1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Long term storage

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by nicoj36, Apr 13, 2016.

  1. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2013
    495
    158
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hey guys, i havent driven my Prius for 3 months so far because im in the middle-east for a military deployment. I will be coming home in July. Should i be worried about the car not starting or the battery being dead? I did leave the car with full tank of gas, ice battery fully charged, max 40+ psi, and the car is parked in a cool covered garage.

    Will it be fine until July?
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2011
    706
    276
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I do not know. It should be interesting to hear how it works out for you.

    I completed 17 combat deployments, Returning to an operational vehicle was a concern each time. Thank God I finally reached retirement. ;)

    Enjoy the combat pay and tax-exempt status.

    Thank you for your service.
     
  3. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2014
    778
    514
    0
    Location:
    Outside Philly, PA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    At this point, I would just deal with it when you get back. Probably fine. Having a relative or friend take it for a drive every 2-3 weeks would be ideal.

    Turning off the smart key system (button below the steering wheel, next to TPMS reset) can help protect the 12v battery. A careful jump and charge or replacement should be all you need if that is an issue.

    Best wishes on completing your deployment safely and getting back to your Prius. As @ForestBeekeeper said, thank you for your service!
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,888
    49,478
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    12 volt is the only question mark. if it won't start, you'll have determine if it's been damaged and needs replacing (very possible if it's the original 2010) or if a charge will bring it back to life in good health.
    jump packs with trickle chargers are very handy.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    55,554
    38,719
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Full tank, tires at max sidewall, garaged, all good.

    Maybe after charging the battery, disconnect the negative cable and stow it into something like a heavy glove, to isolate. This will avoid the inexorable drain that will kill the battery over the months, regardless of being fully charged.

    Disconnection will necessitate a crawl through the car to pop the hatch later, but probably safest, to not leave the hatch ajar, avoid mice/rats taking up residence.

    Put rags under the wipers to raise them slightly off the glass.

    Maybe a mothball or two around the car, and in it?
     
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,474
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The 12V battery likely will be dead. All else should be OK. In the future it would be good to fully charge, then disconnect the battery, before the next storage period starts.
     
    frodoz737, CR94 and Mendel Leisk like this.
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    55,554
    38,719
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    ^ Missed that bit, about the deed being done.
     
  8. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2012
    810
    313
    0
    Location:
    NE
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I leave cars sitting in my barn over the winter and never touch them ... been doing it for 25+ years. Some cars can sit for six months and start up ..... others will drain the battery in two months and need to be on a tender. With the small battery furnished in the Prius it would not surprise me if it's dead ... if the battery is one or two years old I bet it will be fine after it charges up. If it's the original battery -- and dead --- get a new one.

    The car will be fine.
     
  9. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2013
    495
    158
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    If the battery is dead, will I be able to jump start it and see if it still charges?
     
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,474
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes
     
  11. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2013
    495
    158
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thank you. You guys are very helpful. I cannot wait to get back home from the middle-east and drive my prius.
     
  12. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,981
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Best part is you can "jump start" it from under the hood. Open the fuse box, find the "flip up" red plastic piece and flip it up. Connect the "jump" positive lead there. Connect the "jump" negative lead to the chassis.
    You don't need another vehicle to "jump start" a Prius. You can just use any 12V battery of reasonable capacity, even a gell cell alarm battery will work (5-10 Amp-hr). If you do use another vehicle, leave it off (not running). It doesn't crank the engine, it just powers up the electronics, so not much current is required.

    DO make sure you get the polarity correct. If you don't it can be very expensive.
     
    Bay Stater likes this.