david7756

The most likely culprits in my guesswork are: (1) air conditioning condensation leading to moisture getting into high voltage electrical plugs or wiring, or (2) high pressure under-carriage car wash, which occurred the day before the car would not start for a while. Worst case (even worse than needing a new hybrid battery) would be ruined wiring inside the transaxle assembly. But if it were that worst case scenario, then why did the system reset itself and clear the error codes after a few days, without intervention?

megansdad

I guess I missed it. Where are the Hybrid battery filters? I know where the vent grilles are, but you're saying there is a filter element too? Where / how to get at? Thanks.

Clutchless

See this for info on the battery cooling fan filters and ductwork.

megansdad

Wow Clutchless that was PERFECT. I had no idea. Thank you!

MellonC00

I sold my car. It took a bit of fact finding mission to find out what exactly went wrong and what was really possible in term of fixing or replacing these batteries.

After my dealer gave me the 8k replacement estimate, I went to a pretty well known local hybrid shop just make sure the dealer wasn't making things up. As it turned out I did need a new battery. the cost there was similar at about 7k. When asked about used or rebuilt batteries, they said that they don't do that anymore as things have been unreliable. apparently there are no Toyota supplied used or remanufactured batteries. Once these guys die, you have to return the battery to the manufacturer. that is the policy (also checked other sources to confirm that is the case). So, officially, there are no "remanufactured" batteries out there. Oh, and, by the way, even with a new battery, the shop could only give me 12 month warranty.

I also checked Prius "specialists" around town. None of these people seemed reliable. I don't know where they get these used batteries but they said things like, "OK. let me send out a notice to my sources. I'll call back when I get a good one." I said it's not like I'm buying a kilo of something bad. don't you just call LKQ or Autozone or something????

financially it didn't make sense to keep the car. I still took a hit on the sale price because I disclosed my current problem but wasn't as bad as replacing the battery. One last thing, this car is not PZEV, which has the 150k mile battery warranty in CA. SULEV cars only get the 100K mile warranty in CA. the general info on various websites, do not make the distinction between the two and just tell you CA requires warranty up to 150K miles. that is incorrect.

Now seriously looking at a Lucid....

edit: here is my cost to drive this car (bought in 2016 as CPO)
depreciation including purchase tax from CA: about 330 per month or 25 cents per mile
repairs: $600
maintenance: $3400 including tires
accessories: $2000 including PPF and other completely unnecessary doodads.
Total cost per mile (not including insurance stuff and annual DMV extortion fee): 30.7 cents per mile

salimshah

Thank you for the update. Best of luck as you go forward.

I was hoping that other than a refurbished high voltage battery, there is an option to procure and swap out bad/weak cells. Maybe this is a temporary situation and that option becomes available again in future.

Salim

luckyJ

hi, flew out to purchase this car and drove back home 300 miles yesterday....my brother and mom both had Prius gen 3 and 4 hybrids so kinda got a feel for how they worked/drove...also leased a 2015 RX350 and really enjoyed driving the car (think the only maintenance done on the car was oil changes and front brake pads, after having driven it 45k miles)....I had purchased a Curt trailer hitch for it that I had to take off before returning the RX350 and stored it in my garage for the past 9 years thinking I could use it if I purchased another 3rd gen RX in the future....well that dream finally came true over the weekend....

so the dashboard is seriously lit up....the biggest issues are the hybrid battery and the ABS pump/actuator/module...

list of items to fix:

1) Hybrid battery - symptoms - fan is continuously on, check hybrid system light on dash, engine starts and runs but no battery assistance...
2) ABS brake pump/actuator/module - whining noise after engine shuts off...brakes work fine though
3) Transmission and transaxle oil change
4) Engine air filter/cabin air filter
5) Radiator Coolant flush
6) front struts and rear shocks (leaking)
7) driver's side HID bulb
8) engine hood shocks
9) lift gate shocks
10) front passenger seats (torn), just saw youtube video of swapping out the leather seat covers...OMG!
11) front and rear parking sensors (not working/beeping)
12) engine mounts (clunks a bit when stopping/starting)
13) chirping sound coming from rear of car

I was able to do an engine oil/filter change yesterday and fortunately wasn't able to see any kind of leaking underneath....so far so good

salimshah

Please list error codes?

Your list of items that needs to addressed are up-keep items, which may be needed or already performed by the previous owner. Yes to be safe, performing them again will not cause any harm.

But, to me, making the vehicle road worthy is paramount and there is little sense in performing maintenance at this stage. The vehicle must be determined to be viable. I would not simply make sure that all fluids are present and in drivable zone [above min and below max].

One you bring to a drivable sate, then create an ordered list with emphasis on safety [items like brakes, tires] go on the top and parking sensors & ripped seats at the bottom of the list.

Seems like you have a project vehicle on hand. I hope it does not become a money pit. But then real cost will be based on the price you paid and how much you spend to bring it up to an alternatively similar RX on the market.

Salim

PS: Check out the thinnest of the manuals in the glove box "maintenance and warranty". Check out the service items based on milage and time and bring your vehicle maintenance current.

luckyJ

Here are the codes to my Christmas light dash:

P0A80 Replace Hybrid/EV battery pack

P3013 Manufacturer Specific, Battery Block 3 becomes weak

C1391 Abnormal leak of ACC Press

salimshah

So what is the plan? New or used Traction battery bank or repair of bad cells? Have you looked at who sells what you want.

I would suggest wait for ACC/AC? Keep in mind if you have lost pressure for a while, you will need a new dryer.

Salim

luckyJ

ordered the ABS Brake Actuator Assembly and Fluid ($860) and Brake Booster Pump Assembly w/ Accumulator ($575) from Toyota Alabama last night...they were having a 25% off sale and the total was only a few hundred more than the refurbished units off Ebay so figured best to just buy new.

Also placed an order for a new battery from Ennocar in China. $2500 including shipping...expected arrival in 10 days.

Called around a few local hybrid repair shops and all wanted close to $4000 for a new unit installed.....so figured I just purchase on my own and do the install....at least get to learn about these things...need to make sure I get some safe gloves!

salimshah

In for a penny in for a pound approach. Keep us posted.

Salim

Masshybrid

I too have an issue with my 2013 Rx450h (180,000 miles) Check Hybrid AND Check Brake SYSTEM dashlights came on, I've searched high and low thru the forums for guidance but no luck. I thought buying a new refurbished hybrid battery would do it (which I did), but post battery install the lights came back on in 12 hours-so its not the battery. I took to dealer, they said I need a new battery/pack for $6500 (just spent $3000 on the refurbished battery). I'm having battery company come back out, but my concern is that there is a separate issue causing the hybrid system to switch off and the dashlights to come on. Car REVS very loudly but still drives, and brakes work fine. Any suggestions on what else to troubleshoot, and/or replace? Also, anyone know any hybrid expert mechanics/shops in Eastern Massachusetts? My local guys wouldn't touch it. Thanks (error code when I went to dealer was POA80, they also said I need to have my timing cover replaced, and because of these 2 big ticket items wouldn't take the car on trade-which sadly is beautiful/spotless inside and out, but wont pass the state inspection with the error lights on!)

salimshah

See if you can convince some one who fixes Prius hybrid vehicles.

I have heard of better hybrid battery test app ??? Prius App. That should be able to get you more info.

Also please verify that you will not pass emission test. Without hybrid working the vehicle should pass emission test. Please let me know if my understanding is wrong.

Salim

Masshybrid

Originally it didn't pass emissions test because I hadn't driven it enough to flush the emissions unbeknownst to me, but now it wont pass because the dashlights are on. In theory I could reset them, but they likely will come right back on yes?