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12v battery disconnect

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by recoilfx, Jun 10, 2014.

  1. recoilfx

    recoilfx New Member

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    Just got the new 2014 Prius and readying to install the auto headlights - is there an easy way to disconnect the 12v battery? Do I really have to open up the right rear passenger panel, unscrew the clamp, take out the battery, then finally disconnect the terminals? Is there an easier way?
     
  2. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Nope....only sure way is to disconnect it at the battery itself...
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If your need is to cut off the 12 volt, you just need to disconnect the negative lead. Does the Prius c require you to remove the battery to get at the terminals??
     
  4. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    Actually you only need to disconnect and insulate EITHER of the battery posts.
    The negative one is the safest by far.

    P.S. I this a "standard" thing that a dealer will do.......or strictly a 3rd party solution ??
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I always heard just disconnecting the positive was a no-no. No?
     
  6. recoilfx

    recoilfx New Member

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    AFIK, the only way to access the negative terminal is to do everything i exactly described, i have to pull the battery out of the passenger seat... :-\
     
  7. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    No.
    Only because it is dangerous to be using metal tools on the positive side while the negative is still connected.

    If there is no body metal in the vicinity of the positive terminal, then it should be perfectly fine......unless you manage to do something REALLY klutzy.
     
  8. Bigboi

    Bigboi Member

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    Have you found out the right way to disconnect the battery?
     
  9. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Are you asking for yourself?
     
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  10. Bigboi

    Bigboi Member

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    IMG_20160523_020601.jpg
    Hi Orenji in this image, is the arrow pointing to the negative lead? Is this image showing the negative lead already disconnected? Online documents and there manual state disconnect it, but doesn't say how. Do you disconnect this negative lead by tugging and pulling it away from the terminal using your fingers until it loosens up?

    My plan is to disconnect power to the driver side air bag so i can take out the air bag without it blowing up, but I'm worried the hybrid battery would cause it to explode, or the traction battery, so would i have to disconnect those batteries on top of the 12v aux battery to ensure the airbag doesnt explode when i remove the airbag?

    Thank you for your time!
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    All the red plastic on the other post is a strong indicator that it's the positive post. It should be slightly larger diameter too. With any battery, the positive terminal has the (red) plastic cap, and often multiple connectors. The negative terminal is a simple single cable. You've got it right: the post on the right is negative.

    For confirmation: if you look carefully on the case top, you should see "+" and "-" symbols too. On our OEM battery they were a little difficult to see, just raised bumps, not contrasting colour. Actually, with all that plastic sheathing, the symbols may be obscured.

    To disconnect the negative cable you loosen it's locking nut a few turns, then lift up on the clamp. Shouldn't take much effort when loosened. For security, stuff it into a heavy glove, just to keep it isolated.
     
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  12. Bigboi

    Bigboi Member

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    Wow okay im not the most tech savvy boi (had my first smartphone at 30 years old!) But this makes a lot of sense and i am so thankful to have the help and support even if its for the dumbest questions ever i not the brightest bulb in the shelf! I am ready to disconnect my battery now!! Much appreciate!!!
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @Bigboi I was 60 before I was issued a smart phone, lol.
     
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  14. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Red is Positive, Black is negative, the picture posted does seem to show the negative side is disconnected already? Always disconnect the negative side first and then the positive side, and to hook up do the positive first and then the negative. .