There are several places popped up in our country (Sri Lanka) and they claim that Hybrid battery need yearly servicing by dissambling the battery and cleaning copper connectors for oxide and dust. They also charge hefty sum of money for this. Also note that in our country most people buy Japanese used cars and they don't come with any sort of warranty. I am having a 2013 Aqua. Is it necessary. Thanks in advance.
not at this time, but the connectors do corrode over time. unless there is something in your country that would cause premature corrosion, it's usually done when a bad battery is being rebuilt. 'yearly' sounds like a scam.
I have never heard of this requirement, and to me it just sounds like a scam. But - you need to make sure that the battery can keep itself cool - so it IS important to check the air filter and fan beneath the left end of the rear seat to ensure that the filter isn't clogged and the fan isn't blocked. Fortunately this is a very easy job to do by yourself. I wouldn't expect the battery to get dusty since the cooling air comes from the cabin and the cabin is protected from dust by the filter in the HVAC system (so you SHOULD keep that filter clean - another easy job). But if you often drive in dusty conditions with the windows open it might be worth removing the rear seat to check the exterior of the battery for dust every so often (yearly?). A layer of dust on the battery will tend to insulate it from the cooling airflow and cause it to run hotter. You should be able to just wipe or blow the dust off the battery case - no need to open up the actual battery itself.
not sure what they can do for $200., how much per hour? pulling the battery out, removing the modules, cleaning the b buss bars, putting everything back together, and reinstalling the battery sounds time consuming. ask them if you can watch.
Can you please share some details how a prius c owner can check this airfilter and fan clogging by himself? Any DIY video links?
All this guy did was unclipping the panels after pulling out the rear cushion. I was looking for something where I can learn how to disconnect this vent/fan assembly and connect it again after cleaning it. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I've no experience on the c, but with our regular Prius I just explored my way to the fan, and cleaned it without disconnection or removal. By just removing the ductwork leading to it, it was accessible enough. I would just work carefully, follow the ductwork. If there are very difficult fasteners, maybe leave them off, if the item is still reasonably secure, to make it easier if you want to check it in future.
Mendel's advice is sound, IMHO. The grille and fan don't have to be pristine, they just need to be functional and clean enough to allow a good airflow over the battery.
