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Dead Prius, no lights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mayala9210, Oct 3, 2015.

  1. mayala9210

    mayala9210 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hey guys, new here and I don't know if this is the right place for this type of thread, if not, mods can move it. I drive a 2008 Prius, 80k miles, the car got out of the body shop yesterday after having work done because I got rear ended. Car worked fine yesterday and today morning. This afternoon I go back into the car, insert the fob, press the brake and power button, and when I release the brake it felt weird (I don't know how to describe it) and the dash lights flash, turn off, and there is absolutely no power in the car. Is it a dead battery and should I try to jump it, or should I wait until Monday to call the body shop? The car was working fine before, the only anomalous things were the SKS went off several times when I tried to unlock/lock the car and the tire pressure light went on, which I addressed promptly by filling my tires properly. Thanks for your help
     
    #1 mayala9210, Oct 3, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    welcome! try jump starting and report back. be careful not to cross the positive and negative at the battery or under the hood jump point, it can be expensive.
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 3, 2015
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, either install a new 12V battery or jump start. As previously suggested, make sure you do not botch the jump start by reversing battery polarity.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Oct 3, 2015
  4. mayala9210

    mayala9210 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks guys! My roommate helped me jump start it and now I'm taking it for a run. Nice little panic I got since it never died on me that way. The 12v battery was replaced about 6 months ago so I hope it's not that.
     
    #4 mayala9210, Oct 3, 2015
  5. mayala9210

    mayala9210 Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    UPDATE: Took the car for a run and stopped at O'relly's to buy a jump starter to have as a backup. Loh and behold the car dies again. I jump start and drive back home, I turn the car off and everything goes off and the car dies again. Any other suggestions?
     
    #5 mayala9210, Oct 4, 2015
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Now that you know the 12V battery is the problem, you need to connect it to a battery charger overnight. Do not think that driving the car for 15 minutes will recharge the battery. It will take 8 hours or more.

    If the 12V battery will not hold a charge then you will need to replace it. If it is 6 months old then it should be under warranty.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Oct 4, 2015
  7. mayala9210

    mayala9210 Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for your help Patrick.
     
    #7 mayala9210, Oct 4, 2015
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