How to Check Prius Hybrid Battery Health – Easy Guidelines

Prius Hybrid Battery Checking

I know that you are probably thinking about how to check Prius hybrid battery health now whether it is possible to do something like this at all.

Of course, it is. If you have already decided on a modern car, you should get acquainted with the characteristics of the Prius hybrid battery itself.

Distinguishing the bad from the soothing battery, the way to replace it, step by step, will give freedom to beginners as well as weaker connoisseurs of the battery itself to do it next time by themselves.

The first thing that you should know is that the Prius hybrid battery is a truly new age thing that improved our life, not to mention protecting our environment.

Signs of a Bad Battery or Dying Battery

Signs of a Bad Battery or Dying Battery toyota corola

Based on the facts and statements of Toyota specialists, what can be said for sure is that the Pruis battery will last at least 8 years or more than 200.000 miles.

But when it comes to its end, definitely repairing a battery is a much more affordable option than replacing it. But, how should you know where is the time for that?

Here are some useful signs of a dying battery.

01. More frequent visits to the gas stations

Trying to be as economical as possible, most of us pay attention to both mileage and consumption. That is why it can be the most noticeable indicator that something can be wrong.

02. Abnormal engine operation

If the engine runs longer than normal, shuts down, or starts on its own, then we probably have another sign of a battery problem.

03. Battery charge information

When you notice significant differences in the reading of the battery charge status on the screen, this error is most often a symptom of a faulty battery.

How to Check Hybrid battery Life

04. Charging system problems

During its lifetime, the battery is charged and discharged at a certain constant speed. Any change is an alarm that may result in a battery failure.

This can be caused by corrosion, as well as various mechanical damage.

05. Battery overheating

Another thing to check before gripping other components is overheating, which usually happens during the summer when the interior of your car reaches extreme temperatures.

Provided the battery shows similar difficulties and even the Prius itself will still function somehow, it will be weaker and much less smooth.

Even if the car itself manages to start, there is a risk of it shutting down on the road. So if your Prius shows signs of a battery or power problem, there is an issue that should be solved.

If you’re experiencing issues with your Prius’ 12-volt battery, our previous article offers tips and solutions to help you address and prevent potential problems. 

How to Check Prius Hybrid Battery Health – Prius Hybrid Battery Checking Guideline

When you have done the hardest part – determine that the battery may be defective – follow the next guidelines to check your Prius battery by yourself.

From the beginning, it can look like a hard time job but following the instruction, it is easier than it looks. Let’s go explain step by step.

01. Affordable tools

To begin, it is necessary to buy or borrow the necessary tools. It is necessary to connect the phone (or any other device) and the car in order for the data to be visible at all.

We’re talking about an adapter called Bluetooth OBD2 adapter by the brand veepeak. For more details about this adapter watch the link below

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth 4.0 OBD II Scanner for iOS & Android

In addition to the adapter, you can also use an application that allows you to turn on or off certain features of the Prius, for which you need to pay a subscription of 20 USD.

This will help you make better use of the application, especially when you are handling the battery yourself.

02. Prius application

After that, is time for installing the free application named Dr. Prius. You can find it on Google Play Store and download it.

This was developed to help us examine the condition of the battery to know if it will stop working.

All consumers of this app could see data and if they do not know what it means, they can ask a question by sending an email to info@priusapp.

They will explain what does the numbers, shown on the screen, means. If you want first to try by yourself, check here.

03. Testing the battery

You need to start the car and let it warm up. Then do the opposite. Turn off the car to allow the engine to cool down. Press the shutter button and then the brake and gas together.

This drains the battery itself while the brakes prevent the car from reversing. While you are doing that it is important not to forget that the MOTOR MUST BE TURNED OFF as the battery is charging.

To avoid confusion, here are the rules for the test: when the engine is on, the gas must be turned off. When the engine is off, the gas must be on.

Hybrid battery health check 4-10 screenshot

04. Data analyzing

When it comes to a bad battery, the minimum and maximum values are close while the engine is running. But when it goes off, the voltages are divided.

There are about 7 divisions of  0.5 volts which represents a difference of 3.5 volts and that also drains the battery faster.

However, when it comes to a good battery, the minimum and maximum values ​​remain within 1/4 volt of each other throughout the discharge cycle.

This is quite different from the poor performance of the battery. Also, the discharge cycle itself takes much longer.

By discharging the battery we will be able to notice the difference between the minimum and maximum value while the battery itself is stressed.

Our website also provides expert advice on how to troubleshoot and resolve common display problems that may arise with your Toyota Prius. 

Charging of Prius Hybrid Battery

But can the Prius hybrid battery be fully discharged? If you are using it properly, no it cannot.

The plug-in hybrid version of the Prius represents the ability to charge the car even in your home. It takes 3 hours to charge. In fact, the process itself is extremely simple, just follow the next steps:

  • Plug the end of the original charging cable into an electrical outlet, allowing electricity to go directly to the battery itself.
  • Next, access the charging port on the vehicle. The charging port is located on the seat behind the driver. Then press the panel door to release and open it towards you.Next, remove the cover from the port on the left side of the panel, with the cover holder on the right side.
  • After that, remove the protective cover from the charger head and push it into the open port, where the charger head should snap, which means that the cable is connected correctly.
  • When the cable is connected, it is necessary to press the trigger with your thumb on the back of the charger head, which will turn on a small green light in the lower part of the charging board. This means that your car is actively charging. If nothing happens, it means that the charger is not connected properly. Try again slowly and carefully.
  • Wait for the battery to charge. The number of hours of charging depends on the voltage of the socket.

On newer Prius models, such as the Prius Prime, you can check the charging progress with the help of 3 flashing blue lights on the passenger side of the instrument panel, which need to be constantly lit in order to drive.

  • Finally, pull out the cable by pressing a small button on the charging board and dispose of it taking care not to damage it.

The new Prius hybrid battery performs the charging process while driving.

It never has to be switched on, because the system itself controls the charging of the battery and maintains it with the help of the power of the petrol engine and/or the power generated during braking or deceleration.

However, Prime Prius have built-in regenerative braking technology, which is a system of collecting wasted energy and converting it. It can be used while driving or immediately or left for later.

The true value of the Prius is recycled power, which allows the battery to be charged less frequently, thus extending its life.

Hybrid battery health check

Complications and Decisions Associated with Prius Hybrid Battery

Sadly, even the new age hybrid battery can make problems for which determine longevity, durability, and quality of performance.

The first most common problem is related to the state of charge of the battery itself with electricity in relation to its rated voltage.

It is important to know that there is a difference between the measured voltage of a battery and its capacity.

Another important problem may be the state of health of the battery, which shows the effectiveness of the battery in the medium or long term.

A hybrid battery can only work fully if all the cells and modules in it share both charging and discharging equally.

Every malfunction or irregularity in any cell has an equal and direct impact on the operation of the entire battery.

If a different voltage, resistance, temperature, or other parameter occurs in only one cell of the battery and it deviates from that in all other cells, the ability to charge/discharge the whole battery will be limited to that damaged cell. It is a form of protective measure.

There are many possible reasons for this, such as a production defect in the cells themselves or differences between cells than poor electrical connections between cells, abnormally high or low battery temperatures, etc.

Also, hybrid batteries are mostly weaker than standard ones, so they need to be replaced more often. Her life is not always trusty and she can cancel earlier.

This leads to the next fact-the replacement itself is expensive. Of course, you can repair it, but even then you need some tools and knowledge.

However, you can notice on time and not ignore the warnings to extend the life of your hybrid battery. Like the car itself, they have a warranty and need to be maintained.

The first thing when maintaining the battery is its temperature, which should not be too high, where the fan helps. In addition, regular maintenance of the car itself and its performance is required.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to do a health test on your battery when servicing your car.

FAQs

How do I know if my hybrid battery is healthy?

Here are some useful signs of a dying battery:

  • More frequent visits to the gas stations
  • Abnormal engine operation
  • Battery charge information
  • Charging system problems
  • Battery overheating

Is it worth replacing the hybrid batteries?

Whether or not it is worth replacing hybrid batteries depends on several factors, including the age and condition of the vehicle, the cost of the replacement battery, and the overall value of the vehicle. In some cases, replacing the hybrid battery can be a worthwhile investment that can extend the life of the vehicle and improve its performance and efficiency. In other cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the vehicle or to continue driving it with a degraded battery.

Can you still drive a Prius with a depleted battery?

If the hybrid battery breaks down, your Prius will still work, only it will have problems more often.

The car will still be able to be used, but with the lack of the necessarily available energy from the battery, which will be maintained on starting and extinguishing the car.

Can I replace a hybrid battery myself?

Replacing a hybrid battery is a complex and specialized process that requires technical knowledge and specialized equipment. As such, it is not recommended for most drivers to attempt to replace a hybrid battery themselves.

Hybrid batteries are typically located in the rear of the vehicle, and the replacement process involves disconnecting the battery, removing it from the vehicle, and installing a new battery. This process requires specialized tools and equipment, as well as knowledge of the vehicle’s electrical system and safety procedures.

In addition, hybrid batteries contain high-voltage components that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Attempting to replace a hybrid battery without proper training and equipment can be hazardous and can cause damage to the vehicle or injury to the person performing the replacement.

What is the price of the new hybrid battery?

The price of a new hybrid battery can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle and the type of battery being used. On average, a new hybrid battery can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or more.

The cost of the replacement battery can also vary depending on where it is purchased and who installs it. Dealerships and authorized service centers typically charge more for the battery and installation, while independent mechanics may be able to offer lower prices.

It is also important to consider the cost of labor when replacing a hybrid battery. The replacement process can be complex and time-consuming, and can require several hours of labor. The cost of labor can vary depending on the mechanic or service center and can add several hundred dollars or more to the total cost of the replacement.

How hybrid battery can be maintained?

hybrid battery

Maintaining a hybrid battery is essential for ensuring the long-term health and performance of your hybrid vehicle. Here are some tips for maintaining your hybrid battery:

  1. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide a recommended maintenance schedule for your hybrid battery. Follow this schedule to ensure that your battery is properly maintained and inspected regularly.
  2. Keep the battery clean: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the battery and interfere with its performance. Clean the battery regularly using a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
  3. Avoid extreme temperatures: Hybrid batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid exposing your battery to extreme heat or cold, and park your vehicle in a covered area or garage whenever possible.
  4. Drive regularly: Driving your vehicle regularly can help maintain the charge on your hybrid battery. If your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, consider using a trickle charger to maintain the battery charge.
  5. Avoid deep discharge: Deep discharge of the battery can cause damage and reduce its lifespan. Try to avoid letting the battery charge level fall below 20 percent whenever possible.
  6. Avoid overcharging: Overcharging the battery can also cause damage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging the battery, and avoid leaving the battery connected to the charger for extended periods of time.
  7. Monitor the battery performance: Pay attention to any warning lights or messages related to the battery, and have the battery inspected by a qualified mechanic if you notice any issues or changes in performance.

Conclusion

If you master all this information with ease and are not afraid to use it, you will be able to successfully maintain the health of your battery.

I hope that this knowledge and instructions will help every owner of a hybrid battery. Be sure to check out the videos on

YouTube where these topics are covered and there are separate videos about the various problems they are trying to solve.

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