Prius 2008 Doesn't Start

Well, the 12V battery sold by Toyota parts counters should have a date code on the label at the top of the battery, so this suspicion of yours can be easily confirmed or refuted.

 

The problem is that your issue seems to be intermittent, so the 12V battery may be another "red herring" like the gas cap. Don't get me wrong, I think a bad 12V battery is fairly likely, it's just that it's hard to know for sure unless you test the battery.

Go back to EdtheFox's first reply to you in this thread, and follow the "Weird things happening..." link. This shows you how to test the 12V battery health. (Or alternatively if you prefer, just go into the dealership knowing nothing and accept whatever garbage they feed you).

 

I swear, no one can say things like uart. Lol. This is such a true statement, you have to be informed and knowledge is power!!!!

 

I second that motion -- and will have another beer.

 

Drink one for me.

 

You would need to remove the battery bracket at the top center of the battery, in order to see the six digit date code which is in MMDDYY format.

 

Check the battery terminals and ground strap to chassis. One bolt may be loose causing intermittent issues. I've seen it before on "new" batteries improperly installed.

The car should still turn on NON READY mode no brake pedal required. Press ON button twice and see if radio, wipers, etc work.

 

I had both batteries replaced a few weeks ago, this morning, check engine light on, pressing power, the touchscreen powers up, nothing else. The ICE started normally as it always does, but nothing in the speedo screen. Toyota told me to tow it in. The tow driver said check the gas cap, it was loose, but I filled up several days ago. It powered right up after I tightened the gas cap. Driving Iit to the dealer, they said the scan tool showed nothing, as no code now. They wanted to charge me $100 to take it in and run a full test. All I want is to see what the last friggin code was.Any thoughts? I don't get a warm and fuzzy that this will not occur again.

 

Nothing on the speedo is sure to be a combination meter problem (common in cold temperatures). Toyota has extended the warranty on it since it has known issues. Search for combination meter for more info.

 

"The ICE started normally as it always does, but nothing in the speedo screen."

If the car can be driven, the combination meter is the problem. See:
T-SB-0172-09 Combination Meter - Intermittent Display | PriusChat

 

As mentioned above, the problem you are experiencing is a failing combination meter. Toyota has issued a extended warranty that does apply to your vehicle.

Refer to the attached pdf file for more information. Print out the file and take it with you when you go the dealer. You can expect them to keep the car for at least a couple of days or longer as they will have to swap out the meter and program the new one with your current odometer reading. Also the dealer is supposed to furnish a rental car to you and pay for it while your car is being repaired.

I am guessing the CEL was caused by the gas cap being loose, but please don't quote me on that one.