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Startup Issues: Is it my 12v Battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by JarrettOriginal, Nov 30, 2018.

  1. JarrettOriginal

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    When I went to start up the car yesterday morning, the first button push didn't get everything going.

    Several dash lights were up and the display dimmed out to black.

    Pushed the button again in my confusion and she started right up.

    Same thing after work, then same this morning, with the exception of this morning I noticed that the display fizzled out like an old tube tv.

    But it did start up on the 2nd push.

    Not sure if the used dealer put a new battery in when I bought her 3 years ago, but I think they did.

    Is this a 12v battery issue? That's what my gut tells me.

    also of interest, on Halloween the valet at the party I went too (oooo fancy! lol) left the lights on and definitely drained the bat.

    thanks y'all
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    most likely, do you own a volt meter?

    make sure you are pressing the brake pedal firmly and pressing the go button deliberately.

    if not the 12v, maybe a bad speedo meter
     
  3. JarrettOriginal

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    I don't, but I was going to have Autozone or wherever run a test on it to check the voltage and load.

    I'm pretty sure I'm pressing the break down exactly the same way I've always done it for years now...
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sometimes the brake switch needs adjustment, but get the battery tested first. don't take their word, ask for a print out and post it here.
    unfortunately, once you've run down the 12v, it shortens their life span.
    it is possible that a charge might work, but youdhave to keep your eye on it.

    also, your battery may have a pro rata warranty
     
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  5. JarrettOriginal

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    I'll definitely post the print out here!

    and yeah, my old car had a short that ran the battery down, had to replace it not long after, hence my suspicion this time around.
     
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  6. JarrettOriginal

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    It was at 10 volts with 0% charge, so they're going to charge it and test it. Im to return in 2 hours.

    What should I be looking for?
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    12.5 minimum, after the surface charge wear off. you really have to wait overnight
     
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    It’s toast.

    I’d be looking for a good deal on a replacement battery ;).
     
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  9. JarrettOriginal

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    Yeah, this is what I'm expecting.

    They have the yellow top optima for a little cheeper than Amazon, so I'm going to get that most likely
     
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check the born on date, and make sure it is fully charged
     
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  11. JarrettOriginal

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    Old bat wouldn't even take a charge.

    I also learned that my manual latch for the trunk is broken, so that made the install real fun. Luckily I'm flexible and not too large.

    Three year free replacement warranty on the last yellowtop optima in stock.

    And my navisystem still retained all my settings, I was worried that it may not.
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done!(y)
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    keep in mind in the future, if the battery is dead, you can put 12 volts to the jump point under the hood and the hatch will open
     
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