Piston Slap: The Straw that broke the Hybrid’s Back?

Mark writing :

Hello, I have not seen this address anywhere.

I have a 2006 Lexus RX400H with 106,000 miles. The vehicle is armored and has never been repaired, it even has its original brakes. I traded a 2000 RX 300 for this. The 300 has also never had a repair.

My question is about hybrid batteries. Several Toyota and Lexus dealers have told me that they have seen little to no hybrids that require replacement batteries, but some Priuses have been on the road for over 10 years, but there doesn’t seem to be much to say about the expected life of the batteries. . My battery warranty just expired. Is it time to change it to avoid the potentially high cost of replacing the battery, or am I worried about a problem that could last for many years?

Sajeev petition :

Good morning to all. Where do you live and how many electronic chat devices do you use regularly? (A/C, stereo, heated seat, etc.)

Mark answers:

I live in southern California. The air conditioning is almost always on, the music is always on, the NAV is always on.

Sajeev concludes:

In fact, the series has covered the failings of hybrid batteries, particularly Toyota’s. The hot weather in your location will be easy on hybrid batteries, as you won’t be taxing them with a ton of energy-robbing heating load. Or, to a lesser extent, the air conditioning load of the hottest parts of the country. But your battery will fail and some companies are ready to help you.

If you want help.

Considering the lack of necessary repairs (stock brakes? Awesome!) on this RX, selling it while everything is good makes a lot of sense. If you want a new vehicle! If not, find a hybrid battery supplier, have the brakes serviced, change the fluids, etc. which may be necessary.

All that work may be the final straw, but none of it scares me more than an out-of-warranty Volkswagen TDI+DSG product. These things have to happen. I bet it’s worth it, if you like the RX and don’t want to pay for a new vehicle. That will always be your decision, son.

[Image: Shutterstock user Wit Olszewski]

Send your questions to [email protected] Don’t skimp on the details and ask for a quick fix if you’re in a hurry… but be realistic and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.