Here's Why You SHOULD Replace the Battery on Your 2nd Generation Toyota Prius

[@spiritualwartv]

I just bought this car today 2/29/24 with 224,000 miles on it

[@alaxt.6215]

How's it been so far?

[@hallmonitor98]

how much was it?

[@the.batmann]

I don't own a Prius, but stayed and loved the video! You're an amazing speaker, and I hope your Prius continues to serve you well!

[@americanchallenger]

Thanks so much!!

[@gedocowboy8484]

I finally bought a Gen 2 a couple years ago after hating them for a long time. I have a couple v8s and gas prices in California become ridiculous. It was wrecked bad by the previous owner and I put it back together. After driving for about a year I replaced bad cells a couple times and now can do it quickly and easily. I tried to sell it a few months ago then somebody stole the cat. Kinda glad they did because I didn’t really want to sell it. Now it’s on jackstands waiting for me to put on a new cat. It’s on its way so hopefully it’ll be back on the road soon. I think this old thing is a keeper.

[@johnlomax2502]

🙏You made the right decision. I recently bought a second generation and I couldn't be more in love with it. The car is twelve years old, and runs like a top. I've already decided that when my battery does go out, I'm just going to spend the $ and get a new one. ✨💎⚡

[@akc9267]

I want one too, but I’m so scared that I don’t know what to look for in a used one.

[@krissm3851]

just the hybrid battery make sure its not dead, it should last 250,000 , if you got one thats not dead make sure you have enough money saved for one just in case in any circumstances, also make sure its the original miles you can check with carfax, make an account and put the license number for the car your looking to buy, most of the time the miles are original. also if its not registered there’s a reason, wont pass smog or emissions (mom told me that) if you do buy a unregistered car make sure seller has smog in hand and title, (check dmv for registration fees, you dont want to pay $700)

[@Frusie]

a 2011 prius isn’t 2nd Gen?

[@seeingisbelieving879]

​@@Frusienope thats 3rd gen

[@Frusie]

@@seeingisbelieving879 that’s what I said.

[@miltonhayek2494]

Loved hearing about your emotional connection with the car. It's funny how that works. My wife actually cried when we sold her Freestyle. It had 350K on it. We just bought the Prius Gen 5. Loving it so far.

[@Scriptshepherd]

I've driven many miles and deliveries in one that looked just like that. Thing is a workhorse, except when someone stole my catalytic converter. Great video and audio by the way. Keep it up.

[@ThePdidy10]

Dude love the hype about how you fixed the Prius after the first time you pressed the button! Way to go!

[@SlickDiecast]

Just bought a second gen and will be replacing the hybrid battery. I was on the fence about going aftermarket or OEM, but thanks to your video, I will be going OEM!

[@anoldtexta8]

I'm interested in buying one with a bad battery, how was the process and the price?

[@ericvando]

I recently got a used 2022 Sienna battery for $800 and swapped out the cells into my Prius. It's only a few hour job and saved a lot.

[@whatsit2ya247]

Interesting! I didn't know that was a thing you could do, same type and size as original? Thanks!

[@ericvando]

@@whatsit2ya247 Yes! Looks slightly different but fit and function the same.

[@raymiller3359]

Good video, I have a 2006. I replaced with a lithium ion. Fantastic, was easy and a year into it all is good. 50 mpg no problem.

[@whatsit2ya247]

Good to hear you're liking it! I was thinking about going that direction when the time comes, not sure what the deal is with it always being out of stock?

[@cityinthesky1341]

Your other video convinced me to buy a Prius! I love my second-generation Prius!!

[@americanchallenger]

Awesome! Glad to hear you are happy with the purchase.

[@Spikedgriffon]

Also make sure the vent and fan cooling the hybrid battery are clean, extends battery life and easy to do

[@bladerunner1458]

Thanks for the video and information and you do it and self advice. In love with my reliable Generation 2, 2008 Prius, with 170,000 miles. It was only 25K, new in 10/2007. Most think it’s new since it’s garage kept with my custom front and rear running lights. Perhaps garage kept helps the original battery last longer due to less corrosion on the hybrid battery connections? The HID headlights failed but replaced them myself without taking the bumper off by feeling my way with my hand. They are much brighter than the originals. Replace the 12V battery twice. New water pump. New left front bearing. New PVC valve. Cleaned hybrid battery fan with added cleanable filter screen at air intake. Went 90K with the energy saver Defender Michelin tires and replaced them with the regular Defender Michelin tires. Loss a few miles per gallon but handles better and a softer ride maybe due to new thread. The Prius is used for long trips only with an average mileage of 50+ MPG. Short trips are by bike, feet and public transit all year. It’s a beautiful sports car Barcelona RED. Good sleeping camping car with a 6’ bed with great cargo capacity. Adding a portable inverter makes a 115 Volt generator for back up efficient home power with the on and off cycle of the engine. The Princess Prius is a tough survivor like the princess cat in the movie “The Incredible Journey”. The beautiful large dash display is ahead of its time with sharp graphics like a space ship. Ran out of gas, and a whole dashboard lit up including the triangle of death (indicates serious malfunction - do something now!). Fortunately filled up 1/2 mile away before the battery became too low. Never again!! It’s an adventure reliable stealth vehicle that slips through the air quietly! The best smooth styling of all the model years. Definitely a incognito James Bond vehicle with secret abilities never to be underestimated. So watch out!!! Soon it will become a classic antique with appreciating value.

[@kbooger20]

I have a 2nd gen Prius. Dealership quoted me at $3500 so I bought a refurbished one $850 from a guy that installed it in about 15 minutes. Mine is now 19 years old, even 5 more years would be crazy to squeeze out of it.

[@pokemonBaller]

where did you buy it from?

[@riceburner4747]

I DO own a Prius, a gen 4. Great video & philosophy. Run it until the wheels fall off, especially with car prices! U KNEW your car & what was done on it. I did that w/my 97 Camry except it rusted out (live in rust belt) or I'd STILL be driving it. It gad 265,000 miles & ran like a top! I sub'd & 👍'd. Nicely done young man! ✊🖖🇺🇸

[@jessica_fletcherova]

not to be rude but how does living in the rust belt have anything to do with your car rusting out? :)

[@TherapyGel]

For what its worth, we replaced ours with GreenBean last year and with the lifetime warranty added it was still cheaper than an OEM battery. Additionally, the technician will come to you and take the old battery with them. Longevity remains to be seen, but we've had no issues so far and the difference in oerformance from a fresh battery is noticeable. Just my two cents, GreenBean has worked out great for us so far.

[@americanchallenger]

Plenty of people go with the green been replacement battery and have success. Then again many people will only keep their Prius for 5 years and then move onto something else. It is not surprising to me that your green been has held up great for a year. However, the original OEM battery lasted for over 18 years on my Prius. If you want that level of longevity, going with a Toyota product is the way to go.

[@TherapyGel]

@@americanchallenger Oh for sure. We've got two other 2nd gens still on their original batteries. The OEM batteries are definitely the safest bet. We've gotten curious though about some Lithium Ion replacements for those once they bite the dust. There's a company called Nexcell that's done some interesting work in that regard. They allege a significant boost in fuel efficiency by switching to a Lithium Ion pouch cell battery, for the same price as an OEM battery. Higher peak amps, more efficient charging, higher capacity, etc. Might try that out in one of ours just to see if the upgrade is worthwhile.

[@holylabs]

@@TherapyGelthats exactly the company I decided to go with. Currently on October’s waiting list for the v2 second version. Supposed to help with lifespan in very cold weather and corrosion.

[@whatsit2ya247]

​@@holylabs curious if you ever got that lithium battery installed, seeing their always out of stock? And if so how are you liking it? Was it a simple swap, improved mpg, etc? Thanks!

[@holylabs]

@@whatsit2ya247 I would have loved to have tried it. It was in stalk when I was in the market but the closest shop that was familiar with installing it was a few states away. There was no way I would have my car towed that far :/ I will definitely be buying one for my fleet in CA since they have a bunch of install shops in that area.

[@emildiver]

great choice ! Here in Spain, i recently got a quote from Toyota dealer of 2,000 € for a full replacement. I don't have to do anything. But: i just tested my battery doing a range test with EV mode. I get 2.2 km, with battery not full. In the manual, it says 2km with full battery. So my HV battery seems to be OK. PII from 2008 with 87k km.

[@kirtishah8261]

❤ Please share pictures or videos of swapping ECU from old to new battery, your tips and guidance TIA

[@Jay-wc5qd]

You're a great presenter man keep it up

[@EvzenKovar-i5p]

I’ve had some cool convos with bison shepards in my Prius. They say the same thing you say about not being able to replace it for anywhere near the cost of the hybrid battery.

[@EugWanker]

I was wondering, at how many miles/km did the battery fail? I don't remember you mentioning that in the video. BTW, I had one of these 2004s, but it got rear-ended in 2015 so I bought a used Plug-In then, which I'm still driving. However, the one that turned the most heads was the Prius I bought in 2001. Those were truly rare.

[@DaDaDanceProject]

I am thinking about going OEM also. Could you have perhaps move the cells instead of the ECU?

[@warrendupuyphotosvideos8540]

Toyota quoted me 4500$ for the change of the hybrid battery here in France. On my 2007 prius. They would do the instal themselves but I thought they were inflating the price what do you think? Started dismantling the battery myself now and will attempt testing the different cells and replacing faulty ones and such.

[@camposvazquez]

Use torque pro to find faulty cells

[@careytreesh4583]

Have you added an aftermarket remote start car alarm?

[@Ari-us8gt]

Currently going through a Similar thing and I also live in New Jersey. What Toyota dealership did you go to?

[@timwilder9119]

How many miles did it have on it when the battery failed? My 2007 Prius had a battery failure at 109K miles.

[@TheGracieVshow]

Thanks for your video. I'm thinking about buying a 2007 Touring, 179K miles, Leather, Nav, New Hybrid Battery 2020. looks pretty good inside/outside, the seller is asking $7,300 - What do you think?

[@americanchallenger]

If the vehicle has been well maintained it could serve you very well. The price seems slightly high for that mileage though. I would see if you could get it for $5 to $6k

[@cesars8186]

2015 Prius C, 12v battery 8 years. How much can they go?

[@harashiSAN]

I have a 2007 Prius the same color as the one in your video.. 94,000 miles in I got the red triangle battery of death for about a week, It started limping last night, driving up steeper hills it only gets up to 20mph, flat road top speed is 40 mph... Autozone showed me the $300 battery (which I feel must be the most expensive battery in any Toyota) I could not afford, so a "jump pack" jolted up the battery enough to limp home with slightly better performance... alas the battery has drained out again already... If Uber is more than $15.00 for a ride to work at 4Am I'll just take the bus ($15 is still too damn much for one ride).... I haven't ridden the public trasit bus since High school times...

[@JamesCampbell-c7n]

Did you get a code or red triangle? Mine is staying in the lower two bars and has no power like you mentioned but the only code I have is for a o2 sensor. Mines a 2008 with 344k. Idk what’s wrong with it, I was fine a week ago.

[@sguploads9601]

amazing video for a guy with 800 subscribers

[@mrperfectjohn5]

you gained a subscriber from Baltimore❤😊

[@1981windsor]

Mine has 220,000 and have had it since 160,000. What is your experience with the inverter coolant pump i think its called? Idk how old the coolant and water pump is and wondering if anyone has any warning signs on when its a good idea to change all that.

[@HowtoRestoreHeadlights]

It’s not difficult to swap out and is great preventative maintenance

[@dima3401]

My connection was rusted a bit becuase the car was form a state where they use salt on the winter roads. I started to take it apart and found all I needed was to clean the connection , but the pump was already out so I changed it. You'll get a check engine code here and there. Or just one that won't go away. It's an easy job

[@sleekitwan]

Yes, apparently it’s about 3 to 5 years is as long as the pink stuff lasts before going acidic? That’s what kills internal heater matrix/radiator etc.

[@kayaking_camping]

Coolant should be reemplace every 50k miles or 5 years suggested by Toyota

[@sguploads9601]

i was drivivng with it failing for 4 months

[@PilatesByLu]

Great video! Fun, informative and helpful.

[@shadygrizzly]

I'm thinking about buying an 08 prius with 82,000 miles for 9500 don't know much about hybrids is this a good deal and also how do you go about cleaning the battery fans?

[@kerrysmith7598]

hi, I'm in Australia, I bought an 08 last September for $ 6600 USD with 91300 miles on it. I filled it from half tank 2 weeks ago. just filled it up very embarrassing to hand over $2.50. best car I've ever owned, but bear in mind nothing is worth more than you are prepared to pay for it. do your research, and I guarantee you will be happy with whatever you pay for your car, whatever you choose.

[@americanchallenger]

I would recommend getting it checked out by a local shop knowledgeable about these vehicles. Sounds like it could be a smart purchase if the car has been well cared for.

[@shadygrizzly]

@@americanchallenger would taking it to a Toyota dealership be the best option for them to take a look at it? The cars at a dealership about an hour from my house I checked it out yesterday an it was very nice drove perfect only thing that worries me is the hybrid battery failing and if has a fair amount of rust on the rear on both of the metals that are behind the rear tires that hold the brake calipers

[@jaurequi25]

I noticed it only has 137k miles. Low miles for the hybrid battery to failed😮

[@DevinDavidson18]

No kidding my 2009 with 195,000 still kicking it in good health

[@carmenceballos3397]

How does it work on very hot days? Can you use the air conditioner?

[@americanchallenger]

Yes. Haven't had any issues in AZ summer

[@allentam7747]

Is the red triangle of death out when you are making your way home 3000 miles away

[@americanchallenger]

@@allentam7747 no it did not appear until I got home, but I was experiencing symptoms of battery failure

[@ittaisopher7118]

great video, love my pri

[@ittaisopher7118]

bison shepherd im ded

[@americanchallenger]

@@ittaisopher7118 😂🤣

[@RogerPack]

Was it in limp mode when you driove home? Usually only a few modules die wonder what was going on with yours...

[@americanchallenger]

Probably what you're describing, once modules are lost, the battery and computer will not function properly

[@tonycavez]

maybe in your area , my sister bought a new prius gen 1 in 2000

[@bevo2985]

Thanks for the vid!

[@rayjones463]

dude their are only 2 wires that are not in a molex connector its a no brainer i just replaced my hv battey with a refurbed battery just to see if im going to like this cari live in the heart of the rust belt so this prius will be in the scrap yard from rust in the next 5-7 years...ps its working very well by the way...

[@stevepope5484]

Is the Harriss car Just the commonality /wholelisticly sneaking. Mines an 07

[@Spikedgriffon]

If my battery starts to go bad, I’m going to replace the cells in the battery bank that test low.

[@Peter-Du]

Thanks a ton.

[@LiLDiddee]

I can't imagine why the HV battery cooling fan might be dirty or clogged in your car? ;-) Btw - they now make a filter for that fan's inlet

[@americanchallenger]

😂😂. A well used prius

[@calmsine7767]

Green bean has a lifetime warranty, better to get that

[@MrPicoli]

You did a huge mistake going oem. It's more than a decade old technologie. Paying the same price is a rip off...

[@americanchallenger]

putting new technology in a decades old car is not a good idea either. Best not to fixate on those facts, but rather what the car was designed to work with and what will guarantee the best longevity moving forward, even if it comes at a premium.

[@nicholasanello4578]

Wait a sec, when you say "new oem battery" for $1900 after core return. At the dealership? If I'm understanding correctly? Are you talking new or "new" as in remanufactured? Cuz at least five years ago when both my parents needed to re place their 2005 hv batteries, I believe they were quoted $3500 for a remanufactured one from the dealership with (I believe) at most a one year warranty, if anything... Basically, could you clear up the condition/price/etc info, and I suppose, which dealership you purchased this from? Also, as I'm new to the channel, this video was posted 5 months ago, but you're talking about a swap that happened in the past. When exactly did the swap/purchase of the battery occur, as that might affect the relevant historical pricing info....

[@jaurequi25]

​@nicholasanello4578 I was quoted $3,738 tax included here in AZ for a hybrid battery, but they they didn't specified if the battery was new or rebuilt. Also they never said anything about the core. I decided to wait. Money is tight now.

[@whatsit2ya247]

I was wondering that myself, no way in hell a dealership is going to put a brand new OEM battery in for $1900!

[@young-lifer2]

My dealership quoted me $1900 for 08 hybrid battery (core for 1300). I never thought to ask if it was new or refurb because I assumed it would be new. They also quoted me a total cost of 6-7k for them to do the work.

[@CudavidO1123]

It's a hard decision to put $1,900 into a car that might only be worth $4,000. Obviously you want to hang onto it. But then have you seen the new, sporty Prius models?? You could've traded the '04 in for a new one and suddenly have a car that girls will like.

[@americanchallenger]

Not when you consider the cost of a new car. A new Prius at the minimum is a ~$23k cars, and I can guarantee you not many girls would be very impressed with it haha. You'd be hard pressed to find a car capable of going another 150k miles for $1900, and also get 45 mpg.

[@sleekitwan]

First, thanks for sharing your experience! Second, yours is probably a bit like our youngest daughter’s. Did you get friends of yours telling you what a POS the car was, and making jokes about it, then the inevitable day comes, they desperately need a lift somewhere, and guess whose car’s still available, working, and doesn’t cost the Earth to drive a few miles?! It’s unbelievable! Question: nobody really talks about what happens when the traction battery is failing…I take it, the bars of energy are ‘absolute’, same as the fuel gauge, so when your HV battery is dying, you end up with never getting higher than say half the bars? IE NOT like Apple devices, where the ‘100%’ of battery capacity after say, 5 years, is actually describing a ‘new standard’ of about 2/3 battery capacity, the 100% capacity is a slowly decaying amount. In the end, you’ve got 100% of a fifth of the battery, no, I know the message suddenly changes to ‘battery service required’ or similar eventually. FYI my car has slowly increased the amount of bars it will fill up to, over the 4 months of ownership for me (gen 3 Prius). I think it was sat around for a while, and it seems the battery cells are in a good enough state to recover to decent working capacity. Not saying this always happens, but it’s definitely better, and the only other aspect changing, is of course, the weather has been warming up for the Northern hemisphere (UK). Take care all, and thanks again for the insight.

[@americanchallenger]

The battery level on the screen will actually fluctuate more rapidly. It will often display a full charge after just travelling down a short hill, or completely empty after merging onto the highway. This is because the cells are not longer capable of effectively storing and using the energy.

[@stevepope5484]

1900 wont get a oem battery.

[@FWDSlip]

miles?

[@americanchallenger]

138k. 19 years old

[@HowtoRestoreHeadlights]

@@americanchallengerholy cow! That’s stupid low

[@sguploads9601]

i have 125k@@HowtoRestoreHeadlights

[@mirandastehr]

how cute is this

[@thomasK411]

Anyone here like prius but youre not a liberal? Trump2024

[@TrustGodsmoney]

Not a liberal, just saving money to buy more pew pews 😉

[@thomasK411]

@@TrustGodsmoney yeah buddy !!!! Same here man

[@MilesTGabourel]

My greatest regret in live is voting for Biden. 🤦🏽‍♂️ Trump 2024

[@thomasK411]

@MilesTGabourel I'm surprised you didn't vote for trump the first time around. But hey glad you came around and everyone makes mistakes. You're on the right team now, team save our country

[@MattBushRS]

@@TrustGodsmoneythat needs to be a bumper sticker lol

[@lilmsgs]

Wow, that car is filthy

[@americanchallenger]

Yup