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Hybrid Battery Reconditioning/Replacement Options?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by stokesey, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:02 PM.

  1. stokesey

    stokesey Junior Member

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    So I've read up on grid chargers, refurbished hybrid batteries, and the hybrid battery replacement process. Also watched several great YouTube vids on battery reconditioning and cell replacement. It seems that not all of the cells fail, but the system can't charge cells individually. Therefore the charging system can only charge the hybrid battery until the good cells are at full capacity (~7.2Ah if I gather correctly). This means that the worn cells lag behind and pull charge from the neighboring cells, diminishing the total battery capacity.

    Full charging and discharging cycles seem to have a rejuvenating effect on the worn cells, as long as heat is contained. But several pros recommend replacing cells that can't sustain around 5Ah since batteries can be fickle.

    I've got a Prius that sat for 2 years and I'm wondering what my best course of action will be. A grid charger could be an easy fix, but should I go into the battery pack and balance all of the cells? Of course I can do some voltage measurements and maybe run Dr Prius once I get the car running.

    Also, several of the balance chargers used on YouTube say expressly "NOT for use with hybrid battery packs, will cause damage". So can anyone recommend a balance charger that is suitable for the task? Or, should I just buy a refurb battery and drop it in?

    Thanks
     
    #1 stokesey, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:02 PM
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Get the Prolong system. It has the PROPER charger and discharger and is the safest way to do it.
    You may be able to revive it. If you can't, there is no sense in playig wack a mole with trying to swope
    out blocks... Unless you have days and days to play with them.
    But if you want it "fixed", try the Prolong system, or replace it with the Sodium Pack...
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Nov 12, 2024 at 7:11 PM
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a big expense to gamble on vs putting the money into a new battery.
    what year and how many miles?
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 12, 2024 at 7:43 PM
  4. stokesey

    stokesey Junior Member

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    Its 2010 w 120k, low miles so I feel like its worth saving. I'm familiar with the head gasket issues but I'm confident that I'm out in front of the problem and can mitigate it.

    Refurb battery is about $1200 from what I've seen so probably worthwhile if I do the labor. Looks like no coding, just plug n pray?

    On the other hand, I won't mind having the grid charger around. If it can help condition the battery for longer life its probably worth it.
     
    #4 stokesey, Nov 12, 2024 at 9:45 PM
    bisco likes this.
  5. stokesey

    stokesey Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice. If the Prolong can bring the battery back from the dead I'll try it. Just wasn't sure that it would revive a totally dead hybrid battery.
     
    #5 stokesey, Nov 12, 2024 at 9:46 PM
  6. james wang 20

    james wang 20 Junior Member

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    The grid charger charges with a low current for a long time. It takes advantage of the charging characteristics of nickel-metal hydride batteries to overcharge with a low current, which can help your battery restore balance. However, if the capacity of the cells itself is lost too much, this kind of charging cannot solve the problem. The problem is, you can find a cell with a capacity lower than 2ah and replace it. I don’t know the threshold value for Prius to detect battery capacity. I can only tell you that battery cells higher than 2ah seem to work very well in the car. The larger the capacity, the better. good.
     
    #6 james wang 20, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:17 AM
    Dualblue, stokesey, bisco and 1 other person like this.
  7. stokesey

    stokesey Junior Member

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    That makes sense. Can the grid charger also cycle charge with discharge, cool down, and recharge, or do I need to do that manually? I've seen a few people saying if the car is in neutral it'll drain down the hybrid battery slowly. Or maybe just driving slowly in EV Mode will also accomplish that result?

    Thanks
     
    #7 stokesey, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:14 PM
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