2005 prius need to replace main battery?

You were told wrong. We need the diagnostic codes. It could be something as simple as a dead 12V battery ($300)

 

To interpret
The obd2 port under the dash is a plug for an obd2 reader, the dealer will charge, most large auto parts have them and are free, the Scangauge2 for 150$ reads them, get them read, then post here or you will already know, and... 12v batteries die and do weird as they die, it could be the 12v

If the traction is indeed dead, have it rebuilt, not by the dealer if possible, well, the dealer will install a new one, err, if it's covered under warranty (if it's ded) then the dealer is the place.

 

You have other aftermarket options as well.

Many of my customers choose rebuilt batteries.
They have a 3 year warranty. Unlimited miles during that three years.

If they can give you a printout from the diagnostics that would be helpful.
If you simply have unbalanced cells, a hybrid specialist could simply balance the battery for you or install a charger/balancer.

I should have stated that I'd be happy to chat with you briefly on the phone to talk through other options or help point you in the right direction. You could have other issues such as a low/bad 12v battery that can sometimes make it appear as though you need a new high voltage battery.

 

others have received help from toyota. follow thru and see what they give you. then compare that to what priuschat member 'houstonhybrid' wants to rebuild it for you. all the best!

 

Ram,
I was able to pull up my code notes after we got off the phone a moment ago.
P3022 says one block in your pack is becoming weak.
P0A80 is a typical failing hybrid pack code.

Even though you still might want to get the 12v checked out... the reality is that this is likely a failing pack.
I know we discussed options and it sounds like you are pretty well informed/educated on the subject.

Best of luck and feel free to call any time.

 

I decided to create an account and post because not only did my 2006 46k prius have the EXACT same lights come up on my dashboard YESTERDAY-- I also live in Houston. My warranty expired February 21. This is too odd of a coincidence. The dealership said to call Toyota to see if they could do anything for me (the dealership did not sound willing to do anything). I called 1800 GO-TOYOTA today, and they said that they could not do anything for me because the warranty expired in February. Any suggestions on how to get a similar outcome as the above??

 

If you brought you car to the dealer already, talk to the SERVICE MANAGER and have him call Toyota on your behalf. Ask for a Goodwill Warranty on the battery because it's just outside the warranty time frame and it has very low miles. There has been many posts of people successfully getting help from Toyota once the service managers make the call for them. If they offer assistance, it's normally for 50% - 100% the value of the battery and you would have to pay the dealer for the labor to install it.

 

If you guys in Houston can't get help from Toyota, there is a small company out of the woodlands that is doing the rebuild/replacement of the traction battery. Before you do that sort of work, get a second opinion from a good hybrid mechanic, and make sure your 12 volt is fully charged. A weak 12 volt can cause all sorts of errors and lights on the Prius.

If you guys still need help, start a conversation with me and I will forward the information. The individual/company does post here on Prius Chat and also has a website. Can't recall the exact URL on the site, bookmarked in my desktop at home. Not home right now! Name of PC user is Houston Hybrids | PriusChat

Best of luck to you

Ron (dorunron)

 

Only if you define lifetime at 10 years. Sounds like lots of batteries are failing near the 10 years mark, even with low miles. Hot climate probably has to do with that.

 

Also, here are my codes (I think... it was difficult to hear him over the phone), any thoughts are appreciated:
P0880
P3013

 

P0A80 is for a failing hybrid battery pack.
P3013 is stating that one of the modules within the pack is failing.

Your failing battery needs to be dealt with. Your car will not function properly until then.