OK, when I discuss my new 2010 with some people they still think you have to replace the traction battery every so often. I've had a 2001 since they first came out (almost 9 years now) and also have a 2004. Of course I always explain that this is a myth and that in the current models the warranty is for 100% replacement up to 10 years or 150K miles etc. In my 2001, the warranty is expired since back then it was only 8 years, 100K miles and I am at 8 years 9 months. Several people have asked me this every year or so, either forgetting the answer or not hearing what they want to hear. But...I've not been answering the question properly. I've never replaced the 12v battery in my 2001. Almost 9 years and I've never replaced any battery (except the key FOB). My new answer is going to be "yes, you have to replace the batteries about every 6 or 7 years but at $1.99 it isn't a big deal since they are the size of a nickel. I've never replaced the traction battery OR the 12v battery ever...how often do you replace the 12v battery in your BMW/Honda/Lexus/whatever?" 3PrisuMike
Every 2 months. I wait for the sale on Alkaline "D" cells at Walmart, then buy several 24 packs. No problem... :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:
First off, congratulations on getting 9 years out of the OEM, 12 VDC battery. Still, it might be easier to relate battery life to something they do know: 12 V battery - replacement runs about 5-6 years, about twice as long an original car battery. traction battery - part of the transmission, it and the transmission appear to last over twice as long as automatic transmissions. By using an automotive expense they are already used to dealing with and doubling the estimated life, you are both accurate and in the case of the transaxle/traction battery, actually sandbagging the numbers. Just a suggestion. <grins> Bob Wilson
I usually ask the if they have replaced their transmission, then explain that the battery lasts as long or longer than a normal automatic transmission. Tom
When I adopted Priapus in 2004, I had the battery replaced preemptively. Every 10,000 miles I take it out, check the electron levels, wash it, line dry it and it's as good as new.
I'm expecting my 12V to act up any day now, but for now I'm OK. 5-1/2 years seems longer than other posts here made me think was normal...
I'm not sure if this is really rare or not. The 2001 model doesn't have a lot of things that use the 12v supply...but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. It did go dead once from leaving the door light on. 3PriusMike
