One fact that goes unnoticed is that the Toyota Hybrid not only saves money on fuel but also cost less to maintain. The weakness is the HV battery.
The HV battery In the Toyota Hybrid was expected to last between 8 to 10 years. The HV battery in the series 1 hybrid manufactured between 1998 to 2000 are failing or have failed. The problem is that a replacement battery cost more than the car is worth.
The Battery Clinic is the only company that specialize in restoring and reconditioning these HV batteries and give them a new lease of life. We charge a fix fee of $1500 for this service.
Knowledge is power and we have had a few people bring in vehicles that they have bought for $2500 - $3000. We recondition the battery and they get a very good cheap vehicle for their commute.
This car still drives like new - very smooth and still gives the good fuel economy. At $5000 and the likelihood that the battery will last for another 5 years your cost of vehicle ownership is as low as it gets.
Our company owns 3 series hybrids for 3 years now and the only maintenance cost are the tyres, and oil. Because of regen from braking, brake pads do not wear out as fast.
Showing posts with label HV battery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HV battery. Show all posts
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hey Bro - It could be the 12 volt battery not the HV
Before you blame the HV battery in your hybrid vehicle, check out the 12 volt battery.
1) The dashboard lights up, the gear shift box shows, but when you turn the ignition key nothing happens. Sometimes you will see the dash dim and nothing happens.
2) The car starts but idiot light such as power steering etc shows but they still work and the vehicle seems to be working eratically.
Unlike normal petrol vehicles the 12 volt battery in the Toyota Prius Hybrid is not used to start the petrol engine. The problem here is that the 12 volt battery does not have enough charge to power the computers. Check the voltage of the 12 volt battery. It should be at least 12.5 volts.
If the battery is weak change it and presto - you are away again. This advise will probably save you some money as the local mechanic who may not know too much could charge you many hours to discover this problem or to not discover this problem!
1) The dashboard lights up, the gear shift box shows, but when you turn the ignition key nothing happens. Sometimes you will see the dash dim and nothing happens.
2) The car starts but idiot light such as power steering etc shows but they still work and the vehicle seems to be working eratically.
Unlike normal petrol vehicles the 12 volt battery in the Toyota Prius Hybrid is not used to start the petrol engine. The problem here is that the 12 volt battery does not have enough charge to power the computers. Check the voltage of the 12 volt battery. It should be at least 12.5 volts.
If the battery is weak change it and presto - you are away again. This advise will probably save you some money as the local mechanic who may not know too much could charge you many hours to discover this problem or to not discover this problem!
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