Generation 1 Prius Oddity - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

epinionator89 · 01-03-2006, 03:11 PM

This has been bothering me for a while now.

Picture

What is that thing on the driver's side C-pillar (between the rear door and the left taillight)? There isn't one on the other side, and for--I don't know; a year?--I've been trying to figure out what it's for.

So... what's it for?

Tideland Prius · 01-03-2006, 08:27 PM

That's the vent for the high voltage (HV) battery. On the newer Priuses, it's inside on the rear passenger side. With the Classic Prius, try not to get water in there (i.e. try and cover up when going through a car wash). Rainwater won't get it, only when you forcefully jet it in the vent will it create problems

epinionator89 · 01-04-2006, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

With the Classic Prius, try not to get water in there (i.e. try and cover up when going through a car wash).

Thanks for the reply.

Just curious; what have people used to cover it up?

Tideland Prius · 01-04-2006, 12:15 PM

I have no idea lol. I guess a piece of plastic will do.

1GR-FE · 01-13-2006, 11:48 AM

do not cover up the vent on the outside or the inside vent as you can overheat the HV battery and its alot of money to replace it

epinionator89 · 01-15-2006, 04:13 PM

Thanks for the reply, 1GR-FE. I assume this means that if I own a Gen1 Prius then I can only wash it by hand?

I was going to ask about overheating but I never got around to it.

Tideland Prius · 01-15-2006, 06:03 PM

Cover it up. It won't overheat in the few mins that you're in the car wash. Just remember to remove the cover after you've drove through the car wash.

If you're really concerned, then cover 3 of the 4 sides and the top, leaving the bottom exposed (e.g. a mini mini version of a sunroof deflector. That way, you still have ventilation if needed but water can't get in.