I just went to start my 01 Prius (67k miles since I got it back in Nov 2000) and all that happened was a loud buzzing sound that came from a small rectangular plastic box under the hood near the windshield that contains a few relays (labeled Hyrdo Mtr No.1, Hydro Mtr No.2, ABS SOL, and I GCT). All electric power is nearly gone -- I got a very faint glow from the passenger compartment light, nothing on any displays and even the locks barely unlock when clicking on the remote. Has anyone experienced this problem? Is there a chance that I might just be able to buy a new relay and replace whichever one is buzzing or (more likely) do I need to arrange a tow to the dealer?
yup thats your 12 volt battery, it happened to me on another 01, and i got the same buzzing sound, it sounded like ABS, give it a jump and see if it holds the charge.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(statultra @ Oct 14 2006, 06:10 PM) [snapback]332840[/snapback]</div> Thanks a lot...I'll try jumping the 12V and report back. Is this just an aging thing or is it usually a symptom of something bigger?
I just wanted to say thanks for the diagnosis -- I jumped the 12V battery and after a few minutes (and the warning lights) it seems to run fine now. I guess I should take it in some time soon to see if the dealer can find anything wrong that may have caused this problem? Thanks again
nothin' wrong... you do have to replace the 12v every now and then. actually i'm surprised that one lasted so long! now if you replace the 12v and it keeps happening... then there's a problem. i doubt that's the case.
Hi NRG, many will say you were about due for a new 12 volt. If you want to know what your replacement options are, and if the archive searching is not working for you, post again and we can make a list. A weak 12 v in Prius can look like the end of the world but it ain't.
Yeah, having a car for 6 years without replacing the 12V battery is pretty good - i've seen many go for less, and very few for more. between the 6 cars my family has owned - mine, my sis's, and two each for my parents (no counting the Prius since it's so new) - in the past 10 years, 5 of them only lasted 3 years before the 12V was replaced. The one that lasted longer was my old '97 Sunfire, which lasted on the original battery until fall 2005 (8 years!). Of course, my parents are both driving lexus and Mercedes - maybe there's something to be said for not going luxury!
