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Electrical issue

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MargeM304, Oct 9, 2017.

  1. MargeM304

    MargeM304 On the road again...

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    This summer, my power outlets for accessories stopped working, first the under dash one, then the one in the console. One garage told me the outlets may need to be replaced, that it wasn't a fuse. Now tonight, a car next to me at a light let me know that my rear tail lights are not working; though they do when braking. What do you think may be the issue? I've never had the small battery replaced (car is 2009); could that be the issue? I find it hard to believe that both outlets and now the rear lights need replacing. Any ideas?
     
    #1 MargeM304, Oct 9, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    probably not, but you should replace it anyway, if you're going to keep the car, before you get stranded somewhere.
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 9, 2017
    jerrymildred likes this.
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Whether or not you do anything with the battery for your future peace of mind, you should also diagnose and repair the problem with the taillights, and the problem with the power outlets if those are things that you use.

    -Chap
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Oct 9, 2017
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Why is that hard to believe? The car probably has the original bulbs.
    If it starts losing bulbs re-bulb the whole car as they will all eventually fail.
    The back bulbs are very easy. The front bulbs not so much,
    If you have halogen headlights your going to love when they fail.

    Basic car maintenance.

    The 12 voltoutlet under the dash is pretty cheap and wears out. I have replaced mine also. Buy the factory socket.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Oct 10, 2017
  5. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    You are in need of a new car!

    Your understanding of vehicles is limited. Tail lights operate independently from brake lights.

    Gen2 Prius:
    Tail lights operate off an incandescent bulb; not bright, won't last a long time.
    Brake lights operate off LED bulbs; bright and last a LONG time
    ​
    Do yourself a favor, RTFOM: Read The Fahrvergnügen (euphemism for Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo-ing) Owner's Manual.
    Page 407 of 2009 Owner's Manual
    upload_2017-10-12_16-13-14.png
    Page 469 of Owner's Manual
    upload_2017-10-12_16-13-58.png ​
    It is a good practice to ALWAYS replace bulbs in pairs! Why? Apply some logic and think about it. One bulb just burned out. Previously, they each saw the same amount of ON time. How much longer do you think the remaining tail light bulb will work, given how its twin just died?
    Get the long lasting tail light bulbs too; Sylvania 2825
     
    #5 exstudent, Oct 12, 2017
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