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Enginer kit came with car, how can I get it working?

Discussion in 'Prius PHEV Plug-In Modifications' started by Joeman200, Oct 24, 2018.

  1. Joeman200

    Joeman200 Junior Member

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    I recently purchased a 2005 prius. The seller said there was a battery booster with it but he didn't know much about it. I got the car at the low-end KBB price so the kit was a free addition. After taking the car home, opening it up, and doing a quick search here, it seems I have an Engenier PHEV kit installed. It's missing the batteries. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me which kwh kit this is? What batteries would I need? Finally, is there a way I can test the other components to make sure they work?

    Thanks in advance!
     

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    #1 Joeman200, Oct 24, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they've been oob for quite a while, good luck!
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 24, 2018
  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    @ericbecky has dealt with these kits before;).

    He’ll be along eventually(y).
     
    #3 Raytheeagle, Oct 24, 2018
  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    You have an enginer kit.
    There were several battery iterations over the years.
    Some not available any more.

    Really you can fit whatever you like in there that is 48v, can handle the high amperage. Say 10amp charge 60amp discharge. The system generally used LiFePO4. Here is a link to the website Enginer | Prius Plugin PHEV Conversion Kit with Lithium-Ion | Hybrid

    One common problem was the DC/DC converter.
    You can apply voltage to it and a load to it and see how well it works.

    Easier than that may be to smell it and see if it smell like burned up electronics. Next would be to open it up and inspect it. IGBTs, capacitors, etc.

    The likelihood of it working is low. Many folks blee out the converter. Plus you may need to buy or make additional components.

    Are you willing to spend a couple thousand dollars to make things run? If not, scrap it and move on.

    Feel free to call to discuss things more.
     
    #4 ericbecky, Oct 25, 2018
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  5. Simtronic

    Simtronic Active Member

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    The Inverter as it states is a 3kw they made 3 4 and 5 that I know of the battery can be whatever you can stuff in there. I had a 4kw one that worked for years but I did throw out the BMS as I could see it killing the batteries. The whole thing is still working but the car is now my sons and has 300,000 miles on it now
     
    #5 Simtronic, Oct 25, 2018
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  6. Joeman200

    Joeman200 Junior Member

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    Probably not, I don't think the risk would be worth the reward. I also think taking it on as a major project (versus a simple fix) would be over my head.

    Are you talking about the batteries inside the kit or the HV battery? Could this system actually do harm to my vehicle?


    Thank you everyone for your helpful replies!
     
    #6 Joeman200, Oct 25, 2018
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  7. Simtronic

    Simtronic Active Member

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    The BMS that came with the Enginer kit would damage it's battery, the inverter feeds the car battery and could only feed and not drain it. I remember checking voltages a lot and finding them all out of balance affecting it's range until I fitted a BMS from an old UPS system and it never missed a beat after that.
     
    #7 Simtronic, Oct 27, 2018
  8. Simtronic

    Simtronic Active Member

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    I would strap together 4 old 12v lead acid batteries and give it a try. Check all fuses are in place and of correct value first mind as you have no history with it.
    Welcome aboard have fun and stay safe
     
    #8 Simtronic, Oct 27, 2018
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