPECIALLY car parts thieves. You can have one that texts you if your car is being violated, since nobody ever pays attention to the alarm. A flashing light and a car alarm sticker will get you 99-percent of the deterrent value without being robbed at the automotive electronics outlet.
3. Attach a locking cable to the hatch.
4. place large empty boxes in your cargo bay at night.
5. YOU ARE ON CAMERA sign. (if you can read this? You're going to be on Facebook!)


You get the idea.

I prefer to maintain car insurance, not live or park in a high crime area, and not worry about rashes.

Your call.
Good Luck!

 

The first burned out MG2 I ever saw was a by-product of a domestic dispute. I would start with people who have a 'personal' but antagonistic relationship.

Now if this is a big problem, upgrade to comprehensive with "replacement value." Then go piss-off a likely suspect bragging about that expensive traction battery in the Prius that is worth so much. Use the hybrid skeptic value, you know, $8,000. . . .

Sad to say, the insurance company won't take the 'hybrid skeptic' value. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

What car has the most expensive big battery? Tesla? Leaf? Those are the owners what should worry.

 

you'd be better off forklifing the whole car into a box truck.