The good thing is that you are becoming a Prius guru :) After watching you removing the hybrid battery, I have a question. How is the battery cooled? Is it air only? If so where do the air vents go? I hear about cleaning the battery cooling fan did you do that?
I always loved the look of the gen 1, and if you modify the backrest to remove the bottom bolts for the seat back, the seats the fold or remove and it was my go to car for home depot runs. I can hold an insane amount of stuff. Then if you remove the seat bottom as well, the vertical height available is madness. I once put a fireplace, mantle and all in it completely and it fit!!! Could not believe it. Great little car, but expensive to maintain long term. Very expensive.
Hey man, thanks for all this. I'm about to buy a 2001 Gen 1 with 230,00 miles on it, but has an engine that only has 130,000 miles due to a fluke engine failure. The battery pack was replaced 7 years ago, but has only been driven 15,000 miles in those 7 years by a man whose health declined, and who I am buying it from. I know these cars are notorious for "parasitic draining" of the 12v and HV batteries by the computer to run the car's alarm system (especially when the car sits for 2+ weeks), and whatever else. However, we're finding that the car won't start after a day or so of driving after bringing it back to life. On my first drive, the car wouldn't "go" after 5-10 minutes, and I think it's because the HV batteries were completely depleted. That problem has now gone away (and it seems like they're holding a charge), but the car still won't start up unless we jump the 12v. It worked for a few days, and now back to jumping it with a little battery pack. It could be that the 12v is now bad because it sat in deep discharge for too long. But it seems like there is some electrical relay pulling too much power from it, recreating this problem again and again. Do you have any insight into this? Is there a way to disconnect the alarm system to see if that fixes this? Or is it something else? Also, are the batteries toast for sitting discharged for long stretches of time? I should probably get them checked out.... thanks for any insight you can offer on this!
Mine does the same thing after sitting a few weeks. I keep a cheaper spare battery in the back and just jump it and it recharges while I'm driving. It sounds like you got a good car otherwise!
@@thecollegepicker Thanks for the response man. I really appreciate it. I'm currently testing to see if the 12v is wiped from being deeply discharged for so long, and exacerbating an otherwise normal problem with the car, like you mentioned. When I get the car inspected, at 230,000 miles, is there anything I should look for in particular with the Gen 1? Like the transmission? How often do those go out at high mileage? Are there any resources around preventing it, and seeing the signs before it happens? Thanks again for any help you can offer!
Man you should really get a Hybrid Automotive voltage-balancing charger. This isn't a plug _(ha)_ but replaced cells on their own can still fall out of balance. Two or four modules aren't going to be a sufficient fix for what's essentially a costly project/investment. These kits perform 2 to 4 cycles balancing the voltages on all cells, and this can be done once every 3 or 6 months. It's maintenance .
That sounds like a dream tool 🥰 I've read that whack a mole can work for a temp fix and that was the goal. Try to get it fixed on the cheap and document it. Well I failed that one with not putting the service plug in and clicking it down all the way 🤣🙏🙏
I have only manually rebalanced and rebuilt packs as needed. The idea of the Prolong seems good if you're not fond of going into your traction battery and taking it apart. You can honestly build one that trickle-charges each module to full capacity to the same quality if not better than hybrid automotives.
Oh Dude! You were sooooo close to getting it right the first time! The second reading of the Dr Prius screen looked pretty damn good to me, even better than my cells are! I really wish you had contacted me first. LoL It looks like you traded in a fairly good pack for a slightly better one and spent another $1200 to boot. You got me laughing in a sad way now! ;-) FYI Gen 1.5 and Gen1 cells are totally compatible, so no worries there. Also the "smurf blue goo" is potassium hydroxide, very poisonous, dont eat any, wash your hands good after working on cells too. Trivia FYI, Old Gen 1 cells had a big problem with the seals around the terminal studs and leaking vapor and so that explains the corrosion you saw. You cleaned it up great though! Vinegar is exactly what is needed since it is a mild acid ph and potassium has a base ph. The anti corrosion paste afterwards is a nice touch but not really necessary. Torque the nuts to 3 Ft (that is THREE) Pounds! Barely more than snug. More than this will strip them. More trivia: On the first Dr P read you saw a couple yellow spikes, that went low again quickly. This is caused by cells (the ones that leaked/low state of charge, 6.xV I think) losing charge quickly due to the electrolyte having leaked out (all over the terminals and case probably.) The spike with the dark green tint is actually a very good module! No need to replace that one. BTW The pack weighs in at about 200 pounds and so you my friend are a lot stronger (and crazier) lifting it than I thought, and in shorts and your "safety sandals!" wooo. BTW the pack generally leaves the car by way of the rear doors, not the trunk. A two man job. And you were sweating in Feb? I hate you, it is cold here 30F ! ;-P Also BTW I was curious about your incident with the little orange lever so I tried that on my Prius and damn if you are not right! It throws one of the "special Toyota mystery codes!" You need a specific type of OBD2 reader to see what it is. The cheapies like most everyone owns just says there is "no code present" even though it is clearly showing an error in the dashboard! Toyotas!! pa-tooie! Awesome Video tutorial. Sort of a what to do and not to do. it makes for entertaining viewing for sure. Anyway I am happy you are happy. Also Jack, the author of the Dr Prius app, wanted to hook up with you. I thought you were in LA where he is but now I learn you are in Tampa. So probably a no-go for Jack since he is in LA. Good to know you are alive and well too! Check out the other Prius video you made, I wrote up some new tings there about my car project.
Can you advise should you keep the gen 2 cells together when changing a cell or can you put in gen 2 cell anywhere in the block when changing the cell in gen 1? Hope that makes sense
@@franky19833 NEVER mix Gen1 modules with Gen2 modules!! You can however replace a Gen1 module with a Gen1.5 module. The Gen1.5 is a slightly improved vers of the Gen1 module. The difference between a Gen2 and a Gen1 module is the physical size. The terminals do not line up right and so make a very weak connect and possibly start a FIRE! You can also replace all your Gen1 modules with Gen2's. But from what I have been reading this is NOT recommended either since the capacity is different and the old BCM computer tends to overcharge the Gen2 modules and again start a fire. I have not done this myself so I am simply relating what others have told me.
@@franky19833 Gen1 modules and Gen1.5 are interchangeable. Gen2 and up are not. The only issue with mixing Gen1 and Gen1.5 is maybe a balancing one. The available stock of used 1.5's are newer and stronger than used Gen1 modules are (being that Gen1s are usually a lot more used than 1.5's) In my experience though this doesnt matter very much if you drive the car most every day. Letting the car sit for weeks can cause issues though since the 1.5 will self-discharge much slower than the Gen1s in the pack.
Mike Lamb just saw a video from falcon hybrid on UA-cam which he explain the difference between gen1 battery cell and gen 2 battery cell and in the video he says you can use gen 2 cells in gen 1 and these guys are hybrid battery experts they are even selling these on there website check them out www.falconhybrid.com
Thanks for the informative video. Is it worth to buy a 2001 Prius Hybrid 120k miles on it for $3.8k or lesser? I am a grad student can't afford expensive options. I am planning to check the battery life using the OBD before purchasing. What are your thoughts?
I think the second gen Prius is worse in some ways than the Gen 1 (which has lots of issues of its own.) Too many gadgets to screw up in the later years. When the Li cells came in to common use it got a little better, at least no more pack rebuilding! No newer Prius' for me thanks. Gen1 is troublesome enough.
Dielectric grease is an insulating protective barrier. When assembling bus bars you want as much metal contact as possible because of the amps they will draw under load. By applying the grease to all the metal parts you greatly diminished the surface area of the bus bars which could lead to voltage drops. You bolt the bus bars dry and then apply the dielectric grease over the exposed metal as a sealer. Then it will reduce corrosion. Better to buy new Nickel plated bus bars rather than cleaning old ones. That blue green copper sulphate is toxic stuff btw.
hello i m very happy to see someone saving a Prius mk1. i might be on this way with an oppotunity. it is a car that has been not moving since a time. the seller is not very communicative and doesnt know the car. i have checked with obd i have a P03030 i have tried a reset of the main battery and used a auxiliary one for the 12v one. but i have the message " add fuel" the car still doesn't start. how can you help me please ?
Ayyy, sick lambo build brothaman 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾 I remember seeing this in your ig stories. Rebuilding without balance charging is hit or miss, you never know how long those modules have been sitting from where you bought them. I use a venom pro quad charger and 4 imax b6ac chargers to run balance on the odds then evens, switch around modules to get similar resistance and bring them down to an even charge. Takes little under a week to get it in a good spot. You’ll be running 2-3 balance cycles if your modules are good and 4-5 if you’re trying to bring back to life a module that just drops off during discharge. Next time you plan on rebuilding I’ll send you the place where I buy my modules from.
thecollegepicker I had the chargers from a previous life working in a amazon vendor warehouse. There’s just so many Prius parts laying around in CA that it was cheap to repair.
busbar corrosion is from the electrolyte leaking out at the negative post and spreading across plates(humidity probably), great design... don't know about the gen 1 but the gen 2 battery ECU orange connector can corrode, it's a fire hazard...
@@thecollegepicker Really, you are like the inventor dad in all the old 50s 60s disney movies🤓🤓🤓...chitty chitty bang bang... Don't ever be like the mosquito coast dad!
I’m going through a similar process now. Days worth of work and weeks worth of research. All of that for the smallest detail. I was so curious to know if an original Prius battery out there is still running. That’d be a 20 year old battery by now.
My 2003 has the original HV battery and since it is driven every day the capacity stays around 62%. Not bad for a 20-year-old car! How long an HV pack lasts depends a lot on how it is driven and where the car lives. Salty climates like the ocean or North East are really HARD on these cars.
There is a lot more info online about battery rebuilding now than when I did this. I charged them wrong, they need compression when charging them so they dont swell. Good luck!
Good journey NGL, nice to see this prius still being serviced by own
I love this car 🙏🙏
You make that battery look light. Where's your buddy Chris when you need him lol. Is there anything that you cannot do? Great video thank you.
Hahaha it was heavy!!! 🤣🤣
The good thing is that you are becoming a Prius guru :)
After watching you removing the hybrid battery, I have a question. How is the battery cooled? Is it air only? If so where do the air vents go? I hear about cleaning the battery cooling fan did you do that?
It is only via air cooling. I cleaned my vent after about 10 years 200,000 miles and it wasn’t all that dirty at all. Probably wasn’t even necessary.
I always loved the look of the gen 1, and if you modify the backrest to remove the bottom bolts for the seat back, the seats the fold or remove and it was my go to car for home depot runs. I can hold an insane amount of stuff. Then if you remove the seat bottom as well, the vertical height available is madness. I once put a fireplace, mantle and all in it completely and it fit!!! Could not believe it. Great little car, but expensive to maintain long term. Very expensive.
Hey man, thanks for all this. I'm about to buy a 2001 Gen 1 with 230,00 miles on it, but has an engine that only has 130,000 miles due to a fluke engine failure. The battery pack was replaced 7 years ago, but has only been driven 15,000 miles in those 7 years by a man whose health declined, and who I am buying it from.
I know these cars are notorious for "parasitic draining" of the 12v and HV batteries by the computer to run the car's alarm system (especially when the car sits for 2+ weeks), and whatever else. However, we're finding that the car won't start after a day or so of driving after bringing it back to life. On my first drive, the car wouldn't "go" after 5-10 minutes, and I think it's because the HV batteries were completely depleted.
That problem has now gone away (and it seems like they're holding a charge), but the car still won't start up unless we jump the 12v. It worked for a few days, and now back to jumping it with a little battery pack. It could be that the 12v is now bad because it sat in deep discharge for too long. But it seems like there is some electrical relay pulling too much power from it, recreating this problem again and again.
Do you have any insight into this? Is there a way to disconnect the alarm system to see if that fixes this? Or is it something else? Also, are the batteries toast for sitting discharged for long stretches of time? I should probably get them checked out.... thanks for any insight you can offer on this!
Mine does the same thing after sitting a few weeks. I keep a cheaper spare battery in the back and just jump it and it recharges while I'm driving. It sounds like you got a good car otherwise!
@@thecollegepicker Thanks for the response man. I really appreciate it. I'm currently testing to see if the 12v is wiped from being deeply discharged for so long, and exacerbating an otherwise normal problem with the car, like you mentioned.
When I get the car inspected, at 230,000 miles, is there anything I should look for in particular with the Gen 1? Like the transmission? How often do those go out at high mileage? Are there any resources around preventing it, and seeing the signs before it happens? Thanks again for any help you can offer!
Man you should really get a Hybrid Automotive voltage-balancing charger.
This isn't a plug _(ha)_ but replaced cells on their own can still fall out of balance. Two or four modules aren't going to be a sufficient fix for what's essentially a costly project/investment. These kits perform 2 to 4 cycles balancing the voltages on all cells, and this can be done once every 3 or 6 months. It's maintenance .
That sounds like a dream tool 🥰 I've read that whack a mole can work for a temp fix and that was the goal. Try to get it fixed on the cheap and document it. Well I failed that one with not putting the service plug in and clicking it down all the way 🤣🙏🙏
The Prolong is a good investment, if you’re looking for options.
@@AndySoMeta A Prolong at $600? I think I will just buy modules as needed, thanks.
I have only manually rebalanced and rebuilt packs as needed. The idea of the Prolong seems good if you're not fond of going into your traction battery and taking it apart.
You can honestly build one that trickle-charges each module to full capacity to the same quality if not better than hybrid automotives.
@thecollegepicker hey boss I was wondering do they make a new modern of lithium battery for the first gen swap compatible??? I’d be so curious
Please anyone with info let me know
Im not sure if they do for gen 1
Oh Dude! You were sooooo close to getting it right the first time! The second reading of the Dr Prius screen looked pretty damn good to me, even better than my cells are! I really wish you had contacted me first. LoL It looks like you traded in a fairly good pack for a slightly better one and spent another $1200 to boot. You got me laughing in a sad way now! ;-)
FYI Gen 1.5 and Gen1 cells are totally compatible, so no worries there. Also the "smurf blue goo" is potassium hydroxide, very poisonous, dont eat any, wash your hands good after working on cells too.
Trivia FYI, Old Gen 1 cells had a big problem with the seals around the terminal studs and leaking vapor and so that explains the corrosion you saw. You cleaned it up great though! Vinegar is exactly what is needed since it is a mild acid ph and potassium has a base ph. The anti corrosion paste afterwards is a nice touch but not really necessary. Torque the nuts to 3 Ft (that is THREE) Pounds! Barely more than snug. More than this will strip them.
More trivia: On the first Dr P read you saw a couple yellow spikes, that went low again quickly. This is caused by cells (the ones that leaked/low state of charge, 6.xV I think) losing charge quickly due to the electrolyte having leaked out (all over the terminals and case probably.)
The spike with the dark green tint is actually a very good module! No need to replace that one.
BTW The pack weighs in at about 200 pounds and so you my friend are a lot stronger (and crazier) lifting it than I thought, and in shorts and your "safety sandals!" wooo.
BTW the pack generally leaves the car by way of the rear doors, not the trunk. A two man job. And you were sweating in Feb? I hate you, it is cold here 30F ! ;-P
Also BTW I was curious about your incident with the little orange lever so I tried that on my Prius and damn if you are not right! It throws one of the "special Toyota mystery codes!" You need a specific type of OBD2 reader to see what it is. The cheapies like most everyone owns just says there is "no code present" even though it is clearly showing an error in the dashboard! Toyotas!! pa-tooie!
Awesome Video tutorial. Sort of a what to do and not to do. it makes for entertaining viewing for sure.
Anyway I am happy you are happy. Also Jack, the author of the Dr Prius app, wanted to hook up with you. I thought you were in LA where he is but now I learn you are in Tampa. So probably a no-go for Jack since he is in LA.
Good to know you are alive and well too! Check out the other Prius video you made, I wrote up some new tings there about my car project.
Can you advise should you keep the gen 2 cells together when changing a cell or can you put in gen 2 cell anywhere in the block when changing the cell in gen 1? Hope that makes sense
@@franky19833 NEVER mix Gen1 modules with Gen2 modules!! You can however replace a Gen1 module with a Gen1.5 module. The Gen1.5 is a slightly improved vers of the Gen1 module. The difference between a Gen2 and a Gen1 module is the physical size. The terminals do not line up right and so make a very weak connect and possibly start a FIRE!
You can also replace all your Gen1 modules with Gen2's. But from what I have been reading this is NOT recommended either since the capacity is different and the old BCM computer tends to overcharge the Gen2 modules and again start a fire. I have not done this myself so I am simply relating what others have told me.
Mike Lamb what do you mean you can replace gen1 module with gen 1.5 module? I thought 1.5 is Toyota Prius from 2004 to 2009? Which is Gen 2
@@franky19833 Gen1 modules and Gen1.5 are interchangeable. Gen2 and up are not. The only issue with mixing Gen1 and Gen1.5 is maybe a balancing one. The available stock of used 1.5's are newer and stronger than used Gen1 modules are (being that Gen1s are usually a lot more used than 1.5's) In my experience though this doesnt matter very much if you drive the car most every day. Letting the car sit for weeks can cause issues though since the 1.5 will self-discharge much slower than the Gen1s in the pack.
Mike Lamb just saw a video from falcon hybrid on UA-cam which he explain the difference between gen1 battery cell and gen 2 battery cell and in the video he says you can use gen 2 cells in gen 1 and these guys are hybrid battery experts they are even selling these on there website check them out www.falconhybrid.com
What is considered a "normal" range for Delta SoC?
Thanks for the informative video. Is it worth to buy a 2001 Prius Hybrid 120k miles on it for $3.8k or lesser? I am a grad student can't afford expensive options. I am planning to check the battery life using the OBD before purchasing. What are your thoughts?
I dont know if you bought that car, but I have a 2001 Prius with the original nickel metal hydride battery still going strong.
HI bROTHER
i WANT to ask you some questions about prius Gen1. Are ABS and battery of prius gen1 and gen2 the same or different ?
Hi, I am not sure on that sorry.
Dude where’s the link to the back seat removal
Wow
what are the major diffrent beween the 2000-2004 battery and the 2 gen battery?
Gen 1 is 2001 thru 2003
@@LAURABOHDAN *1997 - 2003
I believe 97 is for Japan 2001 for the US
My thought is cant you buy two sets of battery packs? Twice as good
100mpg 😅🙌
This is my 2nd favorite Prius generation. My favorite is the 2006-2009 Toyota Prius
I think the second gen Prius is worse in some ways than the Gen 1 (which has lots of issues of its own.) Too many gadgets to screw up in the later years. When the Li cells came in to common use it got a little better, at least no more pack rebuilding! No newer Prius' for me thanks. Gen1 is troublesome enough.
Dielectric grease is an insulating protective barrier. When assembling bus bars you want as much metal contact as possible because of the amps they will draw under load. By applying the grease to all the metal parts you greatly diminished the surface area of the bus bars which could lead to voltage drops. You bolt the bus bars dry and then apply the dielectric grease over the exposed metal as a sealer. Then it will reduce corrosion. Better to buy new Nickel plated bus bars rather than cleaning old ones. That blue green copper sulphate is toxic stuff btw.
Hey I have an 2002 Prius hybrid just like yours !! Where did u go to get the replacement hybrid battery ?
hello i m very happy to see someone saving a Prius mk1.
i might be on this way with an oppotunity.
it is a car that has been not moving since a time.
the seller is not very communicative and doesnt know the car.
i have checked with obd i have a P03030 i have tried a reset of the main battery and used a auxiliary one for the 12v one.
but i have the message " add fuel"
the car still doesn't start.
how can you help me please ?
You may have a dead hybrid battery =(
I'm thinking about buying one of these but it's got 180K on it ane supposed to be the original battery. The guy wants $3K but talked him down to $2400
Ayyy, sick lambo build brothaman 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
I remember seeing this in your ig stories.
Rebuilding without balance charging is hit or miss, you never know how long those modules have been sitting from where you bought them. I use a venom pro quad charger and 4 imax b6ac chargers to run balance on the odds then evens, switch around modules to get similar resistance and bring them down to an even charge. Takes little under a week to get it in a good spot. You’ll be running 2-3 balance cycles if your modules are good and 4-5 if you’re trying to bring back to life a module that just drops off during discharge.
Next time you plan on rebuilding I’ll send you the place where I buy my modules from.
Appreciate it man! You know a lot about this battery stuff, just from hobbying on your prius cs?
thecollegepicker I had the chargers from a previous life working in a amazon vendor warehouse. There’s just so many Prius parts laying around in CA that it was cheap to repair.
I have the same car but in green I’m trying to remodel it by adding a new screen with carplay! Thanks for the video!
You are welcome. Have fun with the remodel
HOW??
busbar corrosion is from the electrolyte leaking out at the negative post and spreading across plates(humidity probably), great design... don't know about the gen 1 but the gen 2 battery ECU orange connector can corrode, it's a fire hazard...
Thank you that is true.
Nice useful video. Thank u !! I Remember watching ur videos about ur kia sedona. Do u still have the van ?
Van has been totaled =(
hey thanks for this video. i bought a used battery off ebay the other day and will install this week. this is informative and helps.
You are very welcome, Did you get individual cells or an entire rebuilt pack?
Entire pack used made by toyota or dealer
How did your project go? Anything interesting to report on?
@@ChrisCas22 how did it go?
Looks scary but a useful video. You are a mad scientist. 😍😍😍
Hahaha thanks
@@thecollegepicker Really, you are like the inventor dad in all the old 50s 60s disney movies🤓🤓🤓...chitty chitty bang bang... Don't ever be like the mosquito coast dad!
Hahahaha thanks
I’m going through a similar process now. Days worth of work and weeks worth of research. All of that for the smallest detail. I was so curious to know if an original Prius battery out there is still running. That’d be a 20 year old battery by now.
I'm possibly looking at buying one of these cars now...it's a 2001 Sedan with 190K and owner says it still has the original battery. He wants 3K
My 2003 has the original HV battery and since it is driven every day the capacity stays around 62%. Not bad for a 20-year-old car! How long an HV pack lasts depends a lot on how it is driven and where the car lives. Salty climates like the ocean or North East are really HARD on these cars.
Hey Mike, I filmed my 5-year update video yesterday. Should be out soon 😃
@@thecollegepicker cool!
I have a 1st gen 2001 Prius with the original nickel metal hydride battery. The invertor pump just failed, but the battery is still going strong.
Hey, i got a 2002 prius, with a cell 11 failure. Do you know anywhere where i can get more information to attempt the repair?
There is a lot more info online about battery rebuilding now than when I did this. I charged them wrong, they need compression when charging them so they dont swell. Good luck!
Wow why three Prius - why waste the money for three cars when you only need one
We like the number 3 👍
haha fun!
👍
awesome video very informative!
Thanks for checking it out, I appreciate the support.
Go buy a used Prius
I have 3, why another?
Sell your used Prius and buy a new corolla hybrid
thecollegepicker I recently bought brand new 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid using by reselling profits - it’s great and looks better than the prius
@@hansnews5270 nice, you should get the open source autopilot installed.
I am salvaging a prius battery for a power bank for an off grid shop. Do you have any advice on how to draw the power and charge?
Hi I am not really familiar with those uses, but it sounds like a fun project =)
Be very careful when working on hybrid vehicles Scotty Kilmer is always warning people about working on them when you have no experience with them
_don't touch the orange stuff with the orange HV plug in_
Yeah I didn't some research and felt comfortable with it after learning some safety stuff. Scotty isn't a hybrid fan.
I like scotty!!!!!
@@i.m.7710 Scotty is a loud clown, he needs to stick with what he knows about: V8s and ancient cars.
Your videos are too shaky,Buy a gimbal.
Thanks for the tip
Let down.
Same 😢