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2010 Prius 12V Battery Replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by v4xN0s, Jul 25, 2016.

  1. v4xN0s

    v4xN0s New Member

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    Hey guys, recently my prius stopped starting up, and after some reading through the forums it ended up looking like the 12v, starting battery, was dead. I was looking into replacing it on my own by using a guide from priusliftsupports. I asked my local dealership for a quote on the replacement and it came close to 450$ for everything, and none of the auto parts stores were willing to do replacements for hybrids. I have never done this is before for my prius and was wondering if any of you might have, and if there were any other guides out there for it, or should I just take it in to get it done by him?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Up here the stock battery was $271 (Canadian) last fall when I checked, and the suitable Optima (higher CCA) was around $230.

    Nothing is complicated in swapping them, apart from somewhat unconventional location. You could swap it yourself in a parking lot with a 10 mm wrench and 30 min.

    A jump pack to save memories is nice, but not necessity. Pre-charging the new battery is also a good idea, but it should be ok without that, just give it a good drive.
     
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  3. lar.smith42

    lar.smith42 Active Member

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    Check with a another dealer in your area that price is way to high. I had mine changed last year at Lone Star Toyota for about $246. True2 battery was $206
     

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  4. v4xN0s

    v4xN0s New Member

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    I was going to use the Optima Yellow top 8171 with CCA 450 and it came around to be $147 on amazon. I dont mind losing the presets as I dont use the radio much, so I guess Im going to try it without a tender. The guy at the dealership just freaked me out a little by repeating that I might get hurt and that only he could handle this battery in his entire dealership, and everyone else said they arent allowed to change batteries on hybrids.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! there are several aftermarket batteries. instead of an auto parts store, find a local mech who will replace it for you. it's only a few minutes more than a regular car battery.
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If the locals won't do business, there is the internet.

    The important part is that it is a S46B24R It should have JIS posts and be vented. All these are
    Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 to 2015 , Prius V & Plug-in Prius with Instructions
    https://www.napaonline.com/p/NBE9851P
    Super Start Platinum PRIUS - Battery | O'Reilly Auto Parts
    OPTIMA Batteries YellowTop Dual-Purpose Battery, Group Size S46B24R, 450 CCA DS46B24R: Advance Auto Parts

    Looks like Edmonds OK has both O'Reillys and Advance Auto Parts
     
    #6 JimboPalmer, Jul 25, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2016
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  7. working1

    working1 Active Member

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    One option is to buy local at Advanced Auto Parts, Store 6369 @ 714 South Broadway. OPTIMA Batteries YellowTop Dual-Purpose Battery, Group Size S46B24R, 450 CCA DS46B24R: Advance Auto Parts

    Shows in stock for Group Size S46B24R, 450 CCA @ $238.99. Use promo code TRT30 to drop that down to $188.99. Cashback sites could drop that down 6%.

    Just depends how fast you need it. The above size is what I used and could not wait a couple of days for Amazon. Core charge involved so bring the old one with you.

    And plan on having a battery charger available to fully charge it before installing.
     
    #7 working1, Jul 25, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2016
  8. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    I paid a bit over 150 USD for mine about 6 months ago -- they had a rebate also. It's a 10 min job ... make sure to get the correct battery. The Toyota battery has smaller terminals and the +/ - are reversed vs the very common Honda battery.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What you'll lose, and none of its end-of-world: radio presets, trip meters and (maybe) auto-up on one or more of the windows. For the latter (if it happens), there's a simple retraining procedure. Maybe it's:

    Run window right down, then run it right up holding the up switch, then hold 2 seconds more. Maybe, lol.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    batteries plus carries the correct duracell.
     
  11. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I bought my battery from O'Reilly last year for 175.99$ plus tax equal 192.96$ and changed it myself. The rear latch was closed and it's electrically controlled, so I had to crawl in the back seat and did it from there in a tight space lol... It was easy to do after you remove all the plastic pieces out of the way and the battery bracket. It's an easy job, don't let the dealership scare you into not doing it yourself.
     
  12. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    There's no reason it should take any longer. Very easy! Just be extra-double certain you have the polarity correct.
     
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    for my truck, you open the hood, remove the cables and brace, and lift out. isn prius a bit more?
     
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You have to pull out the floor pieces, and it's a little awkward is all.

    The hold down bracket is poor design, no accommodation for even slight variations in battery height.

    But really, 5 minutes extra hassle, at most.
     
  15. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Open hatch.
    Remove deck pieces, tray & bin.
    Disconnect battery.
    Remove cap on positive terminal.
    Remove battery,

    The battery for my Intrigue was under a brace. Swapping out the battery in the Prius was easier & faster because the parts that have to be removed were designed to be removed and are lighter--including the battery.
     
  16. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    No brace in the way in a Prius. You do have to lift out and toss forward the main floor, the under-floor cargo pan, and the right corner of the floor---which take maybe 5 seconds apiece, assuming no cargo in the way. Oh, and unplug a vent hose, another 5 seconds. After that, pretty much exactly the same routine as with the most straightforward non-hybrid cars. The battery is lighter, and less likely to cover itself and the cable clamps in nasty acidic corrosive gunk.
     
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    just a few minutes more. don't take this as half an hour.:p
     
  18. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Well, because the battery is down so low my old back complained. But that's just age. ;)

    To keep all data I clipped an "alarm battery" to the boost point under the hood. If you do this remember the positive lead is live when you change the battery, and don't drop the lead on the chassis! Much excitement will result. ;)
     
  19. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    They said that at a Toyota dealership? Stay far away from those bozos!!

    Yes, there is a dangerous, 200 Volt DC battery in you Prius, but that isn't what you're replacing! You're replacing a very small 12 Volt battery. It's safer than other car batteries because it is much smaller and lower current -- it does not support the high Amperage needed to turn a starter motor.

    Most auto parts stores will help you swap out this battery at no charge. It's a very simple procedure. The only thing you should mind is to connect a small tube which vents the battery's hydrogen gas outside your vehicle. This is standard with batteries mounted in the trunk (it was like this with my BMW as well).

    If you connect the new battery and something doesn't work (warning lights), here are the three steps:
    1) Don't freak out; nothing's broken
    2) Turn the car fully off and on three times
    3) If that doesn't work, disconnect the battery ground cable and reconnect it.
     
  20. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Pep Boys In Cinnaminson, NJ wanted a fortune to swap out the 12v battery even though they offer "free" installation because "ooooh, it's a hybrid and we could get electrocuted". Thanks for helping me cross off another auto parts store from my list of places to shop. I could imagine them throwing a hissy fit if I bought tires because "ooooh it's a hybrid and it has high voltage and we could get electrocuted". Anyone that afraid to work on the car is certainly not qualified to work on mine. I don't care how many BS certificates they have hanging on the wall.

    I ordered the battery online. USPS delivered it to the house. I installed it one evening/night with he car sitting in my driveway. Then they wonder why retail stores are losing customers.

    When the dealer is no better than the minimum wage grease monkey it is time to buy some tools and learn to do as much as you can.
     
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