2001 Other Toyota Models auxiliary battery replacement estim

YADROFF

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA

Electrical problem
2001 Other Toyota Models Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Automatic 99000 miles

Hi there,

Seems like time has come to replace an old 12V auxiliary battery in a 2001 Toyota Prius and nobody but the dealership can even begin to give an estimate on either a battery cost or the cost of labor required to perform such a task. The local dealership is charging 200 for a battery, 50 for a fitting adapter (?) And 100 in labor, all totalling at 350 for something as simple as a battery replacement. That's just gouging, but seems like they have a monopoly and are running a pretty good scam here. On top of it, they decided to run a diagnostic sevice for additional 100 because "check engine" light is on, which AAMCO already did (for free) and said that the fuel injector simply runs "lean" and is not a problem at all. So, to drive out of the dealership with a new battery is running us 450 dollars.

does that seem right?

1 Reply

TOYOTECH

MEMBER
33 POSTS

No-not really. Prius uses a special "gel-cell" 12v battery that is more costly than a conventional flooded battery. You shouldn't need an adapter unless the vehicle has been previously modified-if it has, this would explain the labor charge. Normally you shouldn't pay more than a 1/2 hour labor to replace the 12V battery. As far as the check engine light goes, lean is always a concern because this condition could cause higher emissions and possible internal engine damage.