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When to replace the 12 V battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by toolbox2014, Sep 13, 2019.

  1. toolbox2014

    toolbox2014 Junior Member

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    I have about 72K miles on my 2015 Prius. Should I go ahead replace the 12 V battery before it dies?
     
  2. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Yes!
    Or at least consider by year 5. Its like playing Russian roulette. You only get so many 'tries' before one or the other dies. The longer the game continues - the more likely the end is near. Sure, if someone can't afford a battery, or if one is a risk taker? Then, let the game continue.
    .
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Maybe ......but probably not quite yet.
    Unless it spends most of it's life sitting right out in the direct sunlight.
    HEAT is hard on batteries.

    AGM batteries not subjected to extreme conditions should last 6-7 years easy.

    But if it will make you feel better, have it tested.
    And if you are really anxious, just get a new one.
    Or wait for the first sign of any electrical "weirdness".
     
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  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    There was a feller that posted I got new tires also because well I like having new tires. Nothing wrong with replacing it sooner than needed if money is disposable :D
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not necessarily, but its the perfect time to start watching for deals.
     
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  6. toolbox2014

    toolbox2014 Junior Member

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    Where to fine deals?
     
  7. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    I wouldn't replace it until there was some sign of a possible failure. On my 2000 Prius I never replaced the 12v battery. It was about 8 years old and had about 80,000 miles on it when I sold it. I parked in a garage at night and a parking garage at work. If everyone got just 6 years instead of 5 years out of their 12v batteries, we'd use 20% fewer of them world-wide!

    2004 Prius...replaced 12v after ~7 years (failed when all doors were opened during cleaning)
    2009 Prius...never replaced (sold it after 6 years to get a Leaf)
    2012 PIP...never replaced, currently 7+ years old

    Mike
     
  8. Markdizle

    Markdizle Member

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    My 2015 with 45k threw the 12v battery a few months ago. No real sign it was going, except for ever so slightly decreased MPG.


    iPhone ?
     
  9. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Personally, I carry a Jump Box. Peace of mind.

    I've always found that batteries fade out over time, needing more frequent jumping until its pretty obvious after about the third time that things are not going to improve. I've never seen a battery where the car couldn't be jumped, at least at the beginning of the failure cycle. In other words, if you have a Jump Box, you are not going to be stranded in the parking lot with no way home. Maybe then when you get home, then get on Amazon and order a new one!
     
  10. Pdaddy

    Pdaddy Member

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    I got 7 yrs out of mine. It should not die right away when its bearing the end of its life unless it's been drained a few times which is hard to do in this car...unless you live in a very cold clime.

    SM-G960U ?
     
  11. Aegean

    Aegean Active Member

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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe not so much if you acquire an electronic load tester, Solar BA9 for example:

    upload_2019-9-14_9-11-2.png

    That's akin to spinning the barrel, and then checking to see which chamber the bullet is in.
     
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  13. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I see more low 12v bat issues post than all other post in here.
     
  14. toolbox2014

    toolbox2014 Junior Member

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    Thanks. That looks like a deal but I can't add the battery to my cart even though I have changed store selection to several ones near me. I guess they don't stock this battery? How often do they have promotion like this?
     
  15. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    This is akin to spinning a 100 cylinder gun, & checking to see which chamber the bullet is in.
    [​IMG]
    Such a shame so many batteries are sealed, not letting you actuality check acidity
    .
     
    #15 hill, Sep 14, 2019
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2019
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  16. toolbox2014

    toolbox2014 Junior Member

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    I called one of the Pepboys near me. The guy answered the phone said they don't stock it anymore because Bosch discontinued this battery. Don't know if he just give me a run around or what but no Pepboys within 40 miles radius of me has this in stock.
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    call all the auto parts places you are will to drive to. same with dealers. you can also google, they can be shipped.
     
  18. Aegean

    Aegean Active Member

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    I checked a couple of local stores in NoVA and they still have it in stock. Actually, they installed one battery for me last month at the Alexandria store in 20 minutes.
     
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  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hey, it's a short drive. go for it :cool:
     
  20. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Nailed it....online price $194.99 and then 25% discount dropped it to $146.24. Picked one up just an hour ago. Throw in the $40 rebate and it's sitting at $106.24 + tax, $5 core fee and $2 environmental fee. Tested in the store at 12.46v and 612 cca. Going to let it sit on the charger overnight, then install it in my 2007. Since my current battery tested at 425 cca, I'll test my son's 2005 just move it to that car if it's better than his, otherwise it'll go into the 2005 I bought a couple days ago.

    @Aegean, Thanks for posting about the deal. I had been looking at the Duracell batteries at Batteries +, but this was a much better price with same 4 year warranty
     
    Aegean and Raytheeagle like this.