A Video Guide To Hybrid Battery Fan Filters
Unless you're familiar with hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, you may be surprised to learn they have a hybrid battery fan that usually uses a filter. Like the cabin air filter or engine air filter, the hybrid battery fan filter is a part that needs to be changed or cleaned on a regular basis.
In this video, The Care Care Nut walks through the different types of hybrid battery fan filters for the 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius, including how to clean and install both filters.
What Is A Hybrid Battery Fan Filter?
Most hybrid vehicles have a battery fan that circulates air around the battery, so it doesn't overheat or get too cold. In most cars, like the Toyota Prius, this fan draws air from the vehicle's cabin over the battery. The only problem is the fan gets dirty over time due to a buildup of dirt, dust, and other things like pet hair from inside the car.
That's where the hybrid battery filter comes in. The filter is a thin mesh screen that keeps dirt and dust from accumulating inside the fan. On the 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius, there are two types of filters - an internal filter that sits inside the fan grille and an exterior filter that fits over the top of the fan grille.
How Often Should I Change My Hybrid Battery Fan Filter?
There is no set lifespan on the hybrid battery fan filter, but it should be checked regularly. A blocked or partially clogged filter will reduce air circulation. This will increase the battery temperature, shorten its life, and reduce its performance.
How Do I Change My Battery Fan Filter?
The external filter is easy to remove and clean. All you have to do is unclip it from the outside of the fan grille and then blow it off with compressed air or wash it. Or you can vacuum the surface of the filter without removing it from the grille.
For the internal filter, you have to remove the battery fan housing. On the 2010 to 2015 Prius, the easiest way is to lift it from below the fan grille, pushing up on it until it unhooks at the top. Then you can access and clean the filter. To reinstall the housing, reverse the steps and press down on it until it clicks.
Other Helpful Links
In addition to the 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius, here are some other helpful links for other Toyota cars and SUVs:
- How to replace a hybrid battery fan filter on a 2016 to 2018 RAV4 Hybrid
- Replacing the hybrid battery fan filter on a 2017+ Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid
- How to replace a 2020+ Toyota Corolla hybrid battery fan filter
- Hybrid battery fan and filter replacement on a 2007 to 2011 Camry hybrid
- How to replace the hybrid battery fan filter on the 2019+ RAV4 hybrid, 2021+ Venza Hybrid, and 2021+ RAV4 PRIME
- Learn about the most important maintenance item on your Toyota Sienna Hybrid
- Hybrid battery maintenance for the Lexus RX400H, RX450H, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Olathe Toyota Parts Center Is Your Source For Hybrid Fan Parts
For parts like a hybrid battery fan filter, we've got what you need with up-front pricing and help from our expert staff. We also offer free resources like a Toyota VIN decoder, diagnostic info for common Toyota trouble codes, and a variety of other resources for all your hybrid and non-hybrid Toyota needs.