Our 2005 Gen 2 w/ 150k miles appears to have an exhausted battery. The typical dash lights are lit. Local garage pulled codes P3000--Battery Control System and P0A80--Replace Hybrid Battery Pack. The 12V is <2 yrs old and tested OK by garage. We have noticed in the last few months the gas engine often starts up w/in seconds of starting the car. Spoke to dealer on phone today and they said it could be something simple and cheap. My questions are, given P0A80 is it possible that the problem could be something other (and cheaper) than needing to replace the battery, and does the P3000 code indicate an additional expensive repair is likely needed? I'm afraid the dealer may be trying to get us in there to charge for pointless extra whatever. I would be inclined to try to get one of the aftermarket batteries not from the dealer. Which leads to final question--can anyone recommend a company that specializes in hybrid battery replacement anywhere within a few hours of northeast Pennsylvania (I assume it would be someone near Philadelphia or NYC)? Thanks!
search prius on craigs list in your area, every city seems to have someone rebuilding them for around 500..I have rebuilt my own in 2 prii and one lasted over a year the other lasted a few weeks, you just never know ...might start looking at salvage yards for one out of a wreck for around $1000, good luck
Yes, good luck. A few years ago I lucked out and found a lower-mileage wreck with what turned out to be a very good battery for $800 on Craigslist, then sold my "core" the same way for $300. The local garage may not be getting all the Prius-specific codes, and yes, I'm sure the dealer is trying to get you in for a $100 diagnostic fee. They're not in the business of giving free advice over the phone. The Mini VCI is a good tool for the DIYer in this case.
The only things that sometimes throw a code is low 12v and plugged cooling fan. !2v is probably OK but you can check with instructions here. I don't think in winter plugged cooling fan is cause. You want a new Toyota batt if possible. You can try this below although lately we are not hearing as much Toyota assist. HV Battery Goodwill Warranty Listing - Toyota Prius USA | PriusChat
