Problem: red triangle & red power light when powering on car

[jmann]

Every few days, and I think this has only happened when I first start my car in the morning here is the problem:
Red triangle/exclamation mark appears on dashboard; LED on power button is orange; dashboard comes up with all regular icons (headlights, D-N-R-B-P, etc.) but it will not go into gear and the engine does not start; pushing the power button does not turn off the car; There are no errors displayed on the MFD.

I then hold the power button a few seconds to force it off and try again. It then starts right up.

This happens ever day or two or three, and so far, I think, only first thing in the morning.

Other notes:
This is a 2006, package is everything but leather seats (I think that is a package 6); I leave the HID headlights on all the time because there are not daytime running lights;

While I think this is highly unlikely because the SKS and everything else works, The first thing to check is the 12V battery.
Throw me some other ideas.

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Solved: it is the 12v battery.

[abra]

12V battery Low voltage or battery about to go out.
Happened to me alot when i forgot to close hatch all the way.

[firepa63]

If your 12v battery is the original, it's probably the cause of your problems and should be replaced. The other possibility is the brake pedal switch or you're not pushing hard enough on the brake when powering up. I think the 12v battery is really the culprit though.

[jmann]

Yep, it is the 12V battery. I'm calling my buddy to get me one at the auto store supplyer price. (out of curiosity, what did you guys pay for the AMT battery for the prius?)

[Patrick Wong]

I paid ~$139 plus sales tax when buying the 12V battery from my local Toyota dealer in Tucson this past fall.

[firepa63]

Originally Posted by jmann

Yep, it is the 12V battery. I'm calling my buddy to get me one at the auto store supplyer price. (out of curiosity, what did you guys pay for the AMT battery for the prius?)

Make sure you are getting a battery that will fit the Prius and has proper venting. Toyota is really the only battery made specifically for the Prius.

[Music City]

My 2005 Prius has been doing exactly the same thing for a couple of months now...very random occurence. We also keep the lights on while driving and have for almost 5 years now. The dealer has not been able to replicate the problem. He must not have experienced a Prius with a worn battery yet. So it's for sure battery replacement time???

[BAllanJ]

After 5 years the battery doesn't owe you anything anyway. Waiting for it to finally really crap out is going to increase the total cost (tow, having to go with what the first dealership says when they know they've got you over a barrel), so why not go ahead now anyway? You can shop around, or order a yellowtop on line etc. And you can do it at your convenience rather than have the car die at the worst possible time. At least by a battery boost pack if you aren't going to replace the battery.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by BAllanJ

...Waiting for it to finally really crap out is going to increase the total cost (tow, having to go with what the first dealership says when they know they've got you over a barrel), so why not go ahead now anyway? ...And you can do it at your convenience rather than have the car die at the worst possible time...

Absolutely. I've seen a few posts where the hapless owner paid $400 for a replacement 12V battery:

$100 for towing
$100 for "diagnostic" time
$200 for the battery and installation labor

Especially if the battery failure happens to your spouse, SO, or child, who needs this negative drama?

You are not married to the 12V battery. Better to replace it at a time and place of your choice, esp if you can DIY and save all the labor costs involved.

[Music City]

All good advice. I did check the status of the battery last night. Without load it is at 9.7 volts. We're shopping for a new one today.