theoretical question!

avischwartz · 08-24-2007, 09:01 AM

Today I saw a poor guy who needed a boost. Am I able to help someone get a boost to his dead battery with the Prius?

**TonyPSchaefer** · 08-24-2007, 09:04 AM

I'm going to let someone else give the definitive answer, but I'm pretty sure that the answer might be 'no'.

On the other hand, if the unfortunate gentleman doesn't have a cell phone and you do, it would be nice to call an auto service for him.

avischwartz · 08-24-2007, 09:09 AM

Are you kidding, I think there are more cellphones per person here in Jerusalem than just about anywhere in the world!

hobbit · 08-24-2007, 09:10 AM

You can boost another car from the Prius, but only very carefully and
it takes a while. You don't want to have the target car try to crank
when the Prius is hooked up, so the recipient has to have that
understanding firmly in mind and agree before you begin. The Prius
will be able to push a little charge into the target battery, but
it takes a while because it's gently charging at 13.8 or 14 volts
and not sending over a whole lot of current. Then, unhook the Prius
before the target tries to start.
.
So if you want to get it done quickly, then no, the Prius isn't good
for it. You could carry a booster-box around, though, which can
handle cranking currents for a short time and then you could recharge
*that* off the Prius.
.
_H*

mhawkin1 · 08-24-2007, 10:01 AM

It's 2007 - if you don't know the guy, don't stop to help him. Call the police to come and help, but don't even stop. Do I need to mention the bazillion horror stories that has resulted from people stopping to help strangers?

wogue · 08-24-2007, 01:54 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mhawkin1 @ Aug 24 2007, 04:01 PM) [snapback]501509[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

It's 2007 - if you don't know the guy, don't stop to help him. Call the police to come and help, but don't even stop. Do I need to mention the bazillion horror stories that has resulted from people stopping to help strangers?
[/b]

aren´t we a little paranoid?

FL_Prius_Driver · 08-24-2007, 06:32 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mhawkin1 @ Aug 24 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]501509[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

It's 2007 - if you don't know the guy, don't stop to help him. Call the police to come and help, but don't even stop. Do I need to mention the bazillion horror stories that has resulted from people stopping to help strangers?
[/b]

Yeah..... that 70 year old grandma is a risk, let's pass her fast......
I have helped people in need and have avoided what looks to be questionable. It's never seemed very hard to figure out.

JimN · 08-24-2007, 07:47 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mhawkin1 @ Aug 24 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]501509[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

It's 2007 - if you don't know the guy, don't stop to help him. Call the police to come and help, but don't even stop. Do I need to mention the bazillion horror stories that has resulted from people stopping to help strangers?
[/b]

The motorist on the side of the road has as much to fear from the person stopping to provide assistance.

In some places the police don't respond to minor accidents let alone disabled cars safely on the shoulder.

avischwartz · 08-25-2007, 02:36 PM

Hey guys, don,t forget, I am living in the mideast. If I am not going to let a scud falling on my head or some nut blowing himself up in the local market get to me, I dont think the guy on the roadside with cables and a pleading look on his face will pose a big threat.

EarthFriendly · 08-25-2007, 03:15 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avi1 @ Aug 24 2007, 09:01 AM) [snapback]501494[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Today I saw a poor guy who needed a boost. Am I able to help someone get a boost to his dead battery with the Prius?
[/b]

The second to last page of the owner's manual (the big one, not the quick reference guide) gives some pretty specific instructions about jumping a car and getting jumped. I tagged it for my wife, as popping open the hood can be a bit intimidating...

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08-24-2007, 09:01 AM	#1
avischwartz Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 35 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Today I saw a poor guy who needed a boost. Am I able to help someone get a boost to his dead battery with the Prius?

08-24-2007, 09:04 AM	#2
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,207 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 307 Times in 191 Posts Friends: 27	I'm going to let someone else give the definitive answer, but I'm pretty sure that the answer might be 'no'. On the other hand, if the unfortunate gentleman doesn't have a cell phone and you do, it would be nice to call an auto service for him.

08-24-2007, 09:09 AM	#3
avischwartz Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 35 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Are you kidding, I think there are more cellphones per person here in Jerusalem than just about anywhere in the world!

08-24-2007, 09:10 AM	#4
hobbit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bahstahn Posts: 3,837 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 0 Thanked 334 Times in 165 Posts Friends: 0	You can boost another car from the Prius, but only very carefully and it takes a while. You don't want to have the target car try to crank when the Prius is hooked up, so the recipient has to have that understanding firmly in mind and agree before you begin. The Prius will be able to push a little charge into the target battery, but it takes a while because it's gently charging at 13.8 or 14 volts and not sending over a whole lot of current. Then, unhook the Prius before the target tries to start. . So if you want to get it done quickly, then no, the Prius isn't good for it. You could carry a booster-box around, though, which can handle cranking currents for a short time and then you could recharge that off the Prius. . _H*

08-24-2007, 10:01 AM	#5
mhawkin1 Matt Join Date: May 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 91 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	It's 2007 - if you don't know the guy, don't stop to help him. Call the police to come and help, but don't even stop. Do I need to mention the bazillion horror stories that has resulted from people stopping to help strangers?

08-25-2007, 02:36 PM	#9
avischwartz Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 35 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hey guys, don,t forget, I am living in the mideast. If I am not going to let a scud falling on my head or some nut blowing himself up in the local market get to me, I dont think the guy on the roadside with cables and a pleading look on his face will pose a big threat.