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How to replace a bad module/cell on my 2015 Prius 4?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 23, 2020.

  1. BestUsernameInTheWorld

    BestUsernameInTheWorld Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I just ran a diagnostic on my hybrid battery using the Prius doctor app. Blocks 3 and 12 seem to be having problems. I know replacing them is much cheaper than getting a replacement battery, but I'm new to the whole hybrid scene, so I've zero experience with this sort of thing. I've looked at several sources online, but they all seem to be tutorials for gen2 or earlier. (I don't know how different they are) I've got the dreaded P0A80 code, but everything is performing fine. In fact the code only showed up on the app, not the dashboard. There's no overheating, no drops in fuel economy, but I'd like to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse and I'd like to do so without electrocuting myself. Could you guys point me in the right direction? Screenshot_20201023-115709.jpg Screenshot_20201023-143749.jpg Screenshot_20201023-112254.jpg

    HTC U11 ?
     
    #1 BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 23, 2020
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You're in a good position to do a charge and balance and 3 rounds of reconditioning of your pack with products like the one Prolong Battery Systems | Hybrid Automotive California, USA sells.

    Because your dashlights aren't what's alerting you to the bad modules you still have a good pack and a great opportunity to make it healthy again before it fails. Next time you take this test after that work is done you will be back up to near 96% capacity instead of your current 53% capacity.

    The basic science of this is here: BU-807: How to Restore Nickel-based Batteries – Battery University
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Oct 23, 2020
    BestUsernameInTheWorld likes this.
  3. BestUsernameInTheWorld

    BestUsernameInTheWorld Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
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    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I just ran a diagnostic on my hybrid battery using the Prius doctor app. Blocks 3 and 12 seem to be having problems. I know replacing them is much cheaper than getting a replacement battery, but I'm new to the whole hybrid scene, so I've zero experience with this sort of thing. I've looked at several sources online, but they all seem to be tutorials for gen2 or earlier. (I don't know how different they are) I've got the dreaded P0A80 code, but everything is performing fine. In fact the code only showed up on the app, not the dashboard. There's no overheating, no drops in fuel economy, but I'd like to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse and I'd like to do so without electrocuting myself. Could you guys point me in the right direction? View attachment 200120 View attachment 200121 View attachment 200122

    I was looking at the prolong system. I'm glad you think it'll help me out. Now is this something that leave install, or is the device removable? It takes up quite a bit of space. But if it helps my battery out, I guess it'll be worth it.


    HTC U11 ?
     
    #3 BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 24, 2020
  4. BestUsernameInTheWorld

    BestUsernameInTheWorld Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Apologies for the huge quote. I didn't realize it would repeat the images as well, haha. I would go back and edit it, but the option to do so appears to be missing.

    HTC U11 ?
     
    #4 BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 24, 2020
  5. BestUsernameInTheWorld

    BestUsernameInTheWorld Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I wish I could edit my previous posts instead of consecutive comments. So will this device make any difference without replacing the problematic cells? Or do I still need to take care of those bad modules? (I'm assuming this is what you meant by "charge and rebalance". )

    HTC U11 ?
     
    #5 BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 24, 2020
  6. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    There is a harness that needs to be spliced into the HV battery wiring, which must be left there and by itself does not take up much room. Everything else can be removed when not in use.

    I'm certain @PriusCamper meant that if you address this out of balance issue now, you will not have to replace any modules. Just install the kit and perform the balancing procedure as instructed in the manual.

    To satisfy our curiosity, what is the history of this car? (mileage, frequency of use, accidents, climate where you live, etc.) It is very unusual for an HV battery to have these types of issues after only 5 or 6 years of life.
     
    #6 davecook89t, Oct 24, 2020
  7. BestUsernameInTheWorld

    BestUsernameInTheWorld Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I recently bought it used (still waiting on the title to arrive, actually.) It had two previous owners who drove the heck out of it. (Odometer reads a little under 200k). I don't know what conditions it was driven or parked in, but aside from a few cosmetic blemishes, it still looks brand new both inside and out. So the previous owners really took care of it. The carfax report did report some structural damage to the front, but it wasn't specific and I could not find anything. It drives like a charm, the acceleration is snappy and responsive, the steering is tight.


    HTC U11 ?
     
    #7 BestUsernameInTheWorld, Oct 24, 2020
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