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About the Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric car initially released for production in 1997. Initially offered as a 4-door sedan, it has been produced only as a 5-door fastback hatchback since the second generation, starting in 2003.
The Prius is rated as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States, based on smog-forming emissions.
Read more about the Toyota Prius on Wikipedia
Toyota Prius Chassis Codes
| Year Range | 1997-2000 | 2001-2003 | 2004-2009 | 2010-2015 | 2016-2022 | 2023+ |
| Chassis Code | XW10 | XW10 | XW20 | XW30 | XW50 | XW60 |
Toyota Prius Performance Specs
| Year Range | 1997-2000 | 2001-2003 | 2004-2009 | 2010-2015 | 2016-2022 | 2023+ |
| Horsepower | 58 hp | 100 hp | 110 hp | 134 hp 100 kW | hp | 138 hp (1.8L) 196 hp (2.0L) |
| Torque (ft-lbs) | 75 | – | 105 | 105 | – | |
| 0-60 mph | – | – | – | – | 10.5 s | 7.3 s |
| Mileage (Total) | 41 mpg | 48 mpg | 46 mpg | 50 mpg | 52 mpg 56 mpg (Eco) | 57 mpg |
| Mileage (City) | 42 mpg | 52 mpg | 48 mpg | 51 mpg | 54 mpg 58 mpg (Eco) | – |
| Mileage (Hwy) | 41 mpg | 45 mpg | 45 mpg | 48 mpg | 50 mpg 53 mpg (Eco) | – |
| Weight | 2734 lb 1240 kg | – | 2903 lb 1317 kg | 3221 lb 1461 kg | 3080 lb 1397 kg | – |
Toyota Prius Batteries
Drive Battery
Toyota Prius Drive Battery Specifications
| Year Range | 1997-2000 | 2001-2003 | 2004-2009 | 2010-2015 | 2016-2022 |
| Voltage | 288V | 273.6V | 201.6V | – | – |
| Energy | – | 1.78 kWh | 1.310 kWh | 1.3 kWh | 0.75 kWh |
| Type | NiMH | NiMH | NiMH | NiMH | Lithium-ion |
| Capacity | – | 6.5 Ah | 6.5 Ah | – | – |
| Battery Modules | – | 38 | 28 | – | – |
| Battery Weight | 118 lb |
How to Replace the Drive Battery in a Toyota Prius
The guide below is for a 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid. Your experience may be different depending on your year, make and model.
If you’re experiencing the “Red Triangle of Death” on your console, it may be time to change your drive battery or replace defective cells.
Step 1: Find a repair manual
Please consult your Toyota Prius owner’s manual before beginning any repairs or modifications. We strongly recommend you purchase either a reference manual or a factory service manual (we have included resources below). Failure to follow these instructions could lead to voiding your warranty or violating the terms of your lease.
Toyota Prius Bentley Manual
Bentley Publishers Makes some of the finest automotive reference manuals currently published. They will give you a comprehensive deep-dive into your Toyota Prius’ inner-workings.
Toyota Prius Bentley Publisher Manuals on Amazon
Toyota Prius Reference Manual
Haynes Publishing is known for its affordable automotive reference manuals. They will give you a comprehensive deep-dive into your Toyota Prius’ inner-workings.
Find Toyota Prius Haynes Manuals on Amazon
Step 2: Find the tools you’ll need
- 8, 10, 12 and 14mm Socket Wrenches
We recommend: Bahco’s SL25L Socket and Mechanic Set - 1/4″ Impact Drill Driver
We recommend: Milwaukee Electric Tools 2598-22 1/2″ & 1/4″ Impact - Upholstery Removal Tool
We recommend: Neiko 20596B Auto Trim Panel Upholstery Removal Tool Set
Step 3: Remove the Interior
- Remove the carpet, tray cover (using the strap toward the rear of the car), and tonneau cover and put to the side.
- Fold the rear seats forward and out of the way.
- Remove the tray from the rear floor area.
- Tilt out left storage bin (tilt it forward to pop off the plastic clip).
- Remove the auxiliary battery cover.
- Remove the latch trim by pulling from the bottom toward you.
- Pull fabric away from the seat backs to expose four 14mm bolts
- Using your impact drill and 14mm socket, remove the four 14mm bolts from the base of the rear seat
- Remove eight 10mm bolts / screws from around the left and right side panels (4 on each side)
- Remove four “d-rings” and two bolts from inside the tonneau mounting point
- Remove two screws from the rear upper panels
- Disconnect the 12v Negative on the auxilliary battery using a 10mm socket
- Remove the two plastic clips in the carpet battery cover panel near the seat hinges using your upholstery tool
- Caution: these parts are delicate
- Remove the carpet battery cover panel.
- Remove the white clips in the battery and put them back on the bottom of the cover for safe keeping and easy re-installation.
- Remove the rear clips holding on the side panels using the upholstery tool.
- Tilt the top of the side trim panels upward and toward the front of the car to free the remaining side panel clips
- Remove the 5 black plastic clips on the outer battery cover using the upholstery tool.
- One clip in each side panel
- Two clips in the inlet vent tube (top)
- One on the outlet vent tube (bottom)
Step 4: Remove the Battery
- Remove the relay from the inlet vent tube (top).
- Remove the vent tube from the by sliding it into the battery, where the small end should free itself from the fan case.
- Remove nineteen 12mm bolts from around the battery.
- Five bolts on the battery frame.
- Fourteen on the two metal brackets.
- Remove the two metal brackets around the sides of the battery.
- Remove the rubber vent tube from the front side of the battery.
- Remove five 10mm nuts and bolts from the battery computer cover
- Two 10mm nuts
- Three 10mm bolts
- Remove the computer cover
- Remove the silver RF shield
- Disconnect the three wiring harness ends at the back of the computer.
- Remove two 8mm nuts connecting the frame wires to the battery relays.
- Exercise extreme caution here. Please DO NOT attempt unless properly trained and certified. Read safety guidelines first.
- Remove the battery pack.
- Caution: This battery weighs approximately 80lbs, lift with care.
Step 5: Re-install by working your way back up the list (with some important considerations)
- Ensure both plastic vent tubes near the front of the battery pack are properly inserted into the battery case.
- The battery may overheat if this step is done improperly.
- The curves on the silver RF shield point downward.
- As you reinstall the battery covers and frame, start all nuts and bolts by hand before tightening.
- This will ensure they all fit on the first attempt.
- Ensure all vent clips are installed exactly as required to ensure proper cooling.
Video tutorials for Replacing your Toyota Prius Drive Battery
Where to Find an Electric Car Battery Replacement for the Toyota Prius
Finding an electric car battery replacement can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Your local wrecking yard can be a good option for finding replacement battery packs.
There are also options for purchasing replacement batteries for your Prius online.
Purchase a Prius Battery Online
The largest online retailers in the world have a few options for purchasing batteries for the Toyota Prius. Here’s a list we have compiled:
| Year / Make / Model | Part # | Source |
| 2018 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2017 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2016 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2015 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2014 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2013 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2012 Toyota Prius C | Dorman #587-015 | Amazon, Jegs |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2009 Toyota Prius (on or after April, 2009) | Dorman #587-007 | Amazon, eBay |
| 2009 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) (pre April, 2009) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2008 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2007 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2006 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2005 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2004 Toyota Prius (Gen 2) | A1 Cardone #5H-4002 Dorman #587-001 | Amazon, eBay Amazon, eBay |
| 2003 Toyota Prius (Gen 1) | Dorman #587-000 | eBay |
| 2002 Toyota Prius (Gen 1) | Dorman #587-000 | eBay |
| 2001 Toyota Prius (Gen 1) | Dorman #587-000 | eBay |
eBay – eBay has some great deals, while giving you the tools you need to shop from reputable vendors.
Toyota Prius Replacement Battery Cells on eBay
Bumblebee Batteries – The “BeeLine” Rebuilt Battery for the Toyota Prius from Bumblebee Batteries is a highly affordable hybrid battery replacement option to keep your Prius on the road. Each BeeLine Battery has been carefully rebuilt using meticulously tested and reconditioned OEM cells. Select model for exact pricing.
BumblebeeBatteries: Toyota Prius Hybrid (2004-2015)
GreenBean Batteries – “Born out of the need for a better hybrid battery, Green Bean Battery was built around the core of creating a reliable reconditioned hybrid battery and extending the hybrid battery life. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to create a proprietary hybrid battery reconditioning process that puts our hybrid batteries in a league of their own.”
GreenTec Auto – This shop specializes in the Toyota Prius. Established in 2012, with 3 brothers working at their father’s auto repair shop, GreenTec Auto’s mission is to create effective and sustainable solutions for you and your vehicle. “Nothing ends up in a landfill.” With over 20 service centers across the United States, there is sure to be a location near you.
Website: https://www.greentecauto.com/
Hometown Hybrids – Specializing in replacing your failed hybrid battery pack at a reasonable cost. Whether you choose a new or rebuilt battery, you can count on their mobile installation service to deliver the best product at a great price.
Website: https://www.hometownhybrids.com/
Warning About the Toyota Prius Rear Hatch Leak
It has become evident in some Prius models that a leaky rear hatch seal can cause significant rust to your battery, resulting in unpredictable behavior in your Prius. It’s always a good idea to keep moisture out of any vehicle, especially a hybrid or EV. The following is an example of what can happen with a leaky rear hatch seal in a Toyota Prius:
Photo: @tom_quimby on Twitter
Toyota Prius Rear Hatch factory part numbers:
2004-2009 Toyota Prius: Rear Hatch Seal, Toyota Part #6788147012
2010-2015 Toyota Prius: Rear Hatch Seal, Toyota Part #6788147022
Toyota Prius Lithium Battery Upgrade
The 2021 Prius will accept both a lithium ion and nickel metal hydride battery. Guess what?! So will your older prius. For more power and range from your Prius, you may want to look into a lithium battery upgrade.
There are many benefits to upgrading your Prius battery from a NiMH to LiFePO4 battery:
- More power to accelerate and climb hills
- More range on EV mode
- Longer overall charge
- Car drives better than new
One company working on a safe, environmentally friendly, affordable Toyota Prius LiFePO4 battery upgrade is Project Lithium’s Nexcell Battery project. Visit projectlithium.com to pre-order yours today.
Check out Project Lithium’s 2017+ Prius Gen4 battery NiMH to Lithium swap. A step-by-step guide to upgrading your own Prius:
Where to find individual replacement battery cells for the Toyota Prius Battery
For the Toyota Prius, there are a few options available to source individual battery cells. Replacing these cells is sometimes just what a malfunctioning Prius needs to perform optimally again. Take a look at the options below to see if they fit your needs:
| Manufacturer / Description | Where to Find Them |
| Panasonic Hybrid Battery Cell Module Nimh 7.8V to 8.0V | Amazon |
| OEM Toyota Reconditioned by HybridCPR | Amazon |
| Electron Hybrid Solutions Battery Rebuild Kit | Electron Hybrid Solutions |
Cost to Replace a Toyota Prius Battery
First Generation – XW10 – 1997-2003
For the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius, a replacement battery can typically cost anywhere between US$2,200 and US$2,600 from a Toyota dealer, units from wrecking yards are also available for US$500 and up.
What to expect when purchasing a replacement battery for your Toyota Prius
The process for purchasing a replacement battery for your Prius can include a few surprises:
- Core Charges – A “core charge” is where a vendor charges you a fee as collateral until you send them the part that you are replacing, in this case the battery pack. It is not unusual to see a core charge be the same price as your used battery, typically around $1000-3000.
- Shipping Charges – Batteries are heavy! You can’t exactly toss one in the mailbox. Some vendors will include the cost of batteries in your purchase. Others may charge you anywhere from $100 to $300 to ship. You may also be assessed an additional charge to deliver to a residential address.
- Packaging – If you need to ship your battery to a vendor, you may want to consider the cost of packaging. Typically if you are returning a core, you can simply put your old battery in the same packaging that your replacement battery came in, and ship it back. Be extra careful when packing your battery as most vendors require a core battery to be able to be refurbished, and you may not receive back your core charge if the battery is damaged in transit.
Toyota Prius Drivetrain
All Prius models built from 1997-2015 are FWD. Starting in 2016, the Prius was offered in an AWD drivetrain along with standard FWD.
Electric Motor
The 1997 – 2015 Toyota Prius uses a permanent magnet motor.
The 2016 – 2022 Toyota Prius uses a dual motor generator.
Gasoline Engine
| Engine Code | 1NZ-FE | 2ZR-FXE | M20A-FXS |
| Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.8L | 2.0L |
| Engine Format | Inline 4 DOHC | Inline 4 DOHC VVTi | Inline 4 DOHC |
FAQs
What type and grade of gasoline does the ____ use?
The Toyota Prius uses regular unleaded gasoline, 89 octane or higher.
Transmission
All years Toyota Prius use some form of a CVT transmission. Starting in 2016, the Prius went to an eCVT.
Join a Toyota Prius Online Community
Are you looking for like-minded Toyota Prius fans to share your car with and gain useful information? Take a look at the following Toyota Prius communities and forums:
PriusChat.com – From newbies to experienced Prius enthusiasts, there is something for every Prius fan here.
PriusForum.com – A forum community dedicated to Toyota Prius owners and enthusiasts. Join the discussion about EV performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more.
Reddit.com/r/Prius – A subreddit for everything Toyota Prius.
Toyota Prius Manuals, Guides and Books
Toyota Prius Owners Manuals & Warranty Info by Year
You can always find a downloadable owners manual via Toyota themselves, as they make them available on their website:
- 2020 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2020 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2020 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2019 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2018 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2017 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2016 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2015 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2014 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2013 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2012 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2011 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2010 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2009 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2008 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2007 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2006 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2005 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2004 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2003 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2002 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
- 2001 Toyota Prius Downloadable Owners Manual & Warranty Info
And if you’re after a physical copy of the Toyota Prius Owners Manual:
Shop Toyota Prius Owner’s Manuals on eBay
Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual by Year
- 2005 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual (Amazon)
- 2004 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual (Amazon)
- 2003 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual (eBay)
- 2002 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual (eBay)
- 2001 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual (Amazon)
Toyota Prius Repair Manuals
Toyota Prius Repair and Maintenance Manual: 2004-2008
Bentley’s Toyota Prius Repair and Maintenance Manual: 2004-2008 contains the essential information and know-how you need to take the mystery out of servicing the Toyota Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive. You’ll find step-by-step directions from safely disabling the high voltage system to real-world practical repair and maintenance procedures and full-color technical training.
Author: Bentley Publishers
Formats: Paperback, Hardcover
Pages: 256
Language: English
ISBN: 9781620920664
Toyota Prius 2001 thru 2012 Haynes Repair Manual
Each Haynes manual is written for the do-it-yourselfer and provides step-by-step instructions based on a complete disassembly of the vehicle. This hands-on experience provides the reader with specific and detailed instructions for performing everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to a complete engine overhaul.
Author: Haynes Repair Manuals
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 256
Language: English
ISBN: 9781620920664
Chilton Total Car Care Toyota Prius 2001-08 (Chilton’s Total Car Care Repair Manuals)
Total Car Care is the most complete, step-by-step automotive repair manual you’ll ever use. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views, and photographs.
Author: Chilton
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 304
Language: English
ISBN: 9781563926914
Going Further: Tips to Boost Fuel Mileage in a Toyota Prius
A comprehensive brochure details on how to boost mileage in your Prius. Applicable to all Toyota Prius model years. Covering topics such as accelerating, braking, hyper-miling and much more!
Author: Laura Madison
Formats: Kindle
Pages: 26
Language: English
Toyota Prius Reviews
