Toyota Prius Battery Reconditioning is a process that helps your hybrid battery run your car a few years longer.
When you purchase a new Prius hybrid battery, you tend to spend a small fortune. Nonetheless, when you refurbish an old and dying battery, you prolong its shelf life by 50%.
As per my personal experience, I changed my hybrid battery after running my Prius for 80,000 miles. Nonetheless, I had to shell out $4000 for getting a new one (at a discounted price). It was only later that I learnt the art of refurbishing an old one.
I wish, I had known this trick earlier!
So, instead of buying a new one, I decided to recondition the old one. Overnight, I managed to increase the lifespan of the dying battery by 60%. I found this option to be way better than buying a new battery.
Here is what all I shall be discussing in this write-up:
Toyota Prius Battery Reconditioning Write-Up Contains:
1) What is a Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery?
2) What is Inside a Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery?
3) How does a Toyota Prius Battery Work?
4) How to Find Out whether Your Toyota Prius’s Battery is Dying Out or Not?
5) How is the Toyota Prius Battery Better than Others?
6) How to Recondition Your Toyota Prius Battery at Home?
7) How to Bring a Dead Toyota Prius Battery Back to Life?
8) FAQ on Toyota Prius Battery
9) Conclusion
What is a Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery?
The hybrid battery market has picked speed after the pandemic. A hybrid battery has a solid shelf life. A new one tends to last 10 years or almost 1,49,000 miles. If you take good care of it then, the battery shall last a couple of thousand miles longer.
Facts on a Hybrid Battery
Hybrid battery is one that uses both electric as well as gasoline. The rechargeable battery helps power the vehicle despite your car running out of fuel. As there are two power sources, you have the distinct ability to cover more miles.
Here are a few more facts on hybrid batteries:
@ Toyota Prius Battery has been functional ever since the first car was launched in the year 2007.
@ This car has a guarantee of 10 years. This is more than one hundred and fifty thousand miles. After this, you need to change the battery.
@ A new Prius battery shall set you back by $4000 (on an average).
@ Hybrid battery is preferred over ‘battery only’ option as it helps you cover more miles. A battery only vehicle generally has a range of close to 240 miles.
@ Hybrid engines add weight to the vehicle. This may compromise the overall functionality of the vehicle.
@ Toyota battery recharges via regenerative breaking methodology. So, when you press the breaks, the electric motor within the battery gets activated.
@ When driven correctly, a hybrid car’s battery enables your car to become 35% more fuel efficient.
@ The Prius’s battery comprises of several cells packed in various modules. The positive and negative electrodes present within each cell powers the battery.
@ A special electrolyte solution enables current to pass through these electrodes thereby powering the battery.
@ With almost 1.31 Toyota Prius cars ferrying the US roads, the popularity of these vehicles is unfathomable.
@ The Prius battery contains 28 cassettes. Each cassette contains six cells. Each cell is powered by 1.2 volts. The total power produced by this battery is 201 volts.
What is Inside a Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery?
I (LeanandFit Reviewer)am about to showcase what a hybrid battery present within the second generation Prius comprises of.
@ The Toyota Prius battery contains a total of one hundred and sixty two cells.
@ Each cell present in the Toyota Prius battery is powered by 1.2 volts.
@ The 168 cells are packed in modules or cassettes. Each module contains 6 cells (1.2 volts each).
@ There are a total of twenty eight modules. These modules house one hundred and sixty eight cells.
@ The total power output delivered by these cells is a shade under the 202 volt mark.
@ The total weight of the Toyota Prius battery is a shade under the 54 kilogram mark.
@ The battery is placed behind the rear seats of the vehicle.
@ The battery of the Prius stays cool owing to a small fan that is placed under the rear wheel of the vehicle. The special blower is powered by a 12 volt battery.
@ When it is warm or hot, the battery tends to perform well. In case it is freezing then, the performance is vastly compromised.
How does a Toyota Prius Battery Work?
Like any other hybrid battery, the Prius’s battery is also multi-functional in nature. It derives power from a battery (electric current) and a gasoline motor.
Dual Power Transmission:
The internal combustion engine and its mating with an electric motor reduce harmful emissions. It also reduces your fuel related costs. When your speed is less than 25 kilometers per hour, the vehicle uses only the battery power.
The Speed Issue:
When you speed up and achieve speeds in excess of 25 kilometers per hour then, the gasoline engine kicks in. Sometimes, you floor the accelerator achieving speeds in excess of 90 kilometers per hour. In such a scenario, both your electric as well as gasoline engines are working.
Regenerative Breaking:
The moment you apply breaks, the Prius’s motor shall stop delivering power to the wheels. This allows the car to achieve momentum nonetheless. Also termed as regenerative breaking, this mechanism permits the car’s hybrid battery to produce electricity. You may use this stored power for later use.
Power Usage During Stoppage:
When you stop the Prius, both the internal combustion engine as well as the electric motor stop working. This implies that your electrical units (headlights, reading lamps, fog lights, heater, air-conditioning unit etc.) are working with the aid of the battery power.
How to Find Out whether Your Toyota Prius’s Battery is Dying Out or Not?
The battery pack of a Prius indicates whether it is functioning well or not. You simply need to learn how to read the battery. Here are a few things that you need to watch out for:
>>> In case your engine whines or screeches when you run the vehicle, you need to pay attention. These unwanted noises are a clear indicator that your car’s battery is malfunctioning.
>>> If your fuel efficiency is not as good as it used to be, it is a clear sign of a failing battery. Prius battery is designed to give you better mileage. If that is not happening for a long time period, you need to check your hybrid battery.
>>> Have you seen the battery bars on your Prius hybrid? I am sure you have. Well, if they seem to be disappearing without any reason then, your hybrid battery is certainly in trouble.
>>> If you are using your gasoline engine far more than your electric motor then again, your Prius’s battery is in jeopardy. If your electric power is overpowered by your gasoline engine while driving the vehicle then, it is a definite case of a failing battery.
>>> Always keep a close lookout for the charging state of your battery. If there is a fluctuation that is not normal then, your battery is definitely malfunctioning.
How is the Toyota Prius Battery Better than Others?
This is not at all an easy question to answer. Nonetheless, this vehicle has been ruling the hybrid car market for several decades.
Well, here are a few reasons why this battery performs better than most of its competitors:
>>> You can run this battery flawlessly for one hundred and fifty thousand miles. This is applicable in states that are following California law of emissions.
>>> Other states that do not follow this law allow the Prius battery to run for one hundred thousand miles.
>>> In case your battery dies down before the warranty period then, Toyota shall replace your hybrid battery free of any extra charge.
>>> There are two motors powering your Toyota Prius. This is way better than cars that use only battery power.
>>> The new Prius battery costs $4000. Nonetheless, you can buy a refurbished one that shall last a few years for just $1500.
>>> Labor charges are rather high. All it takes is 2 hours to replace the battery. Nonetheless, the labor charges amount to $1500.
>>> Prius battery is tried and tested. It has been helping 1.31 million car owners traverse through the United States.
How to Recondition Your Toyota Prius Battery at Home?
In order to recondition your Toyota Prius hybrid battery, you need to get hold of a few pieces of equipment. These include a pair of gloves, baking soda, Epsom salts, overall, goggles, reconditioning charger and voltmeter. If you have spare then, opt for Prius Battery reconditioning kit.
What are the Precautions to be Taken?
@ You should be careful while reconditioning a hybrid battery. This is because the voltage here can be as high as 300 volts.
@ Get hold of all the tools and equipment that I have mentioned above.
@ If you have spare cash then, opting for a Prius Reconditioning Kit is ideal.
@ Always place the battery in a place that allows air to pass through. A yard is a great option.
Steps to Recondition Prius Hybrid Battery
>>> In the very first step, you need to place your Prius battery in charging mode. The charging should be in ‘long cycle’.
>>> After the full charge has been achieved then, you need to drain the Prius charge completely.
>>> Make sure that the batteries have been fully discharged. Thereafter, you need to ensure that you keep the battery lying idle.
>>> After keeping it in idle mode for about two hours, you should recharge it again.
>>> After placing it in deep cycle mode, allow the hybrid battery to charge 100%.
>>> Keep a close watch over the time taken for charging and recharging the battery.
>>> Repeat this process 3 to 4 times. When there is a difference between the charging and discharging time, the battery has repaired itself.
If I were in your place then, I would get hold of a Prius reconditioning kit. This makes the entire process a breezy affair indeed.
How to Bring a Dead Toyota Prius Battery Back to Life?
The above query is not to be confused with reconditioning an old and dying Prius hybrid battery. If you notice a lapse in the natural recharge process of your battery or engine malfunction, you should check the 12 volt battery.
The issue with your Toyota Prius not starting is not always the hybrid battery’s fault. There is another 12 volt battery that is present in the Prius. So, your first step should be to check the condition of the battery (12 volts).
Well, here are the steps to do so:
Step # 1: There is a small leaver that is located behind the steering wheel. It is located at the bottom of the wheel. Simply focus on the left hand side. Pull that leaver. This shall open the hood.
Step # 2: There is a small plastic protector covering the 12 volt battery. Remove this. The positive port of the battery is also covered by a small cap. The cap has red color.
Step # 3: You would see a white colored cable. You need to hook this to the positive port. This is the positive cable of the battery.
Step # 4: You would also notice a black colored cable. You need to connect this to the negative port.
Step # 5: Make these connections possible without allowing the cable to come in contact with any metal surface. Doing so may cause an electric shock.
Step # 6: You need to then turn on the car’s ignition and press the accelerator. This is a gentle process, which kick-starts the engine.
Step # 7: When the car has started, you need to drive it around for a period of 30 minutes or longer. Doing so shall power your battery.
Step # 8: For better results, you can place your 12 volt battery on a slow charge. Leave this on for 8 to 10 hours. Doing so shall resolve your battery related issues.
How does this Process Help You?
When you ‘nip the evil in the bud’, you not only resolve your Prius’s starting issue but you also manage to save some money. Had you purchased another battery, you would have had to shell out $4000. This is when your hybrid was at no fault at all.
You also manage to gain more knowledge on how your Prius functions. With added knowledge, you manage to gain more control over making unnecessary expenses. I personally find DIY Prius battery fix an easy and cost-effective approach.
FAQ on Toyota Prius Battery
Q-1: What is Toyota Prius Battery Reconditioning Kit?
Well, it is a special charging kit that is available in local workshops. You may also get one from the Prius workshops. Simply make sure that you follow the reconditioning steps to get the job done at home.
Q-2: How do I know that My Prius Battery is Dying?
A-2: When your battery starts to drain quickly or your gallons per mile increase dramatically, your battery is faulty. It is highly likely that your battery dies out even when your Prius is not in use.
Q-3: How Often should I Recondition my Toyota Prius Battery?
A-3: You need to perform the diy Toyota Prius reconditioning procedure at least once every 6 months. When you do so, you are automatically prolonging the shelf life of your battery.
Q-4: How to Lengthen the Battery Charge Time of My Prius?
A-4: Try and park your Toyota Prius in an enclosed garage. When the hybrid battery is stored in a cool and dry place, the chances of a speedy discharge is scant. Try and drive the car at least once every three days to maintain optimal charge levels.
Q-5: How Much do I Pay for a New Toyota Prius Battery?
A-5: The price of the battery is dependent on the make and model of your Prius. It can be as cheap as $800 and as expensive as $5900. On an average, you shall have to shell out $2600 for a new Prius battery. This is not inclusive of the hefty installation cost that comes with it.
Q-6: Why Should I Recondition my Prius’s Battery?
A-6: Well, for once, it extends the lifespan of your battery. The money you save is easily a couple of thousand dollars. Second, it leaves behind less carbon footprints. When you throw fewer batteries in the garbage can, you end up polluting the environment a little less.
Q-7: Can I Run my Prius after Dismantling the Gas Tank?
A-7: No, you cannot drive your Toyota Prius without a gas tank. While it is true that it can run without the fuel actively engaged, to get the best performance, you must have the gas tank assembled properly and full while driving.
Q-8: Is it Mandatory to Recharge My Toyota Hybrid Battery Everyday?
A-8: No, it is not mandatory to do so. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you recharge your battery in order to keep it in optimal working condition.
When your Prius’s battery is fully charged, the added pressure on your gasoline tank is reduced. This helps you save on your fuel related expenses.
Q-9: Does it Take Long to Recharge My Toyota Prius Battery?
A-9: Well, it does not take long to recharge the special hybrid battery present inside the car. In case you are at a charging station then, all it takes is a shade over 2 hours for a full charge.
If you re-charge your battery at home using an ordinary circuit then, it takes approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes to achieve a complete charge.
Q-10: What is so Special about Toyota Prius Car?
A-10: Well, this vehicle is a plug in hybrid. This in turn implies that it can run the car via electric current or gasoline. If you are regular with the recharge process then, you shall save your precious $$$ in fuel charges.
Q-11: Is there an On-board Charging Mechanism in a Prius Car?
A-11: Yes there is an on-board charger in the Prius. When you press the breaks the ‘regenerative breaking’ mechanism kicks in. This mechanism produces kinetic energy that helps push power back to your hybrid battery. The front wheels of the vehicle have a major role to play here.
Q-12: Can I Run the Prius even if the Battery has Dried Completely?
Yes, you certainly can. This is the advantage of having a hybrid engine. Moreover, you can drive the Prius until your gas tank runs out of fuel.
Q-13: Should I Charge My Toyota Hybrid using a 120 Volt or 240 Volt Charger?
A-13: It all depends on your convenience. Charging the hybrid battery quickly requires a 240 volt outlet. A normal charging can happen with a 120 volt outlet (which is present in homes). The time is 2 hours and 11 minutes for a fast charge and 5 hours and 35 minutes for a normal charge.
Q-14: Where do I Find the Charging Outlet in my Toyota Prius?
A-14: It is located in the rear end of your car. The right hand section of the quarter panel is where you can find it. Simply plug a Toyota approved charging cable to your household socket to recharge your vehicle.
Q-15: I do not have any Fuel in the Tank. Can I Still Drive my Prius?
A-15: Yes, you can certainly drive your Prius. Nonetheless, to ensure that your car performs optimally, always fill the gasoline tank before driving off.
Q-16: How is the Mileage of My Prius’s Battery Calculated?
A-16: Well, it is calculated in MPGe. This is similar to how you calculate miles per gallon in the case of a gasoline vehicle. So, your car shall return 132 MPGe (on an average).
Q-17: How many Miles can my Toyota Prius Cover in Electronic Mode?
A-17: As per the company, you can run the vehicle for 25 miles alone using the battery power.
Q-18: How Large is the Prius’s Battery?
A-18: If you talk about the dimensions then, the Prius’s battery is a 4 cylinder engine that is fortified with an 1.8 liter engine (Atkinson-Cycle). The battery is hybrid with a capacity of 8.8 kilowatts per hour. You can run the vehicle for 25 miles on battery power alone.
Q-19: How Can Me Driving a Toyota Prius make this World a Greener Place to Live in?
A-19: As I have mentioned above, the Prius is a hybrid vehicle. When you use this regularly then, you conserve the environment by restricting emissions. On an annual basis, (compared to a normal gasoline engine) a Prius saves 5000 pounds of carbon di-oxide emissions.
Conclusion
Toyota Prius Battery Reconditioning is vital as it not only saves money, it also helps save the environment. I also find the diy battery reconditioning concept to be a learning curve of sorts. You learn a new art. This makes you independent and able to fix your Prius’s battery on your own.
The technique of extending the life of your hybrid battery is super-easy. You do not need to be a technical expert to execute this task at home. You simply need to spare some time and be ready to get your hands dirty. The rest shall be as easy as taking a deep breath.
>>> Click Here to Learn How to Save $4000 By Reconditioning Your Toyota Prius Battery at Home <<<
References:
- https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/server/api/core/bitstreams/f3fcdd0f-3d8f-4bb9-9b0e-be152ba9e8bc/content