'07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Hi,

I drive a camry '07 hybrid, the car stops after driving every 2miles. Using an OBD2 redear to diagnose the car I have these 2 error code: P0A80 Replace hybrid power pack and P0A7F Hybrid Battery Pack Deterioration.
I read some article and found that changing the Battery ECU would solve the problems
Any help to go about this would be highly appreciated.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Can you provide a bit more info? After the car stops at 2 miles, I assume it starts again? What does the battery charge indicator do during this time. How many bars are you seeing?

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

I didnt really notice what the battery indicator shows, however when i restart the car, it starts drive for a shorter distance then stops again.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

If you Google each of those codes and messages you will get quite a few hits. Here are a couple:

P0A80

P0A7F

Basically I think the battery monitoring system is saying you have a battery problem. Voltage differential is too high, and internal resistance is too high. Both really bad signs that some of the battery cells have failed.

The other option is that the Battery ECU itself is defective. I believe there is another code for that. You may need a Toyota specific diagnostic tool.

I'm guessing to reset the ECU you would have to disconnect the 12 volt battery and let it sit for a while - perhaps overnight to ensure all charge is gone. Then reconnect again. However, that said, some report all kinds of problems when they lose the 12 volt. So, I will have to warn you about that.

I think you have a couple of choices. One is to disconnect the 12 volt and try to reset the Battery ECU by doing so. The other is to take the car to a Toyota dealer. Having no experience with disconnecting the 12 volts I would have to recommend the latter. On the other hand you may have nothing to lose by disconnecting it at this point. Obviously in the life of the car it is likely to happen sometime. It is not going to permanently damage anything, that isn't damaged already.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

There is no problem with disconnecting the 12 volt battery. When you reconnect the battery and start the car, wait until the system has completely recovered, after it has, shut the car down and restart, should work fine, mime did.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

why are you even bothering to discuss this? if he's under 100 000 miles, he's under warranty for ALL hybrid components, including controllers. if he lives in CARB state, he's covered for 150 000 miles.

WHAT'S THE MILEAGE??????

to reset ECU, SIMPLY PULL THE FUSE OUT. David, please, keep in mind, that what YOURS did, does not mean ALL are the same way. not sure if it was here or at toyotanation, but guy had to fork for over $500 to dealer to reset a bunch of error codes resulting from "easy" battery swap.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

He must have done something else if all he did was replace the battery. This is from the Toyota Camry service manual:


HINT:After replacing the auxiliary battery, the hybrid system may NOT start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
1)Put the shift lever in the "P" position.
2)Open and close any of the doors.
3)Restart the hybrid system

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

I know. I tried to find that post yesterday, failed. Too many to go through. He ended up having half a dozen error codes that had to be reset by dealer at whooping bil. Right or wrong - better safe than sorry.
Either way, it's THREE engine restarts, not two, that are supposed to do the trick. Power train has to be continuously cycled 3 times to reset all the lights.
When it comes to swapping mine out, I am using back up battery. I have small 12V ones, 3 of them, from my gate opener. Will be just fine for about 20 minute backup.
Should have bought Yellowtop Optima spring time, it's 25 bucks more now.
Then again, come to think about it - I think, I'll simply stick a marine battery in. Half price and more juice. Not worried about any gas leaks at all, that trunk ain't no sealed space shuttle cargo bay.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Yeah even I think he must have replaced the Battery,as per the Camry manual you have to follow some steps to make the battery start again,and he must have not done these.
1)Put the shift lever in the "P" position.
2)Open and close any of the doors.
3)Restart the hybrid system

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

How many Miles?

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

I see Autopedia's post on his battery problems on his '07 TCH was just about a month ago. I was looking forward to his update on what the problem was, ECU reset or needing a battery.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

The issue is yet to be resolved, the car has been pack since then. I'm still waiting for a solution to the problem

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Thanks for the update.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Hi everyone, am new here. Been reading all your post an am very interested on the update of Autopedia. My '07 has the same problem with the same trouble codes but mine came out with check vsc for about an hour then No more. Only the check hybrid system is on.
I have no warranty since I imported this from the USA via the grey market since no tch is offered here. I am seeing maybe 20 Tch only here.
I do not want to believe that my battery is shot since no indication whatsoever that there was a problem prior to this event. Also there was no stopping of the vehicle, I drove it for a total of 5hrs on some errands before I took it to the dealership.
I only noticed that the engine doesn't shut down and the battery to wheel display does not show the arrow. I am also seeing the battery is stuck at mid level.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

I had the same OBD code - P0A80 on my 2007 Camry Hybrid. This can be confusing because some interpretations are "Hybrid Battery Over Temperature" but the real problem is the Battery Control Unit has detected higher than expected differential voltages across multiple cells over two trips. The solution is replacement or refurbish the batteries (more on this later).

The problem originally manifest with a surge then loss of power accompanied by the "Check HYBRID system" message. This was followed with "Check VSC system" and the stability control light illuminated. I have learned this is normal - the system shuts off the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) to preserve power.

My car has 109,000 miles but is only 6 years old. I purchased the extended warranty and have been faithful with factory prescribed maintenance. I took it to the dealer hoping it was a sensor or something inexpensive. I was presented with an estimate for $7000! $5000 was for a hybrid battery replacement plus 10 hours to install. The other $2000 was for completely unnecessary and unrelated work like a front end alignment (which I just had done at the 100K service). Apparently the dealer felt that after I got over $7000 sticker shock I would be relieved to only pay $5000. This led to mistrust, not relief - the dealer needs to get a clue.

I called Toyota asking if I could buy the battery and install it myself to which the answer was a resounding "absolutely not, this is a dealer job".

I also asked Toyota if they would give me a discount on parts since it was just a little past warranty, I am original owner, I bought the extended warranty, and my car was serviced properly. I also explained I have owned multiple Toyota over my lifetime (12 to be exact) and never one time had a major repair. Forgive me for thinking somehow this mattered.

I was informed that I "misunderstood my warranty" and the battery was only covered for 80,000, not 100,000. They were no help whatsoever. BTW, they were wrong - the warranty in my packet clearly states the hybrid battery is covered for 100,000! The only thing I really misunderstood was how well Toyota would stand behind their product and give even a little relief to a formerly loyal customer.

This sent me researching alternatives and I hope you will find some solace in what I learned:

First, expect your battery to fail somewhere between 100K and 150K despite what Toyota tells you. I have talked to numerous independent mechanics and a few Toyota mechanics - they all agree: what the sales people tell you and what is true is completely different.

Second, there are many people around that refurbish these batteries with "better than OEM" batteries.

Third, it should not cost you more than $2800 for all parts and labor to replace your battery with a refurbished battery that uses new cells and comes with a 3 year warranty.

Finally, there is a lot of misinformation out there. These automotive forums are the best source of information. Consider the source of the information and their motives.

My battery was replaced in 45 minutes (not 10 hours as Toyota claimed) at my home, in my garage, and by a very professional (far more professional than I encountered at the dealer) mechanic (greentecauto) for under $2800.

I also found local mechanics that will pull it out and replace the cells for under $1000.

If you are trained in electrical safety and careful you could probably pull the battery, replace the cells yourself in about 4 hours. Or you could just buy a refurbished pack and swap it out. It's more complex than a starter battery but if you download a $29 factory service manual from tradebit.com you can do it!

One final note: I have been driving on these new batteries for days now and they perform better than the Toyota OEM. My average MPG was between 36-37. I am now getting a solid 38-39 driving the same exact commute.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

A friend of mine has a 2007 Prius that had the traction battery fail a thousand or 2 past the 100K mile warranty and the Toyota dealer did it all under warranty. Granted you were about 9K over, still perhaps if you had spoken to a "manager" or an "area manager", you would have at least gotten the battery free??? Just wondering...

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Good info. Thanks for posting! I have done lots of research on the batteries and you are right on in your report. You can also get batteries out of wrecked cars (salvage batteries) for under $1000. Usually it is only one or two cells that are the problem out of the 34 cells in the pack. You can pick up the replacement batteries on ebay for around $40 each.

I plan to replace the cells myself if there ever is a problem. It really is not that big of a deal. There are some good videos and tutorials on how to remove the battery pack, break it down, replace the cells and balance them.

Where we live there is a local guy that actually rebuilds these batteries in his garage. I plan on paying him a visit over the next couple weeks just so I can see how it is done first hand.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Holy Macaronies.

Nice that you were able to go down from 7 grand to 5 grand to 2,800 hundred to replace your TCH battery, but if these things die at around 100k miles, that is really sh*tty :(

To spend 3 grand at 100k makes for a terrible investment. My 1993 Camry LE ( regular gas ) had 215k miles when I sold it and it was running just fine and strong. I never spent more than 500 bucks on any one repair and did not go over $2k total in repairs in 20 years.

So if 3 grand every 100k miles is the norm solely for batterys, we are screwed and I wont buy another hybrid ever.

A new 2013 TCH XLE owner who is now nervous...

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

What you are reading in this thread probably represents EVERY Camry Hybrid with a traction battery problem as everyone that has had that issue is up on the web trying to find out about the issue and they almost always show up here.

Think of how many 10's of thousands have been produced and do the math....I will take those odds any day of the week.

Have you checked on a late model car electronically controlled transmission replacement cost? $3,000 would be cheap for the tranny without any labor and you probably never thought about it on a normal car.

Relax and enjoy your Camry Hybrid as they are proving to be very reliable (except for a water pump...) compared to other cars.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Good point.

I have never spent that kind of money on car repairs because we always buy reliable cars, like our 1993 Camry I mentioned above.

So $3k may be "normal" for some but not for us and again, due to buying smart. Hopefully this super complex 13' Camry Hybrid will last a long time.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Their are many reports of Prius going up to 340K miles with no battery failures. Even when they do fail it's usually one or two slightly weak cell-packs that need to be replace.

You should look up the Camry Hybrid sales for the last so many years and compare that to the few here in the forms that come here to complain about their traction batter failure. I only know of a couple that failed between 10K and 12K. I read were one bought a replacement on Ebay for $500. I think I would trust a re-builder rather then buy a used one.

You don't have to pay Toyota to install a traction battery. I'm sure they are lots of auto shops that would replace one for half the labor or less than what toyota is quoting. I would think any auto shop could buy the battery from toyota and do the install for you. They don't necessarily have to charge the full retail price which help lower the price.

Look like the more hybrids they are on the road, the more the traction battery rebuilders would lower their prices to bring in more business.

You mention your '92 Camry LE being low maintenance. I figured the mpg on it vs the new '13 TCH XLE you bought which is the same as mine.

I used the gov site to get the mpg.
1993 Camry LE = 20 mpg combined. 4-cyl 1 got mpg better vs the V6 at 19 mpg.
I used 20 mpg at 15K miles per year = 750 gals per year.
750 at lets say $3 per gal = $2250 year gas bill.
That amounts to $22500 for gas for 10 years driving..

Lets say the new 2013 TCH gets 38 mpg combined.
at 38 mpg and 15K per year = 394.7 gal per year.
at $3.39 per gal (recent prices) 394.7 gal yr = $1338
$1338 per year x 10 yr = $13380 for 10 years of gas for the TCH.

93 Camry LE $22500 for 10 yr

'13 TCH........$13380 for 10 yr

difference......$9120 saved driving the TCH for 10 yr.

You might check my math. I cheated from a guys test paper that sat in front of me in Jr and High school. The dude made A+ grades and breezed though school. You might know he became a popular doctor in the same city and I ended up having to work for a living.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

In March I went to a dealer auction & bought a 2012 Prius v with 9800 miles.

I bought it to replace my wife's 2007 TCH with 142,500 miles, which had performed almost flawlessly- only had to replace brake pads cuz the rotors were dragging a/c not being used very much & the slide pins froze.

So.... she finally gives up driving her beloved TCH in April and the car sits for about 5 weeks. I told her to drive it around a bit every couple of weeks - the next time she drove it, she said the "Check VSC" light came on.... I googled it & found it was happening to other owners, so no worry, I'll just take it in....

Well, in July I went to take it in & all the trouble lights on the dash lit up... including "check hybrid system".....

I took it to the local Toyota dealer & he calls me later & the Service Manager says the Hi-Voltage battery is defective & must be replaced.... cost $3500 + 450 labor... then he says it is covered by warranty!!!

The hybrid battery in the TCH has a warranty for 8 years / 100,000 miles, and if you bought and registered the car in CA, NY, NJ, MA, CT, RI, PA or ME (the states with California-standard emissions laws), the warranty is automatically extended to 10 years / 150,000 miles.


He said he has only seen a half dozen TCH Hi-Voltage batteries go bad.....

I tell him to fix it & he calls later & says the Rack & Pinion must be replaced but it is covered by recall warranty....

Then he said the "check engine light" was caused by a defective gas cap... I said put a new one one on.... cost was $65.00.

He then says the water pump was leaking.... cost $382.00- I said replace it.

I also had them install new spark plugs- the original ones lasted 142K miles....

2 days later - I just picked the car up & it runs like new, just as quiet & smooth as the day I bought it in 2006.

Total saved by warranty at 142,500 miles..... $4925

My Total bill from dealer for water pump, plugs, gas cap & oil change $693

The wife has now decided to keep both the TCH & Prius v......

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Thanks guys - that was helpful and truthful.

The savings if all goes normal ( no major costly surprises ) will eventually come to be.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

Just a cautionary note: it may be a good idea to make sure the HV battery on the infrequently used car is at the maximum/high charge level when turned off so the battery doesn't die prematurely, after sitting at low charge for several weeks and such ...

Also, I would put the 12V on the infrequently used car on a trickle charger compatible with AGM type batteries.

Re: '07 Camry Hybrid Battery Issue
 

That's a great idea, I think the failure of the original HV battery was hastened by the TCH sitting around for a month or so....

Other owners of older TCH's should note this & take 'em for a ride every week or so to charge both battery systems.