Replaced At Your Home - 727-565-5685
WE NOW SERVICE CHEVROLET VOLT VEHICLES (Call For Pricing)
Replaced At Your Home - 727-565-5685
WE NOW SERVICE CHEVROLET VOLT VEHICLES (Call For Pricing)
Posted on November 27, 2018 at 3:00 PM |
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How often does a battery in a Prius need to be replaced?
I looked into this recently and to summarize here is what I found:
There are lots of independent repairers out there that can find that cell and replace it for a fraction of the cost of a full battery. Please pick one that holds a repair license and has a reputable reputation. Paul is the best in the business if you reside in Florida.
Question….Can I fix it myself? – It is possible to fix it yourself, but you’d need a cell, usually an entire battery from a scrapyard is the only way to get this. And you’d have to be very good at mending things, or very, very, lucky. On top of that you will need a laptop with the right cable to read the computer system of your Prius to get the right diagnosis codes.
Question…What if it is not the battery? Sometimes it’s not the cells, but the control circuitry that goes with it. Big problem. At this point Paul will tell you how to fix the problem at the cheapest cost possible
Conclusion….if you own a Prius and you have warning lights the best start is to have Paul give you a full diagnosis report on your car. This cost nothing. In most cases it it most likely a bad cell that requires replacing. This is a 4-5 hour job that can take place right at your home. No need to bring the car to us. We have a fully mobile system that will do the repairs right at your location. Please call us at (727) 565-5685.
Posted on June 11, 2018 at 1:55 PM |
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Licensed vs. Unlicensed – Choosing A Hybrid Mechanic For Your Toyota Prius
If your Toyota Prius or Camry hybrid system needs service, you want confidence in your mechanic. When you take you car in for repairs, you want assurance the technician doing the work not only knows what he’s doing but has proper training to deal with unexpected problems. YOU WANT A LICENSED & INSURED TECHNICIAN! PERIOD! No Exceptions!
Ideally, you need a licensed & insured mechanic, someone who has the education and hands-on experience, and , more important, a certification to fulfill such work. We understand, the cost may be slightly higher but think of this, do you really want an unlicensed mechanic from Craigslist or an unlicensed company doing the work on your car? And then some say “we come to you”…Are they insured? If they get hurt on your property will your insurance policy cover them and then skyrocket your rates.
So, Again…Is A License And Insurance Really Necessary?
When you hire an auto mechanic, it pays to be meticulous in selecting the best available professional. Affordable Hybrid Repair Of Tampa Bay is a fully licensed Motor Vehicle repair shop. Doing a quick search online we have found several hybrid battery repair “so-called” specialists operating unlicensed. Most are found on Craigslist and other online websites. As a hybrid owner you must use caution. You may receive the response, ” I can do the job for less“, well, that’s true, but this can later cost you thousands of hard earned bucks and even higher rates on your insurance policy .
How To Find A Licensed Auto Mechanic
It’s possible to find independent shops in your area that are licensed to repair cars. Here, we need to know the reputation the business has and if their license is actually current. Some unscrupulous companies will apply for a license their first year of operation but never renew it or hire mechanics with little to no formal training and hide them behind a valid business license. In this it is best by checking out local review sites to find out which repair shops are licensed, honest, and which aren’t above standard.
The Risks Of Bad Repairs
If the work you’re getting done is happening in someone’s home garage or is half what a dealership would charge, or they claim they come to you without first displaying a license permit there’s a good chance you are you dealing with an unlicensed mechanic. Also, here is another con. If major damage has been done to your hybrid battery or electrical system, can it be traced back to the work performed by an unlicensed tech? The recourse may be timely and expensive going through the court system to regain losses. You might be able to have it reinstated after a court proceeding, but this is a time-consuming and expensive process.
Safety is also an issue with poor workmanship. Mechanics who don’t have proper training cut corners, and that puts you at risk on the road. An improperly installed hybrid battery on a Prius or Camry can result in thousands of dollars in damages.
Our Conclusion:
The licensed professional is worth his weight in oil, and in most states multiple licenses are required to run a shop. If you’re hiring a mechanic to do any work on your car, always make sure he or she has a current certification and experience to back up the price. If you live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida be assured that you are getting the finest work here at Affordable Hybrid Battery Repair of Tampa Bay.
Posted on January 15, 2018 at 4:20 PM |
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HID Headlight Installation For Toyota Prius Gen 1-3
Headlight Installation For Toyota Prius Gen 1-3
Toyota Prius HID bulbs Headlight Installation – There’s nothing the media loves more than a nice juicy auto problem. Imagine that your Prius headlights fail, and replacing them cost you THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS !!! This is very common to hear.
Well, that’s the premise of a late June story in AdAge, which discussed a potential problem with the optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights fitted to the second-generation Toyota Prius in model years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Are you aware of this Prius issue?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received hundreds of complaints from Prius owners about HID lamp failures and, according to this bogus story, opened a full blown investigation into the matter.
Watching the statistics of the Prius
The AdAge story cites well over 338 complaints received, although our search of the NHTSA complaints system produced just 117 listings for complaints about the 2005-2008 of the title ….Toyota Prius – categorized under “Exterior Lighting-Headlights”.
The bulk of them, numbering almost 80, were for the 2006 model year. And it’s worth noting that those complaints covered all headlight problems, not just those having to do with the HID lights. So..what should you do if you have headlight problems?
Many of the complaints cite dealer repair costs exceeding $1,000, in some cases as high as $1,800 to replace two entire HID light units and two control modules, which are electronic components that provide power to the lights. We can replace them for just $450.00. That is for 2 headlamps! Really a fraction of the cost!
We’ll wait to see what the NHTSA comes up with, but as the commentor on the AdAge story notes, headlight bulbs are a consumable item for cars–like wiper blades, brake pads, and tires. Which is to say, sometimes they do fail and need to be replaced. My own father-in-law had his Gen 3 lights blow at 85,000 miles where as I, with my Gen 3, never replaced my headlamp bulbs ever and surpassed the 187,000 mile mark.
Whether they are failing at a higher rate than expected will depend on statistical analysis, and the NHTSA wrote to Toyota in May asking for more data.
Price / Sticker shock?
The HID bulbs have a rated life twice as long as standard bulbs, and give three times the light while using about half the power. But they’re also much more expensive: the list price for one bulb is $150, against $12 to $15 for a standard headlight bulb. Ouchhh!
We suspect the high cost of a new HID bulb may come as a shock to Prius owners, making headlight installation them more likely to suspect a defect. Either way, we can replace these at a much cheaper price.
It may be, that unscrupulous dealers are exacerbating the high cost of the bulbs. They may be imposing exorbitant labor charges for unnecessary work, like removing the Prius front bumper shield to swap out a dead bulb, or even replacing entire HID units at $330 apiece. Replacing a single Prius headlight bulb, according to the service manual, takes less than 15 minutes.
It may also be that the problem lies not with the lights themselves, but with a $250 control module and/or associated wiring.
Meanwhile, perhaps inevitably, a lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles on behalf of a Toyota Prius owner in Putnam County, New York. The firm of Girard Gibbs is seeking class-action status for their suit, calling the bulb failures “a dangerous but undisclosed safety defect.”
This reminds us somewhat of the supposed Prius “sudden acceleration” issue, in which a handful of owners claimed that their hybrids experienced complete brake failure while accelerating wildly out of control.
What should YOU do?
If you have a Prius with HID headlights, and one of your bulbs fails, it may be worth trying to repair it yourself. But good luck, you will need some specialty tools to remove the rear of the headlamp assembly to access the bulb! I will also add that you may need to get some help, most likely from a dealer, to finish the project! Dealers can charge you $275 to $375 (per bulb).
Do yourself a favor, call Paul and ask him for an estimate. You will thank us later.
Posted on December 21, 2017 at 1:10 PM |
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Cheapest Prices on Toyota Prius and Camry Hybrid Battery and Coolant Pumps!
Are you looking for the cheapest prices on Hybrid Batteries in Florida and need help? At Affordable Hybrid Batteries of Tampa Bay we offer the lowest prices on hybrid batteries for Toyota Prius & Toyota Camry. We also offer the lowest and cheapest prices on your inverter coolant pump. Not only do we offer the best price on hybrid batteries and coolant pumps but we install them at your home! We offer this service at no extra charge. We have excellent references as well as highest recommendations and warranties than any other other company! We give you the best the best service!!! Call Paul now at 7275655685.
A
Amelia Island
Anna Maria Island
Apalachicola
Apopka
Arcadia
Atlantic Beach
Aventura
B
Bartow
Big Pine Key
Boca Grande
Boca Raton
Bonita Springs
Boynton Beach
Bradenton
Bradenton Beach
Brooksville
Bunnell
C
Cabbage Key
Caladesi Island State Park
Cape Canaveral
Cape Coral
Cape San Blas
Captiva Island
Carrabelle
Cayo Costa
Cedar Key
Celebration
Charlotte Harbor
Chokoloskee
Clearwater
Clearwater Beach
Clermont
Clewiston
Cocoa
Cocoa Beach
Coconut Grove
Coral Gables
Cortez
Cross Creek
Crystal River
D
Dade City
Dania Beach
Daytona Beach
DeFuniak Springs
DeLand
Deerfield Beach
Delray Beach
Destin
Dunedin
Dunnellon
E
Eatonville
Egmont Key
Englewood
Estero
Everglades City
F
Fellsmere
Fernandina Beach
Flagler Beach
Florida Keys
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Pierce
Fort Walton Beach
G
Gainesville
Grayton Beach
Green Cove Springs
Gulf Breeze
H
Havana
High Springs
Hobe Sound
Hollywood
Homestead
Homosassa
Honeymoon Island
Hutchinson Island
I
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Shores
Inverness
Islamorada
J
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach
Jensen Beach
Jupiter
K
Key Biscayne
Key Largo
Key West
Kissimmee
L
LaBelle
Lake Buena Vista
Lake City
Lake Placid
Lake Wales
Lake Worth
Lakeland
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lehigh Acres
Lido Key
Live Oak
Longboat Key
M
Madeira Beach
Madison
Marathon
Marco Island
Marianna
Melbourne
Merritt Island
Mexico Beach
Miami
Miami Beach
Micanopy
Milton
Miramar Beach
Monticello
Moore Haven
Mount Dora
N
Naples
Navarre
New Port Richey
New Smyrna Beach
Nokomis
O
Ocala
Okeechobee
Oldsmar
Orange Park
Orlando
Ormond Beach
Oviedo
P
Palatka
Palm Bay
Palm Beach
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Palm Coast
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Panama City Beach
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Pensacola Beach
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Perry
Pine Island
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Pompano Beach
Ponce Inlet
Ponte Vedra Beach
Port Charlotte
Port St. Joe
Port St. Lucie
Punta Gorda
Q
Quincy
R
Rosemary Beach
S
Safety Harbor
Sandestin
Sanford
Sanibel Island
Santa Rosa Beach
Sarasota
Seagrove
Seaside
Sebastian
Sebring
Siesta Key
Singer Island
South Beach
South Walton
St. Augustine
St. Cloud
St. George Island
St. Pete Beach
St. Petersburg
Steinhatchee
Stuart
Sunny Isles Beach
Surfside
Suwannee
T
Tallahassee
Tampa
Tarpon Springs
Tavares
Titusville
Treasure Island
U
Umatilla
V
Venice
Vero Beach
W
Wakulla Springs
Weeki Wachee
West Palm Beach
Weston
White Springs
Wildwood
Winter Garden
Winter Haven
Winter Park
Y
Ybor City
Z
Zephyrhills
Posted on September 12, 2016 at 11:40 AM |
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Is My Prius Inverter Coolant Pump Dying? If So, What Do I Do Next?
All hybrids have “inverters”, or, in other terms, they have assemblies that translate high voltage direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) which is then used for the motor/generator(s). The chopping and reconstituting of current creates high heat, which needs to be dissipated for the pump components to last. The Toyota “hybrid synergy drive” style hybrids are considered heavy duty aside from other makes and models and require water-cooled inverters. That is why they are located under the hood, close to the radiator.
On the water-cooled varieties, the “inverter water pump” circulates the coolant from the inverter to the radiator whenever the car is on. Circulation is confirmed by removing the cap on the inverter coolant reservoir and checking for turbulence (see video below). If turbulence is missing, one of the following is true:
1.) The inverter water pump has failed.
2.) The pump circuit is open and shows no power.
3.) The cooling system is blocked.
4.) The cooling system has an air pocket.
Regardless of the reason, the lack of circulation will cause the inverter to overheat, setting a trouble code. On the second generation Prius (model year 2004-2009) that code is P0A93, information subcode 346: “Inverter Cooling System Performance.” Diagnosis commonly leads to a seized water pump, a problem we’ve seen multiple times on Prius as young as 55,000 miles.
Toyota has updated the design of the replacement pump (part number G9020-47031) to solve the problem. You can tell the updated design from the original by the color of the mounting base (black is original, silver is updated) though late models with the updated design (silver base) have also experienced failures.
If you are throwing these codes and require technical help and an inverter pump replacement we service the entire state of Florida and parts of southern parts of Georgia. Give us a call for an appointment as soon as you suspect trouble. 727-565-5685
Posted on September 6, 2016 at 1:35 PM |
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Is My Toyota Prius/ Camry Hybrid Battery Dying? If So - What Are My Options?
Assuming you’ve already decided to get your Hybrid battery looked at, there are generally 5 different recommendations that most service providers will make for a hybrid battery replacement. Here is a look at each,
1. A Conditioned Hybrid Battery: These typically range from $1,200-$1,800, returning the vehicle’s battery performance to over 90% of the original efficacy.
2. Complete Hybrid Battery Replacement with New Battery: Typically ranges from $3,000-$8,000, depending on the model, with the drawback being extremely expensive and the negative impact this has on the environment.
3. Complete Hybrid Battery Replacement with A Used Battery: This is the process of taking a “used” battery out of another Hybrid vehicle and swapping it out with your existing unit. Pricing for such a service can be in the $1,500-$3,500 range but is incredibly risky without doing a performance test on the “used” battery.
4. Rebuilt Hybrid Battery: Generally costs $1,500-$5,000, depending on the vehicle model and other factors. Keep in mind that this does not include your installation costs.
5. Battery Tested and New Cells Installed : THE BEST METHOD! Have your battery rebuilt with new Nimh HV Battery Cells. In most cases you may need 1 or 2 replaced and and Hybrid Battery Repair of Tamap Bay will come right to your home and do the complete job for $499.00 plus $50 to clean the Hybrid Battery fan. Go ahead and give us a call for a diagnosis on the hybrid system. 727-565-5685
Posted on August 18, 2016 at 8:15 AM |
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Back in 2005 I purchased a brand new Gen II Prius. After 11 good years of driving with no major problems I still always wondered...How long does a hybrid battery last and what warning signs will I see when it is close to complete failure?
After doing some research I found out a few things that you need to be looking for.
5 Warning Signs Your Hybrid Battery Needs Replacing or Rebuilding
1. Lower MPG
If you are a MPG watcher like me, this should stand out immediately! Now there are several factors which can adversely affect your MPG. Some of these include tire pressure, fluctuations in weather , and more so make sure you take those factors into consideration as well.
2. State of Charge (SOC)
This is not an easy sign to see in plain sight, but if you watch this screen on your MFD and you find large fluctuations in your SOC, this is a definite sign that either your hybrid battery or the charging system is having issues, but most likely the battery. If you watch your SOC on your multi-function display and find large swings in your charge rates, this is an obvious sign. If it gets to purple, which unless you are using EV mode it really shouldn’t, then a few minutes later you find it in the green. This should be something to keep an eye on.
3. Your ICE (internal combustion engine) is running more than the usual
This, again is something that is hard to pinpoint. The ICE can at times run erratically, it may even stop at strange times or run much longer at others. From my own experience this is not normal. The more often it occurs, this can be pointing to a problem with your hybrid battery.
4. Decrease In MPG, during acceleration.
If you watch your MFD during moderate acceleration, it should never really go below 10MPG. Any lower than that identifies an upcoming hybrid battery failure.
5. High mileage
This should be very easy to see. Back when Toyota sold the Prius models, they said the battery should last the life of the vehicle. If you are at or near 200K mi, look at the rest of the signs above and really think and possibly start planning ahead for your battery’s inevitable demise!
Conclusion:
If you find your Toyota Prius, Civic, or Camry showing any of these symptoms above, start planning ahead. If you live in the state of Florida or in the Tampa Bay area and would like to get a diagnosis on your hybrid battery call Paul at 727-565-5685. You can visit our website also. Call now for our $499.00 Hybrid specials.
Posted on August 17, 2016 at 1:20 PM |
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2005 Toyota Prius Dashboard Warning Lights - Hybrid Battery Dead!
I recently had a strong suspicion that my 2005 Prius main hybrid battery was on its way out. I would notice a fast drain to my battery in the morning and then a spike at the next stop. This went on for about a week and then it hit. The lights any Prius owner hates to see. Yes, the red triangle of death as mechanics call it. In my mind I'm quickly seeing dollars flying away out of my checking account. I've heard it costs around $3,000.00 to have a dealer replace a hybrid main battery. And that is on the low end of the cost estimates.
Well, I drove home and decided to either park the car and have a beer or drive the car into the pond near my home. Since it was my only car, a car I really love, I decided to look into it further. After searching Google for some deals on hybrid batteries in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. And after checking Craigslist, Ebay, and several other online resources for the best prices on hybrid batteries I was still left with the question. OK, now that I'm planning on buying a new battery, yes, still hundreds of dollars, who will now put it in? I've never even seen my hybrid battery. My first thought was, What happens if I electrocute myself? Now, not only do I have a dead car but I'm toast too!
I looked further and found there are some local mechanics that will come out and replace or rebuild Prius hybrid batteries right at your home. I found one young man that was located about a half an hour from me in New Port Richey Florida. He advertised a $499.00 special. I was very happy to know this job would not break the bank, and my back of course!
Paul said he would be at my home at 8:00 AM sharp the next day. He was right on time. Since I wanted to see the way the battery was connected and the hybrid componenets I stayed with Paul for 4 hours watching him turn every bolt and do his thing. It really was an education. Paul did an excellent job and reassembled my car just as it was. I was very happy with his work. He has a business in the Tampa Bay area but told me he services all of Florida and parts of Georgia. His website is Affordable Hybrid Battery Repair of Tampa Bay.
To make a long story short, I was looking for the best, lowest, cheapest prices on hybrid battery repair and replacements and Paul offered the best prices in all of Florida. I personally recommend Paul to everyone and if you own a Toyota Prius or Camry and need a main hybrid battery look no further! Check this guy out first! 727-565-5685.
Posted on August 16, 2016 at 8:05 PM |
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Below is a list of MSRP battery cost details for the various hybrid Toyota models offered since 2001.
2001-2003 Toyota Prius (1st generation) - $3,649
2004-2009 Toyota Prius (2nd generation) - $3,939
2010-2011 Toyota Prius (3rd generation) - $4.080
2012-2015 Toyota Prius Liftback - $3,939
2012-2016 Toyota Prius V - $3,939
2012-2016 Toyota Prius C - $3,807
2007-2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid - $4,892
2012-2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid - $4,892
2013-2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid - $4,892
2006-2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - $6,198
2011-2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - $6,353
If you own a Toyota Prius or Camry and need your hybrid battery replaced we offer the best price on hybrid battery repairs and rebuilds. Call us at 727-565-5685. Check out our other services and price guides.