Prius is dead :(

1. When you open the door, do the cabin lights come on? If yes, how bright are they? If the lights are dim or do not come on then it is likely that the 12V battery is dead.

2. If you have a battery charger available, you can try charging the 12V battery. Note that the maximum charging current according to the warning label on top of the battery is ~4A.

3. If the battery will not accept a charge then I suggest that you buy a new one.

4. Yes, you can jump start the Prius but I strongly recommend that you study the owner's manual instructions relative to this topic. You must also be 100% sure that you have the battery polarity of the jump vehicle correctly connected to the Prius. If you make a mistake you will likely destroy the inverter which will cost several thousand US$ to replace if you must rely upon Toyota dealer service (probably even more expensive in Australia.)

5. When charging the 12V battery (either via battery charger or by leaving the Prius READY after the jump start) keep in mind that it will take several hours to restore the battery to full charge (assuming that it can be charged.) So, please don't think that after 20 minutes you can turn off the car and everything will be good. Good luck.

 

My Condolences. Hope everything works out.

Can you let us know how you get on? I assume you have the Toyota road-side assist? Being a fellow Sydney-sider (I live in Merrylands), it would be interesting to know well the 'help' functions.

Cheers
Warwick.

 

Make sure the 24hr assist technician get the polarity correct if he/she attempts jump start. There were posts of technicians getting it backwards on PriusChat. You don't want to be yet another victim. Good luck!

 

My recent experience with a dead prius at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...5-starting-prius-after-6-months-mothball.html

 

Wilamenia the friendly Orca-Prius is sending her wishes to Betty for a speedy recovery.