Skip to main content

Should I Replace My Battery Pack Or A Module In My Toyota Prius?

In a recent video with ToyotaJeff, we discuss replacing a module in a battery or the entire pack. Take a look at my thoughts on the subject.

Replace a module or not replace a module; that is a question many Prius owners are asking. In a recent video that I did with YouTube superstar Toyotajeff, we covered a few hot questions asked frequently by Toyota Prius owners.

I want to cover one basic principle in this article: what to do about a failed module in your hybrid battery pack.

Can I Replace One Module In My Failed Battery Pack?
The short answer to this question is yes, you can. However, you may not want to, depending on a couple of things. If you plan to keep the Prius for a long time, a simple module replacement is hardly a band-aid solution.

Replacing one failed module can work, but it will not last. Most people that do replace a failed module without properly rebalancing the battery end up tearing back into the pack over and over again. I see that happen all the time.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery

Think about it, have you ever had a flashlight that you only replaced 1 of the 3 batteries? Did it work? Sometimes it does, but not for long. When you have a battery trying to compensate for the others, you end up in a losing game.

If you want to keep your Prius, a certified replacement pack or a new pack is the better option. I have rebuilt and reconditioned plenty of packs now to know what the better way.

If you want to learn more about battery reconditioning, check out this article here.

Conclusion
Toyotajeff and I put together a video explaining a few things about hybrid batteries. Watch it, and if you have further questions, feel free to reach out and find me on Twitter @the_hybrid_guy.

Thank you all for your support, be sure to find Toyotajeff on YouTube and TorqueNew and click subscribe to get the most up-to-date information on new Toyota vehicles and the latest in automotive news.

Have a great week, and stay safe! What kind of wheels are on your Toyota Prius? Here is what I did.

Check out this wild new battery tech that Tesla has and why it will forever change the auto industry.

Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporters.

Comments

Antonio (not verified)    March 3, 2021 - 2:53AM

I did it and now it is OK!
Telling the truth, I replaced the bad one and the next (they goes in pairs).
I cleaned All contact and screws and bolts.. and now my Prius runs like new... and it's benn 50000km now.

ERIN (not verified)    May 7, 2021 - 4:20PM

In reply to by Antonio (not verified)

Antonio ... are you saying you replaced two modules? Haven't had any others go out or other issues for over 30K miles? Debating on changing cells/modules and/or the whole battery ...

Santiago B.Tejada (not verified)    March 3, 2021 - 10:03AM

Hello,
I had a bad experience with a refurbished battery pack and ended up having to go to the dealership for battery replacement.
I was informed that for the $3000 cost they do not install a brand new battery pack but only replace the bad modules because "you own the battery's computer" and that does not need replacing. I was surprised but regrettably I had no choice after the previous experience.

Peter Johansen (not verified)    January 18, 2022 - 7:09AM

Seems there are different answers to the same question. Instead of spending less than 100 Euros, they want to replace the entire battery pack. Next, another car. Ask the same question to 100 people, then get 100 different answers.

Grant (not verified)    October 25, 2022 - 5:41PM

The Prius has a good BMS that should be able to balance the replacement module with its mate and the rest of the pack.

Andre (not verified)    January 20, 2023 - 4:46AM

Incidentally, yes I also noticed this. I did find a potential use for dead (ie internal short in one cell typically) modules. They are useful for garden solar fixtures as two in series can approximate a 12V battery. Also solar is constant current to begin with which makes charge management a lot simpler. Module needs to be in a 3D printed enclosure to guard against mechanical damage due to charging.