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Q: how to access battery cooling fan

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by zihio, Oct 4, 2020.

  1. zihio

    zihio New Member

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    Hello Prius Fam,

    I have a 2017 Prius Two. On my most recent oil change, the technician informed me that I needed the "Hybrid battery cooling service" that cost a whopping $280. I know I'll probably need it eventually, but for now, I want to make do with just vacuuming the blower motor from the back passenger seat. I just spent 1.5 hours trying to take this screw out to access the cooling fan to no avail. Does anyone have any tips on how to open these bolts?

    For the record, I tried to use a Phillips screw driver, which fit well and turned easily. But no matter how much i turned the screw driver, the nut would not come out. I then tried to pry the not open (hence the mild damage seen in the picture). That did not work either...
     

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    #1 zihio, Oct 4, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2020
  2. zihio

    zihio New Member

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  3. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Do you have a shedding dog in the car (or spouse)? Other thing to be careful with is loading the rear footwell with anything which will cover the vent(s).

    THIS IS A NiMH Battery - I think Lithium might be slightly different - but similar?

    It does screw out, but don't press on it or it just keeps going back - it's not a positive thread - it screws into a "THING" - which probably has a name.

    Then the cover pops off - with a bit of help - I used a wide thin blade under, mainly toward the bottom near the screw and there are some clips on the cover which came off quite easily.

    Replacement - pop the "THING" back in - and just push the screw in - doesn't need screwing.
    upload_2020-10-5_15-34-10.png
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    upload_2020-10-5_15-39-38.png
     
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    For Mama them’s fightin’ words. She does not shed.

    if Mama ain’t happy ain’t NOBODY happy.
     
  5. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I reckon I shed more than my POODLE.
     
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  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    It's not a nut or a screw. It's just like the fasteners holding down the plastic cover over your radiator and the covers under the car. Turn it counter clockwise about a quarter turn applying as little pressure as you can. The part that looks like a Phillips head screw will come out just enough for you to hook it with a finger nail or small flat screwdriver. Then it just pops out like the other ones all over the car. They make special tools for these, but the best thing I've found was an idea shared here by @Mendel Leisk. It's just a paint can lid opener. That with the screwdriver should make it relatively easy.
    paint can opener.jpg
     
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  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    My G2 does not have a filter on the one battery fan inlet so I got some double sided tape cut it in half length wise and ringed the inlet then got some thin filter material from LOWES and covered the inlet. Works good easy to see if it gets dusty and easy to replace.
    If the filter is a pain to replace this is much easier and cheaper and with the oem filter removed it may increase fan velocity which is good as this method will probably flow better.
    If you have a doggy back there like me that oem filter may get clogged.
     
  8. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    After 3 years I decided to clean mine the other day. Looked newish still. I don't have any pets and keep my car clean. Still replaced it though since I had it open.
     
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  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Didn't I already answer this?
     
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    And if Papa ain't happy, ain't nobody gives a rip. :cry:

    Same here. Never have had to clean a battery filter or fan.
     
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  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I merged the threads and copied all the relevant posts. They should all be here now.

    so..yes, yes you did.
     
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  12. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    You can see from the photos, mine is as clean as day 1. I've had the cover off once before about 2 yrs ago - and again yesterday to photograph.

    4½ yrs old next month. In "Car Years", that's about ... retirement age.
     
  13. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    It has got a positive thread - normal RH thread - screw it out with little pressure and it pops out enough to grab or lever it out:
    upload_2020-10-6_12-16-20.png
     
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  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Thanks for the clarification. I was going from memory from when I took that off my wife's car to check things out. I thought for sure it was unthreaded.
     
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  15. PtPri

    PtPri Junior Member

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    How can we know when it's time to change the filters?

    Where can one buy them?
     
  16. PtPri

    PtPri Junior Member

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    Posted twice, pls delete
     
    #15 PtPri, Aug 13, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2021
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    For that pesky screw, a JIS (Japan Industrial Screw) screw driver might help. It’s cross-style as well, but locks more positively, may allow you to back it out with minimal down pressure. It comes in size no’s. 1 through 3, and I’d hazard no. 2 is what you'd need.
     
  18. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I think you just clean it?
     
  19. burrito

    burrito Active Member

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    See the attached instructions from the repair manual on how to inspect, clean, and replace the Battery Intake Filter.

    It's part # G92DH-47070, available from my local dealer for $8.81.
     

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    #18 burrito, Aug 14, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2021
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  20. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I'd be checking it first before buying one - mine is as clean as Day 1. Unless you've got a shedding dog or other environmental dirt.
     
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  21. PtPri

    PtPri Junior Member

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    That's excellent. Also, contrary to what is on the manual (states that only taxi/Uber, small trips, etc), it says that it does need to be cleaned, especially when with passengers in the back.

    The PDF is very good and detailed, thank you so much.



    One question, though...
    Behind this grayish filter, mine has another one, thicker, white, that seems even to be warm fused to the plastic... Is that not normal?