2006--multiple warning lights, won't start

how many miles on her? is it the original 12 volt? that could be the problem. no warranty, you can take it anywhere. prices with install should range from $200. to $300. pays to shop around. all the best!

 

It sounds like the 12 volt battery is weak and needs to be replaced. If it the original battery, it is over due for replacement.

If you are mechanically inclined, you can change the battery yourself. You can expect to pay $150 to $200 or slightly more for the correct battery depending on source and brand of battery you purchase. The choice is slim due to the post configuration of the battery and the fact that it is a AGM type battery.

I recommend the OEM Toyota battery which can be purchased from Toyota. Others here will recommend the "Yellow Top" and the "Exide" Brand Battery. If you pay someone to install your battery, you could expect to pay an additional $50 to $150 for the labor.

It takes about an hour to swap the battery and very few tools are needed. Refer to this link Procedure for 12V battery replacement. | PriusChat and download the PDF file posted there that details how to do it. There are also instructions in the second link in my signature. Read post #8 in the string for the details. There is also a video on that string that shows the swap.

I suggest you not try to jump start the Prius, but rather go ahead and install a new battery at this point. There are a lot of horror stories here on Prius Chat about folks jump starting and then facing large repair bills due to incorrect jumping.

Best of luck to you, and I hope this info helps you.

 

You are confusing the traction battery warranty with the 12 volt. The 12 volt is usually covered 3 years/36 thousand miles. You will have to pay for the new battery plus the labor unless you do the work yourself.

 

Does anyone know of an AGM battery from chain auto parts stores that would make an emergency fit?

 

yes, some carry the optima direct replacement for prius. make sure it's fully charged before leaving.

 

the dealer will be at the top end of the price range, around $300.

 

Let me clarify: besides the Optima is there another option? Would a small riding lawn mower style battery work in an emergency?

 

I understand, I would suggest you use a local mechanic you know and trust rather than the dealer. The dealer will not simply install a new battery for you. They will want to do diagnostics first before making the actual repair.

Whereas if you were to use a independent and said I want you to swap the battery they will do the work for you and probably be cheaper.

Whatever you do, make sure you get the correct AGM type battery that has the vent hole and the small reversed JIS posts. As I said earlier, there are only three or four batteries out there that are considered a true "drop in" battery.

Best of luck to you!

 

exide is another replacement. just about anything will work in an emergency, but the battery posts come in different sizes, so hooking up a non prius spec could be difficult. if you just need to start it to get it to a repairshop, pick up one of those starter charger units and connect it to the jump post under the hood.

 

I'm considering going to Walmart w/ a tape measure and finding the cheapest lead-acid I can find that's 8"x10"x5" and rigging those posts up with duct tape and cable ties if that's what it takes.

Like I said it's an emergency and I don't have $300 to blow. I have $50 tops.

 

Have you tried charging your battery? A group 51 battery might work, but you would need an adapter for the posts. This really is not a good idea, you should invest in a sealed unit.

SM-N900P ?

 

You could nurse the thing along with one of those $50 jump packs, but I'd still recommend getting at least the Optima. You can occasionally find them at Advance Auto or streetsideauto.com for well under $200.

If you choose the jump pack, make sure you understand how to jump the car, don't reverse polarity and understand the risks you're taking with other electrical components.

 

That is typical of a weak and dying battery. Sometimes they will set and regain enough charge to go again. Sometimes not. I still suggest you get a new battery. It would not surprise me if the warm weather had a play in this also. I see it is in the 60's there in Cali at the moment.

 

Labor $50-$150? Lol. Who's going to pay that. When you can it yourself. 10-15 min max
Why? Cause I've done it my self. Yellow top battery

 

I agree that $150 labor to change a 12v battery in a Gen II Prius would be high.
No one would take a full hour to change the 12v.

But I am also certain that it will take more than 10 minutes to change it.
Toyota did not make things exactly easy back there.

 

Hey, it took me about 90 minutes. Of course, I went slow and "scared." If I had to do it again, maybe 35 minutes?

My local Toyota DEALERS (multiple) wanted between $250-$280 to supply replacement 84-month battery and install it.