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Best options for hybrid battery replacement

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Anna Payesko, Oct 17, 2024.

  1. Anna Payesko

    Anna Payesko New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Big Island
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My prius is showing the red triangle with code p3020. Im wondering what the best option for replacing the battery is in terms if getting the most bang for my buck. I know the cheapest option would be to just swap the bad cells, but im worried about the long term viability of that. G1 prius modules are only getting more expensive over time and it seems like swapping modules is more of a “band aid” solution and I’m looking for the best long term way to solve the issue. Where is the best place to buy a g1 prius battery? Needs to ship to Hawaii, and I’m looking for a good quality battery that can withstand the heat here. I’ve also seen people on these threads talking about reconstructing the battery with 38 gen 2 prius modules. I know that’s about the same price as buying a new battery anyway, but my question is if thats worth it for the improved mpg over a g1 battery. Also, I’ve never worked on a hybrid battery and I wasn’t able to find any photo guides or videos of anyone doing this specific reconstruction with the g1 battery so I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to pull it off considering it seems to be more labor intensive then just replacing the battery. To anyone who’s done this- is there any way a beginner could pull it off? Any tips on how to do it? Is the extra life that you get from g2 modules worth it? All advice is appreciated !! :)
     
  2. Trombone

    Trombone Member

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    Location:
    Allentown, Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
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    I recently had Greentec do a driveway install of the one on the left:: Toyota Prius 2001-2003 | Greentec Auto. Of course, your situation is more complicated, since you're offshore and Greentec doesn't seem to have any options for Hawaii install with their people, so you'd have to get a local mechanic. As to shipping cost, and performance in the heat (is Hawaii any warmer than, say, Arizona or New Mexico?), I couldn't say. But I like the new generation cells and the three-year guarantee on the Greentec. BTW, the install charge was $250.

    Here's another option: Hybrid Battery Options for Prius 2001-2003 | Green Bean Battery. Notice that they don't use newer generation cells, so battery costs less than Greentec, but they still have the three-year warranty, and offer mobile installation for no additional charge. Might be worth looking into?
     
    #2 Trombone, Oct 18, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2024
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  3. Trombone

    Trombone Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2019
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    Location:
    Allentown, Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
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    N/A
    Green Bean now ships to Hawaii. Dig around on their site to find info. hope this helps.
     
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  4. Anna Payesko

    Anna Payesko New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2024
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    Location:
    Big Island
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    thanks for all the help! I actually got a more advanced reader to look at the car with and found out that the battery is fine and running at 80% efficiency. Not sure why it was throwing that code and the triangle still came up after I cleared it but i feel like the battery is definitely fine. the car still gets good mpg and everything so I’m not sure what made it throw that code.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base