HV Battery Replacement Ordered

Have the triangle of death. Called dealer and was told $4,200 - bring it in so we can pull the codes to be sure = $125.
2005, 72,400 Miles - that is correct 72,400 miles. Replaced the 12vdc battery about 3 weeks ago after the first time we got the triangle. The light cleared and all was fine for three weeks. The car sat for a month without so much as a start up. Then I hit the button and got the triangle. I replaced the 12 battery and drove 50 miles over 2 days. Then the car sat unused for two weeks. I think that being idle is not good for a nine year old HV battery.

Wife drives to the store and the triangle is back. Plugged in the code reader "REPLACE HYBRID BATTERY" No other code reported.

After checking reviews, comparing prices, warranty, availability, I went with Green Tec Auto. Final cost after core return will be $1,490. 18 month warranty. Takes 5 days to get here via truck. Going to replace myself. I will post my results.

MC

 

Maybe I could have pushed it with Toyota but the service rep basically said I am SOL. I didn't want to invest $4,200 hoping to get some unknown amount back somewhere down the road. I read several articles about Toyota getting stingy with hybrid issues since they have so many $$ in recalls.

I do believe that not running current through the battery expedited the batteries demise. Corrosion builds on the plates and causes higher resistance, heat, and failure.

MC

 

All done, running like new again. It took a little more than 2.5 hours thanks to DIY videos on YouTube. I have to tell on myself though.....after install I tested before putting car back together. Cleared code, hit the start button and said )$&/@ what's wrong? It's not starting up? Duh.....it's a hybrid, the gas engine does not start right away, like 1 to two minutes......lol. Dumb @ss.

Not sure if the rebuilt battery needs to be conditioned to driving habits but it appears to me it does. Mileage is improving each drive, 51 mpg best, and get green bars sooner than when first installed, drove 20 miles the first time. The reserve, sitting still, time also appears longer, about 20 minutes sitting with AC on before engine cranks up.

Biggest pain is receiving and shipping the battery. Comes stretch wrapped and banded to a pallet. Saved $125 having delivered to my office, loading dock. Charge $125 extra for home delivery. Had to buy stretch wrap and strap to pallet and have shipper pick up. Green-Tec-Auto deducts the return shipping from $500 core fee. Have not gotten my fee back yet so no comment but they said shipping is about $125. All in all.....well worth the effort. I videoed the process, plan to edit and put on YouTube, don't hold your breath.

MC

 

True, sorry about that, intended to include...forgot. Basically dealer battery was new not refurb. $3,200 plus $1K, standard replacement, (no other issues) wanted $125 to diagnose and may need couple days to get a battery, didn't check stock when quoting me over the phone. Honestly don't remember the warranty but I think it was 36 months on the battery.

MC

 

I went with the 18 month battery, Green Tec says better battery than new with same warranty. They call it rebuilt, Per phone call, it's a combination of new and recertified cells. All cells are load tested and conditioned before assembled into the battery then the entire assembly is conditioned and tested again.

Paid $1,845 that includes shipping to me. Took 4 days after order to receive, shipped from KC, MO. The $1845 includes the $500 core charge. They will credit the core, less return shipping (est $125) after they get the core. Trucking Co picked up core Thursday 7-3. I'll be out of pocket $1,450 to $1,500 when done.

MC