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Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Kevin Boulange, Jul 20, 2022.

  1. Kevin Boulange

    Kevin Boulange Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Ocean View Hi 96737
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Aloha all new to this hybrid thing but picked up a 2012 Prius that I bought knowing it needs a new battery pack. the previus owner said she had the cells balanced over 1 1/2 yrs ago and she has been driving this thing around with the maint. warning lite/message on this whole time. I'm thinking she has been on ICE throughout this period. So first question is should the car ICE start up when standing still in your driveway? number two... if I replace the battery pack is it a good idea to go with the Lithium ion upgrade Isaw on line that would cost me $2600 delivered here in hawaii or go with the cheaper after market ones. (did this car come with lithium in the first place) The car has 113,000 miles on it and is in generally good shape except for cracked bumpers front and back. Mahalo for any wisdom you can shoot my way.
     
    #1 Kevin Boulange, Jul 20, 2022
  2. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Yes, but after a few minutes of warm up it should stop.

    Maybe. Probably not a big advantage.

    No...it came with NiMH

    Mike
     
    #2 3PriusMike, Jul 21, 2022
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats and welcome!
    maintenance is just a reminder for regular service in your maintenance schedule.

    if you don't have any trouble lights, you don't need a battery.

    the hybrid battery starts the engine hundreds of times a day, so you can't run on ice only if the hybrid battery is bad.
    you can get doc prius app for a battery health check.

    clean the egr circuit before you blow the head gasket.

    all the best!
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 21, 2022
  4. Kevin Boulange

    Kevin Boulange Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2022
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    Location:
    Ocean View Hi 96737
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    don't know if I have a 2 or a 3.
     
    #4 Kevin Boulange, Jul 22, 2022
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    plug your vin in at toyota.com/owners
     
    #5 bisco, Jul 22, 2022
  6. Kevin Boulange

    Kevin Boulange Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2022
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    Location:
    Ocean View Hi 96737
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I did that and no help there
     
    #6 Kevin Boulange, Jul 22, 2022
  7. Mr. F

    Mr. F Active Member

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    Location:
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    For a guide as to when the ICE starts up, read this very helpful post. Yes, the ICE can run when the vehicle is stationary if the hybrid battery charge level is below a certain threshold, or if the vehicle is in one of the warmup modes.

    Invest in cat shield or some other form of catalytic converter protection as Prii are easy targets for thieves. Invest in an oil catch can to ward off the oil burning issue, and in a mini-VCI cable to be able to diagnose any issues that might come up.

    It may also be helpful to know about the common issues specific to this model, which are (in no particular order):
    • failed head gasket
    • failing brake booster and/or ABS actuator
    • failing hybrid battery pack
    • clogged EGR circuit
     
    #7 Mr. F, Jul 31, 2022
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