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Hybrid battery concerns

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by JiffySmiffy, Aug 20, 2017.

  1. JiffySmiffy

    JiffySmiffy New Member

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    Location:
    Sherman, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
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    N/A
    Newbie here, so pardon my lack of knowledge for post preferences... I'm noticing my hybrid battery drains very quickly with the AC on, and from what I read alot of you say that's normal. Its the heat of summer in Texas and I've heard the battery itself needs to stay cool or I'd just go without the AC (I work in the heat so it really doesn't bother me). I've been taking the long route to work just to avoid high-traffic areas. I can't even make it through a fast-food drive-thru without the charge dropping to one or two bars... So I'm planning a trip to San Antonio in October which means I'll have to drive through Dallas, Austin, AND San Antonio which almost guarantees some traffic along the way. I guess what I'm wondering is what happens if the charge runs out? I've heard talk about an "ICE" that monitors this but don't see anything in my manual about it. My 2012 Prius (just over 100,000 miles) has an engine brake option, which I've used in traffic before while killing the AC and radio and it seemed to help. It has an EV, Eco, and Power mode (which it says is for mountainous regions). Should I be selecting the Power mode in this instance? Would that save the battery from draining? Or should I just not worry about it when it gets down to one bar and have faith that it will re-charge on it's own? Any input will be appreciated.
     
    #1 JiffySmiffy, Aug 20, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    boston
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    Plug-in Base
    welcome!

    ICE = internal combustion engine

    computer monitors battery. when you see 2 bars, it's actually 25% full, and the ICE comes on to give it a little charge. when you see full bars, it's only 85% full. these parameters extend battery life.
    make sure the battery intake grille is clean and uncovered. clean the fan, if you haven't, keep the a/c on high (use power mode for full a/c) and use window shades when parked in the sun. nothing else matters.

    don't worry, be happy.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 20, 2017
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    In our 2010 Prius II with 161 k miles I began to notice the HV battery draining frequently in traffic and cycling between full and empty faster than I remembered.

    I ended up purchasing the Prolong equipment and had @jeff652 install the harness;).

    I have done one top end balance and one 2 cycle reconditioning. The battery has better charge when in traffic and the mpg for our 2010 is 51.5:).

    If passing through Dallas, you could always pm Matt at @Texas Hybrid Batteries with any concerns.

    Hope that helps(y).
     
    #3 Raytheeagle, Aug 20, 2017
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  4. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    II
    It may be normal, or it could be symptoms of an aging battery Here is what you should watch for to assess battery health:
    Prolong® Battery Systems FAQ – Hybrid Automotive
     
    #4 jeff652, Aug 21, 2017
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  5. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Two
    Hey Welcome to Priuschat. Just enjoy your Prius I doubt anything is wrong with it. I have a 2012 with 145k on it and it's fine. Everything you describe is typical. We're in Fl. and use the A/C all the time. It does drain the hybrid battery pretty fast so don't worry about it. Just watch when your driving to see that the hybrid battery indicator doesn't go up and down real fast or erratically. Don't use B when your driving, just drive it and let the car figure out what to do. It won't let you drain the hybrid battery to nothing so don't worry about that. Here in Fl. I gets real hot too so just make sure the vent in the back seat to the battery is clear. If you have a dog make sure it doesn't get clogged with dog hair. Also make sure to keep the oil at the full mark. It only holds 4 qts. Not much when it's hot. I always add a half a quart when it gets to the half a qt. low. So just drive it, the car figures out what to do.
     
    #5 paprius4030, Aug 21, 2017
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Today was a miserable 109 degrees, I had the AC on half way blast commuting 6 miles back home from work. Typically I get 63mpgs back home even starting w/2 bars. But with 6 bars to start the home commute, today I got 38.1mpg. 1st mile back is all highway, last 5 miles was all idle in slow arse stand still traffic. Idling with 2 bars in slow traffic for 10 minutes (or drive thru) with AC will always mess FE up and drain the hell out of your traction battery.
     
    #6 Grit, Aug 29, 2017
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