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Toyota Prius Interior & Passenger Comfort Issues

43 messages,  Last post on Mar 27, 2008 at 7:30 AM

You are in the Toyota Prius Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Interior

Messages Page 4 of 5

#24 of 43 Battery Failure? by curtler

Dec 09, 2007 (8:23 pm)

I read a review of the Prius in the New York Times that claimed the Prius' battery will fail if it is driven at highway speeds for long distances -- because it needs to decelerate or brake to charge the hybrid battery. Has anyone experienced this or is it hockum?

#25 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [curtler] by pathstar1

Dec 09, 2007 (9:04 pm)

Replying to: curtler (Dec 09, 2007 8:23 pm)
Well, define "long distances". If you drive say, 500,000 mi. it may fail (though we don't know exactly how far it can go before it becomes unreliable - we're not there yet. So far taxi's have surpassed 300,000 km). My battery does just fine on trips to the west coast on the highway. That's 1200 km each way.
 
The "traction battery" is used by the system constantly while on the highway. It is charged and discharged cyclically as needed to operate the vehicle. When on the highway or at any other time, the engine charges the battery. Braking "regeneration" can occur at any speed, but it's primary function is not to charge the battery or keep the battery charged, it is to recover energy that would normally be lost. This energy is stored in the battery, but it's not the main source of battery charging.
 
Hockum! I guess the days of the New York Times being a reputable newspaper are numbered!

#26 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [curtler] by foxwalker

Dec 10, 2007 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: curtler (Dec 09, 2007 8:23 pm)
Have you ever driven on the highway without decelerating? After reading many reviews and owner reports, the battery failing would be way down on the list as an issue. also remember the Warranty.
 
   "Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Owner’s Warranty Information booklet for details." - I doubt that Toyota would provide this long of a warranty if they believed that battery failure was a problem.
 
Back on TOPIC - Does anyone have any suggestions or comments on the actual topic of this post? I would really like some input.
 
Thank you!

#27 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [pathstar1] by clarkkent

Dec 17, 2007 (9:10 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Dec 09, 2007 9:04 pm)
500,000 are you kidding. There is no Prius made that will go anywhere near 500,000 miles. The batteries (if used correctly will never last that long, nor will the motors, either one of them.

#28 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [clarkkent] by foxwalker

Dec 19, 2007 (9:44 am)

Replying to: clarkkent (Dec 17, 2007 9:10 pm)
I think it is funny you would light on that figure (500,000) and only include Prius. How about any car?
 
Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org/) says the average life expectancy of a new vehicle these days is around 8 years or 150,000 miles. Of course, some well-built vehicles can go 15 years and 300,000, if properly maintained.
 
Since Prius owners have reported that they have supposed 150,000 miles and consumer reports gives it excellent reliability ratings I would believe the battery thing to be a moot point.

#29 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [foxwalker] by stevedebi

Dec 21, 2007 (5:12 pm)

Replying to: foxwalker (Dec 19, 2007 9:44 am)
"Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org/) says the average life expectancy of a new vehicle these days is around 8 years or 150,000 miles. Of course, some well-built vehicles can go 15 years and 300,000, if properly maintained."
 
Sorry to hear about new vehicles. I'm still driving a 1987 Corolla daily. Turned 20 this past April.

#30 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [stevedebi] by foxwalker

Dec 22, 2007 (8:29 am)

Replying to: stevedebi (Dec 21, 2007 5:12 pm)
I retired my 1990 Corolla last year with 234,000 miles on it. That's why I had to break down and get the Prius. Glad to hear you beat the curve.

#31 of 43 Re: Climate Control Issue that drives me crazy! [foxwalker] by chadx

Feb 20, 2008 (9:43 am)

Replying to: foxwalker (Dec 06, 2007 7:20 pm)
Back to the topic of this thread...
 
Some climate control systems only allow recirculating the air for a limited time if you are on any other vent position besides defrost-only. Try running recirculate on defrost-only mode and see if it remains on. If so, experiment again by trying recirculate on floor, upper vent, or any combination mode and see if it flips back to fresh-air mode after a certain amount of time. That would explain it. My vehicle does this (though it's not a hybrid and is not a toyota). Let us know what you find out.

#32 of 43 Re: Climate Control Issue that drives me crazy! [chadx] by railroadjames

Feb 20, 2008 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: chadx (Feb 20, 2008 9:43 am)
Is this really a problem? I have 75K on an "04 Prius and have not had the problem exist in the way you describe. I have noticed the Air come on unexpectedly from time to time though. By the way, I've never had a car that has exceeded my expectations quite like the Prius. After over 50 cars I can easily say...."WOW!!" I've sold others on the great qualities of this amazing "green" car. Five of my friends have taken the plunge and have had no disappointments. The Prius seems to infect others like it did me over 4 yrs ago. Simply an outstanding "Hybrid."

#33 of 43 Re: Battery Failure? [curtler] by whitey9

Apr 10, 2009 (11:33 am)

Replying to: curtler (Dec 09, 2007 8:23 pm)
Sounds like BS to me. Maybe I should be more concerned about monkees flying out of my butt.

Messages Page 4 of 5

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