Jump Start Prius Via Accessory Outlet?

[jyl]

The aux battery of our 2007 (1,500 miles) was dead this afternoon. Car won't go "ready", electric door locks don't work, etc. Multi-tool reads 3 volts at the jumper post in the engine compartment.

Not sure how it could have happened, as the car was only parked for 4 hours since my wife had last driven the kids to school. Can't imagine leaving an interior light on could drain the aux battery in that short a time.

Called Toyota dealer who said we could recharge the battery. Anyway, my battery charger appears to be defective, it is electronically controlled and will not "charge" - not a Prius issue, I've had problems w/ it before. But I also have one of those "battery boosters" that plug into a 12v cigarette/accessory socket to jump start a car. Will this work on the Prius? Or will it damage the car, so that I shouldn't even try?

[pendetim]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John L. @ Jan 5 2007, 10:08 PM) [snapback]371625[/snapback]</div>

The aux battery of our 2007 (1,500 miles) was dead this afternoon. Car won't go "ready", electric door locks don't work, etc. Multi-tool reads 3 volts at the jumper post in the engine compartment.

Not sure how it could have happened, as the car was only parked for 4 hours since my wife had last driven the kids to school. Can't imagine leaving an interior light on could drain the aux battery in that short a time.

Called Toyota dealer who said we could recharge the battery. Anyway, my battery charger appears to be defective, it is electronically controlled and will not "charge" - not a Prius issue, I've had problems w/ it before. But I also have one of those "battery boosters" that plug into a 12v cigarette/accessory socket to jump start a car. Will this work on the Prius? Or will it damage the car, so that I shouldn't even try?
[/b]

I do not think that would work as it takes battery power to energize the circuit that turns on the Aux outlet. The Aux in my 2006 is dead until the start buttin is pressed.

They may have changed it in the 2007 models, however this has been the general mode of operation on Toyotas - and other imported cars for years.

[daniel]

Costal Tech has a mod that keeps one of the aux power sockets ("cigarette lighter") live. If you installed that mod you might be able to use a charger there. But if your battery is healthy and there are no current leaks in the car, you should not need to use a charger on a regular basis.

[Charles Suitt]

<_< I advise CAUTION in modifying a Prius to make the 12v accessory outlet [AKA "Cigarette Lighter"] on without the Prius being in "Ready" mode. Potentially, you could accidentally leave a 12v accessory [Cellphone, Tomboy, etc.] plugged in and deplete the 12v accessory battery.

On the other hand... If your memory is perfect you wouldn't need to be concerned.

[Joannerice]

My first post at Prius Chat. I just purchased a 2007 Prius (package 2).

In just case, would this be a useful item to have? Black and Decker Simple Start.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide...ProductID=16346


Joanne

[daniel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joanner @ Jan 7 2007, 10:11 AM) [snapback]372098[/snapback]</div>

My first post at Prius Chat. I just purchased a 2007 Prius (package 2).

In just case, would this be a useful item to have? Black and Decker Simple Start.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide...ProductID=16346
Joanne
[/b]

Welcome to PriusChat, Joanner.

The B&D device will not work on a stock Prius because the cigarette-lighter outlets are not connected when the car is off. As I noted in my earlier post, there is a mod sold by Costal Tech that will cause one of them to stay live, so you could use the B&D gadget. However, as Charles warns, this could be risky, because a device left plugged in and turned on could drain your 12-v battery.

However, the Prius is so reliable that your chances of needing a jump start are very small.

[Joannerice]

Thanks, Daniel. Now I can spend the $$$ on other goodies for my car!

I'm learning a lot here, although most of it is over my head. I will probably be asking some pretty stupid questons.


Joanne

[jyl]

Well, as predicted, the cigarette light battery booster did not work.

However, seems to me having an easy way to jump start the car could be a useful thing. So I am planning to get the Coastal mod to keep the front accessory outlet "live" and then carry the booster in the under-floor compartment.

Anyway, I bought a conventional battery charger, a couple hours on 2 amps, and problem solved.

I am still puzzled at how the aux battery could have been drained so quickly, so will keep an eye on it. Perhaps I have a slightly defective battery.

BTW, given how smart the Prius is in other ways, I am surprised it doesn't automatically shut off power to whatever is draining the aux battery (dome light, accessory socket, etc) when the aux battery voltage is getting dangerously low.

[Half_Orc]

wow I didn't know about this either. I was going to buy one awhile back to jump start my car, but I am glad I came back to the forums!

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John L. @ Jan 8 2007, 12:53 AM) [snapback]372364[/snapback]</div>

However, seems to me having an easy way to jump start the car could be a useful thing. So I am planning to get the Coastal mod to keep the front accessory outlet "live" and then carry the booster in the under-floor compartment.
[/b]

You could always wire-up and additional 12V socket that bypasses the switch, and use that for jump-starting.

Tom