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D51 possibly causing thunderstorm-related issues?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by primuspaul, Jul 30, 2014.

  1. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    I have had some thunderstorm-related issues happening with my 2002 Prius, such as warning lights and some systems shorting out after thunderstorms. It has an Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual-Purpose Battery, Group 51, 450 CCA (D51) battery installed with no restraining bracket. Is it possible this is causing the issues? Otherwise, car runs fine.
     
    #1 primuspaul, Jul 30, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah you don't want that puppy rattling around in there while the lightning is flashing. can't you restrain it with a bungee cord and some foam packed around it?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 30, 2014
  3. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    That is what I am planning to do. Actually, all of my issues happened during lightning storms while the car was parked and stationary. I was just wondering if the very fact that the battery was different from the OEM one could cause such issues.

    Any suggestions as to how to restrain it correctly and make it just as good as an OEM battery?
     
    #3 primuspaul, Jul 30, 2014
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. Check the tightness of the battery cables especially the negative cable where it is bolted to the body.
    2. An alternative battery bracket size is available, which was intended for use with the Panasonic 12V battery offered for sale by Toyota dealer parts departments as an upgrade to the original equipment size. You'll have to see whether that works with the Optima size you purchased.
    3. There is no inherent problem with using a 12V battery other than the original equipment size, as long as its Ah capacity equals or exceeds original equipment.
    4. What systems are "shorting out", and how do you know this is happening?
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jul 31, 2014
  5. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    Had an electrical storm and got the red triangle + "Hybrid" warning. Reset code, car seemed okay. Another storm and the gateway ECU appears to have been fried.
     
    #5 primuspaul, Jul 31, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe you need one of those ground straps that drag on the ground.
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 31, 2014
  7. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    Details?
     
    #7 primuspaul, Jul 31, 2014
  8. Wisco

    Wisco Member

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    If it were me, I'd try to pin down exactly what code is occurring. Either with a scantool, a smartphone with OBD wifi adapter, or at your local auto parts place if you can still drive it..

    Sceptic that I am, I would hesitate to assume the weather is causing this. Is that a known issue with our cars?
     
    #8 Wisco, Aug 1, 2014
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    some people, who get a static shock when getting in or out of their car will fasten a braided ground wire from the engine compartment down to the ground. i don't know anymore than that.
     
    #9 bisco, Aug 1, 2014
  10. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    The triangle following a storm really only happened once and has not happened since. The MFD issue did not come with a red triangle.
     
    #10 primuspaul, Aug 1, 2014
  11. Wisco

    Wisco Member

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    The two parallel threads on your car could have a single cause and it's a bit confusing to have both. I'm having trouble keeping track of what symptoms occurred when. For example was the red triangle after the storm the same occurrence as after Advance installed the battery mentioned in other thread? You also mention it being towed to the dealer, but not their conclusions about the problem..

    Totally up to you, but perhaps further discussion of your miscellaneous electrical issues should be on MPG display not getting information | PriusChat

    Chapman has helped me through electrical diagnosis before, and seems to be steering you in a good direction.
     
    #11 Wisco, Aug 1, 2014
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