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Why Not Jump Start 2010 Prius Directly From the 12-volt Battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Yaesu, Jan 21, 2017.

  1. Yaesu

    Yaesu Member

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    I have read the manual and looked at the illustrations and wonder why the battery can't be connected directly to jumper cables? My initial thought is that they are concerned with an inadequate ground other than the ground terminal on the battery, possibly resulting arcing at the battery. Is there more to it than that?
     
    #1 Yaesu, Jan 21, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can, no prolemo.
    it's just easier under the hood, unless you're face first in the garage, or a parking space.
    especially if the battery is dead, and you have to crawl into the hatch from the front to open the hatch with the safety mechanism.
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 21, 2017
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  3. Yaesu

    Yaesu Member

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    That is a good point. I never thought about the fact that there must be power in the battery to open the hatch.
     
    #3 Yaesu, Jan 21, 2017
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're right about battery arcing, you have to be careful. the neg cable to body is right in that space as well for an attachment point a little further from the battery.
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 21, 2017
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    If I'm going to connect directly to negative post, I just blow over the top first, to dispel any possible hydrogen. Might be pure whistling past the graveyard, but works for me.

    Also, good to wear safety glasses. To paraphrase Eric the Car Guy: "A full face shield would be better, but at least I'll still be able to see..., and get the lead in Phantom of the Opera".
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jan 21, 2017
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  6. Yaesu

    Yaesu Member

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    I've been charging and jump starting engines for more than fifty years had have had only one catastrophic problem. It was not a pretty sight. Got to be careful about arcing.
     
    #6 Yaesu, Jan 21, 2017
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  7. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    If your vent line is in good order, then any hydrogen positive pressure will be exiting the vehicle on the underside of the hatch area. Still, better safe than sorry.
     
    #7 AzWxGuy, Jan 21, 2017
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  8. Slicer89

    Slicer89 Junior Member

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    I didn't know these cars had a jump point, When my girlfriend bought her 2010 Prius, the dealership let the 12volt battery die and kept jumping it... I was wondering how they were and the 12volt battery looked un-disturbed...
     
    #8 Slicer89, Jan 23, 2017
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    one of the things sales people always miss when telling you about the car.
     
    #9 bisco, Jan 23, 2017
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  10. Slicer89

    Slicer89 Junior Member

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    Right? I kept crawing in through the back of the car to get do the damn 12v battery...
     
    #10 Slicer89, Jan 24, 2017
  11. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Before you harm your car:

    The correct number of times to jumpstart your Prius before replacing the battery is one.
    The correct number of times to jumpstart other cars is zero.

    These simple rules will save you untold grief.
     
    #11 JimboPalmer, Jan 24, 2017
  12. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    I'm aiming for two there. I drained my 2010 once in 2010 (unknown reason; I suspect the Scangauge never powered off, plus a week of sitting unused). Same battery still going strong 7 years later, so second time I jump start it will probably be when it needs replacing.
     
    #12 macman408, Jan 28, 2017
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