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Warning lights; cooling fan always on...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by tonijoy, Mar 7, 2021.

  1. tonijoy

    tonijoy New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2021
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    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hi everyone.

    I own a 2007 Prius. Bought it used, last year in August.
    Current Mileage: 58,400..
    previous owner didn't drive it much..

    About a week or so ago..
    When I turned on my car, I ended up getting all these warning lights.
    Check engine light, brake warning light, VSC light (all yellow)
    In addition, Master warning light and Hybrid System warning light.

    I was due for an oil change, so I just recently got one.
    I went to AutoZone to get the code for my check engine light - but nothing showed up on the scan.
    Anyways, main symptom of my car ended up being that my
    hybrid battery would fluctuate from low to high, in a matter of seconds..
    very erratic..
    I ended up buying a 12vBattery..

    Warning lights still on.
    Instead, my hybrid battery seems to always remain fully charged, even going uphill...
    and the cooling fan is always on now.
    When my car is stopped, it is no longer quiet..
    but I hear the engine or something..

    I thought I would take my car into a Toyota dealership to get a scan
    and to find out what exactly my problem is.
    My friend mentioned, skip going to the dealership...
    don't spend all that money just for them to tell you
    you need a new hybrid battery...

    Anyways, what does everyone else think?
    Should I actually spend the money on a diagnosis from the Toyota dealership..
    Or skip the dealership and just take that chance and just buy the hybrid battery...
     
    #1 tonijoy, Mar 7, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    no, listen to your friend.

    you've got a great car there. put in a new oem battery for 2k. well worth the investment
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 7, 2021
  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Not all OBD2 scanner are toyota hybrid compatible, you could try another store location or a different auto parts chain, as each location may use a device that is or isn't compatible. Many DIYers prefer to use a 'mini-vci' cable (20 usd) and techstream (dealer technician software) installed on a windows device (can also emulate). Doing your own scan will save $$$ by not using the dealer.

    Others may get by with using a simple OBD2 blue tooth adapter and an App like Dr Prius or Hybrid Assistant on a droid type device. If using the bluetooth option, then study this post before purchase : Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus
    Friend is correct, the dealer will charge you for the diagnostic and will only credit you if they do the recommended work.

    Don't fall for rebuilt/reconditioned used battery game, few do it right and they rarely last for any length of time.

    If you were to purchase a new OEM, a new aftermarket, or verified low mileage HV battery from a recent wreck (verify via the VIN, and by checking the serial #s on the modules) do you know of someone that can install it for you?

    If not, and you don't know how to find someone, then best to use a dealer with the "lowest installed price" HV battery replacement out the door. Use this link to locate a nearby dealer, the part # is already entered, just click each link : Select a Dealer | Toyota

    It appears that many of your local dealers offer a new HV battery for a similar amount or within 200+tax of each other, but the total installation hours, and hourly rate may vary dramatically per dealer. Best to confirm with each before spending more than expected on this replacement.

    With such low mileage (assuming the reported odometer is correct), this battery might be a good candidate for rebuilding. You can check the mileage in relation to the dealer maintenance by entering the VIN at : Track Your Service Records with Your Toyota Owners Account

    FYI : your posts are being moderated until you've reached a total of five (5) posts.
     
    #3 SFO, Mar 8, 2021
    edthefox5, Skibob, Raytheeagle and 2 others like this.
  4. tonijoy

    tonijoy New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2021
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    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hi folks. While it wasn't recommended on this thread.. ..I confess, I did end up buying a reconditioned battery. I bought it from hometownhybrids.

    I did skip getting a code scanned from the dealership and just directly bought an HV battery instead. My friend and I installed the battery ourselves following instructions from YouTube. It took several hours to do - I don't own any power tools... So, it was all manually done with a ratchet set I have. It was well worth it being able to do it on my own with the help of my friend.. instead of paying a Mechanic to do it.

    I ended up testing driving my car... And no warning lights. Car seems a lot quieter.

    While it seems, so far so good... I guess time will only tell how this will play out in the long run tho.

    Would like to invest in a scanner one of these days...
     
    #4 tonijoy, Mar 15, 2021
    w2co and SFO like this.
  5. w2co

    w2co Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2009
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    Location:
    Longmont, CO.
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Depending on how much the reconditioned battery costed, you could've had a brand new one for 1600 +/- .. then be able to sell the old still good modules out of the original pack for $35ea. +/- of course minus the bad ones. I had a college kid who even wanted those.
     
    #5 w2co, Mar 27, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2021
  6. tonijoy

    tonijoy New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2021
    6
    2
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hi there.

    I spent 995$ on my reconditioned battery. My car works like a charm now... In the short term of things... I'm so far happy with my purchase...

    But I will have to check back at this thread in a year... 5 years down the road... to let ppl know if it was worth it in the long run... as time will only tell...

    Also, I'm sure I could google... but as for selling the good modules I had in my previous battery... have no idea how to tell a good module from a bad one. Sounds like one would need some type of special machinery for that. Either way, thanks for the tip. Something I can keep in mind for the future..
     
    #6 tonijoy, Mar 28, 2021
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