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Is it harmful to drive for months in limp mode?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Buglips, Jun 15, 2021.

  1. Buglips

    Buglips Junior Member

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    My main battery died a couple week ago and I've been driving locally in limp mode.

    Is it harmful to drive in limp mode indefinitely?

    I am finding that taking back roads and treating car like a mo-ped, is a pleasant alternative to forking over $2000-2500 to replace main battery.

    25-40 mph, is it's top speed at present. I do mostly city driving.

    Thanks for your thoughts,

    Brad
     
    #1 Buglips, Jun 15, 2021
  2. Buglips

    Buglips Junior Member

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    Still waiting.
    ...any thoughts?
     
    #2 Buglips, Jun 24, 2021
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm going to have to say yes, but i'm no expert. it just doesn't seem like a good idea

    and putting a new battery in a 19 year old car doesn't seem wise either. any chance of trading up to a small eco car like corolla/civic?
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 25, 2021
    Merkey likes this.
  4. Josey

    Josey Active Member

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    I have no idea either. But the world contains / has contained plenty of little 1.5L powered cars and they do just fine. But if you're not going to fix it, then why not just drive it until its dead? Then sell it for scrap. Your catalytic converter is worth a bunch right now. Being worried about hurting a car that you're not going to fix is just ... weird.
     
    #4 Josey, Jun 25, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Some day, hard to say how soon, there may be a "blam" sound and a bad smell from the back seat, and after that you'll be hoofing it.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Jun 25, 2021
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