Dog causes hybrid battery to fail

Brian England, Mon, Feb 27, 2023

Detailed diagnosis by a BA Auto Care tech found the underlying cause of this “hairy” problem quickly and efficiently.

A 2009 Toyota Prius came into the shop recently with the check engine light on. This is a common issue, so the technician downloaded the codes and data that related to the battery. After reviewing the data related to each of the codes, he determined that the Hybrid Battery was overheating.

There was one particular code that related to the cooling fan system that cools the battery. The fan was working but was taking too much current. After further inspection, it turned out that the fan was completely blocked with dog hair dust and dirt! This is like the dust and dirt that collects on the fan vents of personal computers. A routine cleaning corrects the issue on both cars and computers. This is especially good news for the Prius owner who thought he was facing an expensive battery replacement.

Luckily, Toyota has a preventive maintenance schedule for the battery fan and filter. If you own a Prius, be sure to build this into your scheduled maintenance program with us. Or you can just brush your dog more often :)!

What are the fire risks in electric cars?

Brian England, Mon, Feb 20, 2023

There are many important things to consider when buying an electric car. Recently, there has been a lot of publicity about the potential of electric vehicles to catch fire. Here is some valuable information you should know:

When driving a gasoline operated vehicle, fire has always been an issue for car owners. Carrying around gallons of highly flammable gasoline is potentially dangerous. It doesn’t take much to ignite gasoline even in a small accident. If you were driving in the 1970s, you probably remember the safety issues with Ford Pinto. A rear collision could puncture the gas tank and start a fire. The Ford LTD had a poorly designed fuel filter and line. If this line failed, it squirted gas on the distributor where a high energy spark could ignite the vehicle’s gasoline. More recently, Hyundai Kia had to recall over 200,000 of their 2018 SUVs due a fire risk.

How many fires are related to gas powered vehicles?
It currently stands at 1500 out of 100,000 vehicles had fires.

In comparison, how many fires are related to electric powered vehicles?
There have only been 25 fires per 100,000. For the Chevy Bolt it is 10 in 100,000.

As you can see, fire risks in electric cars are lower compared to gasoline powered vehicles. Although none of these risks should not be ignored, the information here is important to know if you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle.

Further information can be found on the government NHTSA website:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/recall-all-chevy-bolt-vehicles-fire-risk

When does a hybrid battery need to be conditioned or replaced?

Brian England, Mon, Feb 13, 2023

Here are the three major indicators that your hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is ready for a battery evaluation and conditioning:

1. Decrease in Power. If you find that you are having difficulty accelerating or getting up hills as easily as you once did, then there is a good chance you have a battery issue.
2. Lower Gas Mileage. If you notice that your HEV is not getting as many miles per gallon as it once did, then your battery may need to be checked. Of course, it is important to accurately compare mileage you were previously getting, so you need to be aware how many miles per gallon your HEV is supposed to deliver at optimal performance.
3. Vehicle Age/Mileage. If your HEV is four to eight years old and has been driven about 80,000 miles since its last conditioning service, you could benefit from a battery evaluation. The actual condition of your battery will vary depending on where you live and how your car is driven.

There are also many things that affect battery performance that do not require battery replacement. It is extremely important to follow preventative maintenance recommendations and correct diagnostic procedures. Our certified HEV technicians can assist you in troubleshooting these issues too.

If you have any questions about any of our hybrid services, just give us a call at 410-381-2700. If you need to schedule a hybrid service, schedule an online appointment here.

How to save money with new hybrid battery services

Brian England, Mon, Feb 6, 2023

For most of us, driving a hybrid vehicle is much more than just transportation. It also demonstrates how much we care about the environment. After several years of driving a hybrid, the battery normally needs to be replaced with a new one. That is because, just like any battery, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) batteries eventually fail.

HEV battery replacement is an expensive proposition, costing as much as $5000 or more. But just as troubling is the impact that old battery has on the environment when it gets added to our already overwhelmed waste stream.

Fortunately for most hybrid owners there is finally a less costly alternative to just buying a new battery. At BA Auto Care, we now offer a new option that can save you a lot of money over the purchase of a new HEV battery. You now have two options when it is time to replace your old hybrid battery:

Hybrid battery services for NiMH batteries

Service #1 – Replacement with a Rebuilt Battery – Depending on the condition of your battery or how many cells are damaged, replacement may be the recommended service. In this service option, we remove your hybrid battery and replace it with a remanufactured battery. This is a much greener option because it reduces landfill waste and saves you money. In this service, we scan the on-board computer and evaluate. This is followed by removal of the old battery and installation of a rebuilt battery assembly. The remanufacturing companies offer upgrades using new types of cells that improve range and have a longer warranty if this appeals to you discuss with our service advisor.

Service #2 – Replacement with a New Battery – We still offer a service that replaces your old battery pack with a new one. The old battery pack is removed and replaced with a new battery which includes a battery controller, bus bars, temperature sensors, air temperature sensors and battery modules.

How much do these HEV battery services cost?

The cost for the services described above starts at around $2500 and can go as high as $5000 or more. This will vary based on your vehicle make and model as well as the condition of your battery. Battery conditioning will always be less expensive and more environmentally friendly.

When it snows, we’re still ready for your car

Brian England, Thu, Dec 15, 2022

We all know what usually comes with the new year and cold weather: SNOW! Whether you are fan of the white flakes or stay inside and avoid shoveling, BA Auto Care is almost always open. If your vehicle is scheduled for service and there is snow in the forecast, you don’t have to cancel your appointment. Drop your vehicle off the night before and we’ll get to work on it the next day. Get here before we close, and we’ll keep your car nice and warm inside the shop. If you’re concerned about the snow affecting your appointment, give us a call. We’ll here to help.

BA Auto Services Tesla Vehicles

Brian England, Thu, Dec 8, 2022

If you want an alternative to taking your car to a Tesla dealership for service, BA Auto Care is here to help. As with all the cars it’s critically important to have the latest software for diagnosis, repairs, and updates. Tesla has been slow at sharing information, but we have a connection to a company that provides everything we need. We can connect to your Tesla and to link to technical information live with a special website.

Tesla has failed to adequately support its customers with a service network for mechanical repairs, parts and serving, it’s left a vacuum which the aftermarket is filling.

Tesla is a fun car to own, and we are making it easier for you to service and maintain it to the highest standards. At BA Auto we’re looking out for you and your Tesla.

Are you ready for winter driving?

Brian England, Thu, Dec 1, 2022

Don’t let this happen to you. Last winter, local motorists got stuck in a snowstorm on I-95. For those not prepared for winter driving it turned into a terrifying experience. Drivers had no water, they ran out of gas, and were cold and hungry. Be prepared for this kind of situation by preparing a “winter safety kit” for your car that includes the following:

1. Water
2. Food, snacks, and energy bars
3. Blankets
4. Back up phone battery
5. Warm coat and hiking boots