Hybrid Battery Repair - debating between DIY and GreenBean/some other service

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Trynafixmyprius, Dec 1, 2024.

  1. Trynafixmyprius

    Trynafixmyprius New Member

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    So a couple of months ago I got the red triangle of death and a P0A80 code on my 2008 Prius. In response I got the Dr Prius app and a Bluetooth OBDII scanner to hopefully diagnose any bad modules to individually replace. The triangle and code disappeared without me resetting them and then reappeared the other day.

    I'm a complete novice but after a healthy amount of research, am considering going ahead with my plan of trying to individually replace any bad modules after some diagnosis with Dr Prius. My main question is if I did this in a simplistic fashion, just taking the thing out, replacing the worst modules and putting the battery back in the car without any sort of balancing or recharging protocol, could I end up just completely wasting my time? Would it be better to just pay a couple thousand bucks for a new battery and a warranty? Thanks
     
    #1 Trynafixmyprius, Dec 1, 2024
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's hit or miss. some have reported success, and others a waste of time. but the same can be said for greenbean, so you may want to go oem.
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 1, 2024
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You could actually waste time . Doing a cycle or two minimizes that risk. Build a charger really inexpensive .
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Dec 2, 2024
  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I have done DIY "refurbish" and OE new replacement.

    DIY took lots of research & learning, about $450 in gear and ebay modules, plus 5 weeks of time. The resulting pack lasted 2 ½ years and 50k.

    After that I put in a Toyota pack with zero hesistation. Took a couple days to come in after ordering - back on the road yhe next day. Cost me around $1900. Should have 10+ year reliability.

    Everything I have read in the forums suggest that "just" replacing modules has a very low chance of success (ie, working at all).

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Dec 2, 2024
  5. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    depends on your luck. I replaced modules on my 2007 by replacing 2 modules and balancing. I have to buy a grid charger to sort of balance them out, it's been 2+ years and still good. The other one lasted only a year and I replaced all the modules from 2ndlife, we'll see.. so far so good. My Camry was replaced with one from GreenBean, 60k+ miles and 6+ years still doing great. The Greentec on my 2009 Prius is still ok for almost a year now, one thing I noticed is that the mileage dropped to 37mpg from 45mpg after I disconnected the battery. Just shows that the refurb I have is not that great but still chugging along (anyway I bought it really cheap for $1200 and have to fix the head gasket)
     
    #5 highmilesgarage, Dec 2, 2024
  6. Trynafixmyprius

    Trynafixmyprius New Member

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    Ok, interesting. I am continuing to gather data with Dr. Prius but right now, it looks like only two of the blocks are 'going bad' and that the voltage difference is not that extreme (less than 0.5v difference on the bad ones). If my plan is ultimately to get a brand new battery pack of some sort, is it stupid to just keep driving on this current battery until it deteriorates further?
     
    #6 Trynafixmyprius, Dec 3, 2024
  7. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    sounds like a plan, do you like the sound of revving engine when in limp mode (RTOD) ? I have seen people sell their Prius with RTOD and they still drive like nothings going on.
     
    #7 highmilesgarage, Dec 3, 2024
  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Depends.

    Some people keep driving until the car sets codes immediately and it's stranded wherever it happens to be.

    Others keep clearing codes and drive (for weeks or months) until something "explodes".

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 mr_guy_mann, Dec 3, 2024
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