Jump Box and death warnings

[ekc]

I stopped at my dealer for a short visit today and ask if there was anything I should know since I hadn't really talked about the car much when I ordered it {I get the next one}.
He REALLY emphasized two things. The first is to get a jump box and never get a jump from another car no matter what anybody tells me. I have no idea what one looks like, costs, or whatever, but I don't like the thought of hauling around something like that taking up my storage space...just in case... Anyone else told that?

Next, he really stressed if I had ANY problem with the car at all, I was to call him IMMEDIATELY and to NEVER, NEVER try to 'fix' anything. He told me about the high voltage and said to "make no mistake, it can kill you". Needless to say, it wasn't very comforting and not the thing you want to hear when you're all excited about getting your new car. Anyone else told that too?? Thank you.

[guyboston]

It sounds to me like he was in either CYA or paranoia mode.

You can get hurt or killed by working carelessly or uninformed on a conventional engine too - the main difference is that the 200 volts DC in the Prius is present in some places even with the engine stopped. But don't worry - all the high voltage cables (keep in mind the 200VDC gets jacked up even more by the inverter) are covered in those bright orange cables.

I would just treat the engine compartment of your car with the same respect you would a conventional engine. As far as jumps go, check the manual - it is possible to jump the Prius with another car - thats what the 12V battery extender terminal is for - but it is not recommended to GIVE a jump to another car, most likely because you don't want spikes/transients on the electrical system of the electronic controllers.

[Ryomatic]

I don't think anyone would have the guts to dig around inside the Synergy Drive if something went wrong. And, of course you're going to bring it into the dealership...it's under warranty for heaven's sake! :wink:

This is the first I've heard about a "jumpbox". If you look in the Prius Manual there is a section on jumping your car if the battery goes dead. It explains the standard safe way to connect jumper cables to a box under the hood that is designed for jumping the Prius. Wait a minute....could that be the box your dealer was talking about. I was assuming it is a standard feature under the hood. I seriously doubt that a dealer would stoop so low as to take it out and then charge you for it. I haven't actually looked for it on my car; I was just assuming it was there.

I'll see if I have it and get back to you.

[ekc]

The salesman I talked to, told me I should go out and buy the jumpbox, so it isn't anything that comes with the car. I haven't read the manual because I haven't gotten my car yet.

[Tickwood]

A jub box is a self contained battery and jumber cable device. You can get one at an auto parts store or on the web.
Try: http://www.toolsusa.com/BatteryChargers/index.htm or similar.

[guyboston]

I think the jump-box he is referring too is a 3rd party product that usually connects to the car through the 12 power jack. It has its own rechargable battery (I have even seen some that use "D" Cells) and it is meant to trickle charge your battery over 20 minutes or so and then allow you to start - it does NOT provide cranking power, unless it is of the type that connects to the battery or extender terminal using clips.

The Extender terminal should be standard equipment and not easily removabl. I'll have to hunt under the hood for mine tonight now that my curiosity is up.

[Tickwood]

Sorry,I knew I should have used the spell checker

[bruceha_2000]

The owner's manual is VERY specific on where to connect the jumper cables. The Positive contact is inside the fuse box (on your right as you face the engine, big black plastic cover). It is covered with a red cap and marked. The Negative is on the opposite side way up near the windshield. It is NOT marked in the car - there is an arrow in the manual. It looks like a long stud sticking up but is near 2 other bolts. They really should have marked it as well. There is what appears to be a matching one just behind the fuse box but it is NOT shown as a connection point. This would be due to wanting the + and - clamps distant from each other. I presume they are just mounting bolts that happen to give good contact for the neg connector.

I really doubt a Prius could generate enough amps to jump anything that has a starter motor.

[greengecko]

Around here we call them jump-packs. We have one as an essential accessory for our Miata, which has the same size battery as the prius, but has a crappy alarm that drains it in two weeks. Ran about 70$, jumps the car 5-6 times on a charge. Can also be used for emergency power in the house during an outage as it has a normal lighter plug on it.

My understanding from the manual is that you can use another car to jump the Prius (I have used our Miata for this) but that the instructions (from the shop manual, not users manual) are to hook up the cables and run the engine on the live vehicle at 1500rpms for 15 minutes before turning over the prius. I think this is to get a base charge back on the battery as it is an electrical sink essential to keeping the voltage steady in the car. The prius only needs enough charge to run its computers, after all, not a starter like an old-style car.

What the prius users manual says is Never jump another car with the prius battery. Basically the car is a big electronic toy with wheels, and voltage dips and spikes that can happen when jumping are not good for it. This would be the reason to carry a jump pack -- to help someone else out should the need arise.

Also the voltage on the 2004 prius and newer is 500 volts, previous was 274volts. All those lines are encased in orange plastic, and you'd have to work hard to get at them accidentally. See this page for more info: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/tech/environmen...ent/hsd/03.html

[DaveinOlyWA]

for the Prius, you can probably get away with a smaller unit. i got one for $34 that i use to charge my RC car with. (most people use the 12 volt battery from their cars, but mine is so small i decided not to)