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Won't start, then will. 12V battery?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Chris Aultman, Dec 20, 2017.

  1. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    all! My 2013 Prius started acting up really weirdly today and I'm wondering if it's the 12V battery. It's always been great and has 173K miles. I've Googled Prius Chat topics and can't find this same issue. When I approach the car, it unlocks and lights come on as usual. When I attempt to start it, nothing. Not even an interior light. The check engine light flickers and I hear the engine clicking. Power starts to return, interior lights strengthen. Wait a minute or two and the car will start, but won't shift into gear. Turn car off, back on, everything works perfectly. Is it safe to drive? I plan on driving it to a dealership tomorrow to get a diagnostic test. Thanks for reading.
     
    #1 Chris Aultman, Dec 20, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If your battery is original from 2013, you can try replacing that first. A dealer will want $300+ plus diagnostic fees to do this
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 20, 2017
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  3. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    Thank you. Interstate Battery check and said it was a little low, but they don't carry the batteries. Does Wal-Mart or anyone else? $300 is a lot. And while I'm not car savvy, I've never heard of a battery that wouldn't even turn on a light, then run perfectly five minutes later.
     
    #3 Chris Aultman, Dec 20, 2017
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius chat(y).

    Are all connections tight on the battery? Any recent maintenance or incidents where something may have been knocked loose? Any other strange behavior?

    What voltage was recorded by Interstate Battery?

    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, Dec 21, 2017
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  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Most auto parts retailers will have it

    O'Reilly
    AutoZone
    Pep boys
    Advanced auto
    Napa

    Or you can buy a battery charger and charge it up
     
    #5 JC91006, Dec 21, 2017
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  6. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    Connections are good. No to everything else. I don't recall the voltage. I think it was 11 something and it said replace.
     
    #6 Chris Aultman, Dec 21, 2017
  7. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    What do you think is more cost effective? I don't know what a battery charger is. And which place do you think has the best battery prices? Also, as easy to install as regular batteries?
     
    #7 Chris Aultman, Dec 21, 2017
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you're not sure what a battery charger is, then it would be better for you to just replace the battery with a new one. That'll give you another 5 years of service.

    The battery is fairly simple to install on a gen3 car. Located in the rear of the car. You just need a 10mm wrench.
     
    #8 JC91006, Dec 21, 2017
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  9. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    This is bizarre. Worked perfectly twice this morning.
     
    #9 Chris Aultman, Dec 21, 2017
  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Usually with intermittent electrical issues there are a couple of causes:

    • Loose connections (you said they were good but which ones have you checked?)
    • Rodents chewing on wires
    • Low 12v battery
    • Water in the 12v battery area

    I would snoop around in the back of your Prius looking for these kinds of things then investigate under the hood for signs of rodents.

    If nothing and all connections (including grounds) check out, it might be time for a new battery.

    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #10 Raytheeagle, Dec 21, 2017
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  11. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    If you haven't abused it by leaving a dome light on and it was "a little low" after driving to the battery store, the battery is ready to be retired.

    Typical failure mode in cold weather. I've often gotten a weak battery to start the car after warming the battery a little by using the headlights to put a load on it. The next step is replacing the battery. The Prius battery doesn't work nearly as hard as a gasser's battery so the warning signs are different, but the principles are almost the same.
     
    #11 jerrymildred, Dec 21, 2017
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  12. Chris Aultman

    Chris Aultman New Member

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    Battery was a little low. Had to go to the dealership. Thanks for all your input, guys.
     
    #12 Chris Aultman, Dec 21, 2017
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  13. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Glad to hear you took the advice offered initially.
     
    #13 SFO, Dec 24, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2017
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