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2008 Gen II 12v battery dead (?) - options

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014.

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  1. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Hi noob here.

    Went to leave work yesterday and couldn't start the car. The dash/display lights flashed, gas gauge indicator was no gas (I filled the tank two days ago), car was giving me a long continuous beep. Turned it off and on again, same thing. Also, it didn't want to release the fob from the ignition.

    Finally, no lights, no way to lock or unlock the doors.

    I'm assuming the 12v is dead.

    The car's stuck in the parking garage at work, so not an easy tow.

    Even if I thought I am capable of replacing the battery myself (it's been about 20 yrs since I worked on a car), I just don't know that I want to mess around with it in the parking garage at work.

    The dealer wants $$$$$$$$$$$ to replace the battery.

    Friends of mine have used the Auto Club/roadside assistance tow companies to replace their batteries when they've died (though not on a Prius) - am I an idiot to go this route?

    PS I did search the forum to see if anyone else asked this question but did not find it asked.
     
    #1 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    It is a frequent problem, as the Prius has no 12 volt starter motor so you never hear that weak battery noise when starting. Many of us have no other experience knowing when our 12 volt car battery is dying.

    Here are 3 internet choices, the last may also be in BIG O'Reillys Auto parts stores. (none within 100 miles of me)

    Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + , Prius V & Plug-in Prius with Instructions (includes pictorial instructions. Even if you have some one else install it, you will want to have instructions)

    Exide AGM Car Battery (Group S46B24R)

    List: Battery - Automotive - 2010 Toyota Prius | O'Reilly Auto Parts

    In general, you want an externally vented, AGM battery with JIS posts, which any S46B24R size battery is. (this is the correct battery for Gen 2, Gen 3, v, and Prius PHV. Gen 1 and c are different)


     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Jul 16, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    AAA will not replace a Prius battery, other cars they will, just not a Prius. Where are you in LA? Send me a PM, maybe I'll go install one for you LOL
     
    #3 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  4. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    That's kinda' what I figured when I couldn't find anyone posting that they had done this.

    I see that Pepboys has the Optima yellow-top and will do the install for free. Just have to jump the car and get it over there. Will Pepboys kill my baby?
     
    #4 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    To my knowledge, I don't believe any discount auto store will install a Prius battery for free. But it wouldn't hurt to ask. It's pretty straight forward, takes about 30 minutes or less.
     
    #5 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  6. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Right you are - the fine print is that they'll do it for free if the battery is unobstructed (which, of course it's not in the Prius)......

    Maybe I can talk the BF into going to my office with me on Saturday and we'll tackle it with the helpful videos (thanks Jimbo!).
     
    #6 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can get it jump started and then drive it home to tackle. Make sure you have the right polarity when you jump, just so your car won't get fried.
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  8. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    BTW, Pepboys charges $15 to install the battery. Not bad.
     
    #8 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    wow, that's a very good price. A dealer will do it for about $120
     
    #9 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  10. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    #10 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    For that price, you can probably pick one up at the dealer....OEM part.
     
    #11 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  12. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Dealer quoted $202 for labor and $252 for parts. "Wham, scam, thank you ma'am" is what I heard in my head...... ;)
     
    #12 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    that does sound excessive. Try calling around to nearby dealerships, asking just for the parts department, not the service department. Also ask if they have any coupons that can apply to the purchase of the battery. Many dealerships will apply a coupon just by you asking (nicely).
     
    #13 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  14. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Thanks, good idea.

    I have a friend of a friend who's the Service Manager at the local dealership. If I can get a hold of him, I'll see if I can't sweet talk him into a good deal. The two other dealerships near me have pissed me off too many times and I won't use them anymore.
     
    #14 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  15. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Shoot, something I just thought of: Am I going to be able to get it going on a jump start if the battery is totally dead?
     
    #15 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  16. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Yes it should jump start without any problems
     
    #16 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  17. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    Thanks. I just realized Pepboys has a coupon code for 25% off online orders over $100 and I can pick the battery up in the store or have it installed there. So, that's another $50 saved.
     
    #17 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's a 4 year warranty on the Bosch, if it's a direct fit, it should work fine
     
    #18 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
  19. bubblemama

    bubblemama Junior Member

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    How do I know if it's a direct fit? I don't see it in the specs or on Bosch's site. Just ask Pepboys?

    Shoot, I'm about to replace it myself - just to prove Dad's car-maintenance lessons haven't been forgotten!
     
    #19 bubblemama, Jul 16, 2014
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The connector posts are smaller in a Prius compared to a regular car battery. Also there's a venting hole on the Prius battery, the replacement should also have that. The Pep Boys people should know if you ask them.
     
    #20 JC91006, Jul 16, 2014
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