Traditional Toyota Prius NiMh batteries (non-prime, non PHEV) are an essential component of the hybrid powertrain, and their failure can be a major inconvenience for drivers. In this post, we'll discuss some common causes of Toyota Prius battery failure and what you can do to prevent them.
One common cause of Toyota Prius battery failure is simply age. Over time, the battery cells can wear out and lose their ability to hold a charge. There's not much you can do to prevent this type of battery failure beyond reconditioning the battery every so often to maintain a proper balance and restore a little capacity, but it's important to be aware that it can happen.
Another cause of Toyota Prius battery failure is improper maintenance. It's important to keep the battery itself clean and free of corrosion, as well as to ensure that it is charged (vehicle driven) regularly. If you allow the battery to become too discharged (sitting for very extended periods of time without starting or driving the vehicle), individual cells within the 7.2 volt modules will begin to drop below their tolerance thresholds, resulting in a dead cell. Beyond this, excessive corrosion can make its way towards the battery smart unit (BMS), short the voltage sensor circuits, inevitably sending 200+ volts straight to the battery frame in extreme scenarios.
A third cause of Toyota Prius battery failure is exposure to extreme temperatures. Both hot and cold temperatures can be hard on hybrid vehicle batteries, and the Toyota Prius battery is no exception. It's critical to maintain the cleanliness of the battery blower fans and their filters in order to allow proper air flow for cooling and temperature regulation. However, one major benefit of having a NiMh hybrid battery is that it can handle colder temperatures for extended periods of time better than some lithium based platforms, such as LiPo hybrid batteries.
Finally, a fourth cause of Toyota Prius battery failure is simply a manufacturing defect. While this is relatively rare, it is possible for a battery to fail due to a problem with the way it was assembled, or a premature cell failure. If you suspect that this may be the cause of your battery failure, it's important to contact Toyota or a certified Toyota dealership as soon as possible.
In conclusion, there are several common causes of Toyota Prius battery failure, including age, improper maintenance, exposure to extreme temperatures, and manufacturing defects. By understanding these causes and taking steps to prevent them, you can help ensure that your Toyota Prius battery stays in good working order for as long as possible.
If you are having trouble with your Toyota Prius hybrid battery, contact Evergreen Auto Solutions. We can help!