How Long Can The Prius Sit Without Being Run?

I am a new Prius owner (less than 2 weeks) and took delivery of my new baby just three days before leaving (via airplane) for a 10 day vacation. The Prius was fine when I returned. Perhaps not a technical answer - just practical experience.

 

My personal experience is < 3days if you have a 7 year old son who leaves on the rear dome light and nobody notices.

 

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Most people seem to feel that if you're going to leave the car for more than a week or two, you should disable the smart key sensor to reduce the current drain on the small 12v battery.

Other than that, if you're planning a longer-term, the car should be started for a few minutes every couple of months to preserve the high-voltage battery.

Dave

 

Actually, the answer to this is in the manual. I'm pretty sure the "cut off" is 3 weeks, but there was a Priuschat post many many months ago where a guy went 5 weeks with zero problems. But whether this 5 weeks would affect the long term viability of the battery is, of course, unknown.

And there is a way to shut off the SKS, and this should help some. There is a small button under the dash near the base of the steering wheel stalk and dash. This will shut off the SKS and save some electricity. This is also described in the manual.

But I would not be inclined to go above 4 weeks without someone starting the car for a few minutes. I love the car too much.

 

I have gone two weeks on several occasions without any problems. Also, left a door slightly ajar for a week and had to jump start it....again no problems.