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Battery issue if left at airport

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by dr_rock, Jan 10, 2012.

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  1. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    You should address that question to the numerous posters that have done just that. It was a fairly common problem with the Gen II.

    In addition to eliminating a common problem, eliminating a button also saved money for Toyota. The Gen III design worked very hard to lower costs.

    Tom
     
    #41 qbee42, Jan 30, 2012
  2. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    I don't think this is a valid point with the Prius. There is no starter motor so you don't take a great deal out of the 12v battery at start up.
     
    #42 kithmo, Jan 30, 2012
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    It is. You don't drive a starter motor, but the Prius steadily drains the 12V battery when parked. There are a number of circuits that remain energized, so the quiescent draw is hard on the little 12V battery.

    The problem is exacerbated by the simple charging system used in the Prius. The 12V battery is connected to a fixed voltage, so the small 12V battery charges rather slowly. Short trips do not replenish the charge lost while sitting, resulting in eventual depletion.

    Tom
     
    #43 qbee42, Jan 30, 2012
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