[mmh]

Happy Holidays folks. I have a 2015 Model 3 Prius sedan with 162K miles. The hybrid water pump and spark plugs were replaced at 100K miles along with a transmission service and radiator.

It appears that my battery has reached the end of it's life. Can this be confirmed from the attached pics?

If so, I have the following questions:

1) What are the downsides and/or consequences to using non-dealer batteries as a replacement i.e. aftermarket?

2) How long do the aftermarket batteries last in comparison?

3) Can you replace individual cells of the battery?

4) Any chance of finding an original new Toyota battery outside of Toyota dealers? If so, where?

Thank you!

 

[Easy Rider]

I assume you are referring to the HV hybrid battery ?

You have to look REAL hard for an after-market "rebuilt" battery that uses all new cells.
Ones that have only the "bad" cells replaced are a cruel joke, in my opinion.

I don't think you can get a "real" new battery from anybody but Toyota......or from a salvage yard.

Before you spend a lot of time going down that road, get the 12 V battery tested......or just replace it.
If it is weak, false codes can appear........and you can't get a really good idea about the HV battery without reading the codes.

I think it might end up being a BIG mistake to try and fix this without paying a dealer for a "diagnostic" test first.

 

[mmh]

Thanks for the reply Easy Rider.

What's your experience with replacing individuals cells that may have gone bad? What are some things to keep in mind going this route? Any potential damage to the car in doing it this way?

 

[Easy Rider]

What's your experience with replacing individuals cells that may have gone bad? What are some things to keep in mind going this route? Any potential damage to the car in doing it this way?

Potential damage only if you do something wrong.

ALL of the cells in the battery have aged; just some a bit faster than others.
Replacing only the ones that have failed first is just a band-aid fix.
Others will fail soon.
Many owners who have had that done find that it fails again due to more bad cells within a year or so.

So.....IF the company has a good reputation AND the price is good AND you get a 2 year non-prorated warranty AND you don't mind the hassle of taking it back every 12 months or so......
But most people don't find that appealing once they understand the whole story.

 

[flyfast93]

Try New ?

2010 Gen 3, 133k inHawaii (Oahu)

I just installed my second used battery from FALCON HYBRID / PRIUS REBUILDERS.

I DO NOT recommend them

They talk a great gameon the sales side, but have made my life very difficult on the support side.

1st "reconditioned" pack from them lasted 3 months.

I just recently heard ofthese new batteries...same price as my reconditioned pack (~$1400)

I recommend checking out new batteries from (Google search "NewPriusBatteries"). Sounds appealing.


Success Stories from using these?

 

[Easy Rider]

I'm no expert but I do NOT think that actual "new" complete battery assemblies are available from anybody but Toyota.

If you think you are getting one that is new from somebody else, ask a lot of questions.

 

[Jill Wang]

Battery replacement

I am not an expert in hybrid car, but hybrid car battery.
I am sure that your battery is dead.

I would like to suggest you replacement full pack directly.
You can search CEBA hybrid car battery (total fresh battery for Toyota type)
It is most economical

If you have battery question, you can contact me for more suggestion as well.

 

[Easy Rider]

I am sure that your battery is dead.

You can search CEBA hybrid car battery (total fresh battery for Toyota type)
It is most economical

If you have battery question, you can contact me for more suggestion as well.

It is kind of unusual for a hybrid battery to fail after only 3 years of service.
He/she really NEEDS to check the 12 V aux. battery first.

Then.....what is your association with CEBA......and what qualifies you as a battery "expert" ???
Promoting a commercial produce or service on here is not allowed without prior permission.

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