Tedh1979 2005 Prius Project with multiple issues looking for help!

I went to pickup batteries today for vehicles that needed them. I got a call that my batteries were in. I went to pickup my $62 reconditioned 12V battery and the guy played dumb. He first said it was in the back. Then he said it didn't come in yet and he'd call to check on it, then he said they don't have a 12V battery for the Prius. I went and looked online at the usual places. AutoZone and O'Reillys had Prius batteries in stock. Now, I just want to make sure I'm not a total idiot, but isn't the 2005 Prius battery a 46B24R? That's what AutoZone says it is. O'Reilly's says it is. Walmart says it is. Google says it is. I went to my local salvage yard that I usually deal with because I needed to get a part for another vehicle that is getting fixed tomorrow as well by the mechanic. I told my friend that Prius batteries, even the 12V batteries, are hard to find and very expensive. The $189 batteries were the generic batteries. I found an Optima for $224 but I'd have to wait 3 days to get it. My friend said he had a Prius battery on the shelf. I told him, it's probably dead and I therefore don't want it. I also told him about HV batteries and how you have to buy an expensive charger to charge them if they are completely dead. He told me he keeps a trickle charger on the Prius 12V. He brought it up to the counter and tested it for me to see that it was 100% charged. Yes I know a used battery won't last as long as a new one. But right now I just need a battery so I can start diagnosing. I bought the battery for $30 and was happy.

I went home and popped the hatchback of the Prius and removed the battery. I then tried to put in the new battery. It won't fit. The old battery says S34B20R. That is not what all the stores and websites say is supposed to go in the Prius. The old battery fit nice and snug but it is definitely a different physical size. Under the battery, about an inch lower, was some water laying in the bottom of the car. I dried out the bottom. With the battery holder on the car, I can almost get the new battery in but I just can't get the back side of the battery to go all the way down. If I remove the battery holder, then the battery fits fine but it isn't secure. The battery holder is not adjustable, I tried. So what stupid thing am I doing wrong? Do I have the wrong battery and all the sites are wrong? Or do I not know how to install the battery correctly? It seems to be a simple process. I got the old one out just fine and I'd be done by now if the new battery fit. Take a look at the pictures please and tell me what stupid problem I'm having. Be gentle guys! I'm learning!

 

When I go to auto zone's website or any other car company's website and enter in that I have a 2005 Prius, it comes up with the 46B24R. It doesn't mention any other sizes or options. Never heard of the other size. I even called Napa earlier this evening because they are usually the most knowledgable when it comes to cars. I was told I have the correct battery for the correct year. Are you saying that I can find a different sized battery holder, because this one is not adjustable. I didn't know there were different sized battery holders for the same year. The vent tube is no problem because I hooked it up and it fit just fine. I hope I don't need the other size battery because it's impossible to look it up on car websites and I got a good deal on the battery I now have.

 

I just went to auto zone, o Reilly, and Napa's website and entered S34B20R and no results were found on any of their websites. The old battery wasn't a Toyota battery, so someone got it from somewhere! This is weird. I'm going to try to find a battery holder for the Prius that is a different size. I think for now, tomorrow I am going to install the battery without the battery holder. It's not like I am driving it right now. At least then I can do some diagnosing hopefully?

 

Isn't the only charging rate for a Prius battery only 2 amps? I thought I read that on here. I'm sure if I went to Toyota, they would have the smaller battery but I don't want to do that. The battery that I removed was not a Toyota battery.

 

LOL.......THIS is my key! I'm surprised it even works! I already ordered a new hollow fob so I can fix it. When I insert it into the slot, the car does beep. Under the steering wheel I can see what looks like three telephone jack punch outs. One of the punch outs is missing and looks like an empty hole. So I'm not sure what's going on there. Tomorrow when it is light outside again I'll see if I can find a spot that says key. I'm pretty sure I don't have SKS.

 

Hey! I believe you! Might not understand sometimes, but I believe you! I can tell you are totally knowledgeable on the Prius! Wish I had your brains for the Prius! Don't get my confusion mixed up for lack of belief!

 

Yep. Case was already ordered. See, I get confused....... Here is the back.

 

@Skibob I looked at the diagram you sent me. This is the battery holder for the one with SKS. The site says it won't fit my car. If you're saying it will fit then I'll order it or try to locate a used one. Battery Tray - 2010-2017 Toyota (74440-47030) | Tracy Toyota

 

Sorry, didn't see your message. Delayed. Ok I'll order it. Problem solved. And yes I noticed it was cheaper.

 

@rjparker Yeah Skibob and I are each typing to each other so fast that we are saying the same thing! I just want to get the dang battery installed lol! Getting ready to PM you for material!

 

I just grabbed my flashlight to go out and look under the steering wheel. I see the adjustment handle to adjust the tilt steering but I see no button. Also, do you see where it looks like something was plugged in and removed? Any idea what that might be about?