I just joined this page because I need help from any and everyone if you can. I own a 2007 Prius and the battery is going bad. I can still drive it but I only go down the street because im afraid to go anywhere that's too distant from my house. As soon as I crank it the fan battery in the back starts blowing. My question is do you all think it's ok to drive further than down the street and it will be ok? And also im searching for a battery to replace it. It doesn't have to be brand new. I just need to replace the old one so I can drive my car again. Thanks
Best dang title! Welcome. Try cleaning the fan as a first step, doesn't hurt. It is doable yourself, just requires a bit of digging and parts removal. Maybe second gen owners can describe in detail. But yeah, just know there's a fan in there, and it can be got to.
Welcome! I agree you should try cleaning the fan. Here is a video from another member, NutzAboutBolts. I think the 2007 is similar. EDIT: This link might be more appropriate. Battery Fan Cleaning | PriusChat
Gen 2 battery fan is pretty different from a gen 3. It's fastened to the right rear wheel well. I made a quick search, but didn't find any videos, but it's simple. Here is is as best as I can remember it. I may be skipping a thing or two, but it's not hard to figure out when you get started. 1. Remove the deck by just lifting it out after you turn the two little latches 90 degrees. 2. Remove the plastic trim on the rear sill that covers the latch mechanism. Just pull up on it. 3. Remove the little deck piece under the right tail light which covers the battery. 4. Lift out the big plastic tray that has the jack tools. Maybe easier to do this before #3. 5. Use a 10mm socket with extension to remove or loosen the screws holding the right side interior panel. The front one is probably held captive. There is also a tie-down d-ring held on with the same size bolt near the tail light assy. 6. Next to the back side of the right rear passenger door is the plastic trim piece with the vent for the fan. Lit it up an inch or two and then pull the top toward the front of the car. 7. Pull the top of the interior panel and the rear away so it can be removed. Easier to do than to describe. 8. The fan is now exposed. The plug is around back. Unplug it and release the bolts holding it in place. 9. there are a couple push in plastic rivets you might need to pull out. 10. If it's in the way, the panel that covers the battery might need to be removed. Two bolts, iirc, and pop it straight up. Hope this helps.
Todd at Tampa Hybrids just did an install of a Gen 3 Battery Pack into my 07 Prius Gen 2, cleaned fan, and checked all out Great, finished in less the 60 Minutes, great place to have that done. The old Battery Pack was getting old, 235K miles now feels like a new Prius
