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Not holding charge

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Kayle, Apr 5, 2020.

  1. Kayle

    Kayle New Member

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    I recently bought a 2007 Toyota Prius. At first it ran fine, but then the battery wouldn't hold charge I could get it up to 4 bars but then it would go right back down to 2 bars. I replaced the hybrid battery thinking that was the problem and it's still doing it. There is no error codes or maintenance light that comes on. I've tried looking up to see if people have had similar issues. But can't find anything..
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    the bars aren't as important as the performance.

    1) did you replace the battery with a new toyota?

    2) have you tested the 12v health?

    3) how are your mpg's?
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Well it really isn't a "problem" given just the indication on the meter.
    That might be perfectly normal for your driving conditions.

    It is not supposed to "hold a charge". It uses the charge and recharges all the time while the vehicle is running.
     
  4. Kayle

    Kayle New Member

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    Yes the battery was replaced with a new Toyota battery and we did a check on my 12v battery and it said 14.1. my mpg is lower. I was getting 48 mpg and now I'm getting 28-30 mpg.. when I first bought the car the charge stayed green and only missed 2. Now I can't get it to go passed 4 and it doesn't stay long it goes right back down to 1-2 bars.. I bought the car from my parents and they never had this problem. They've even drove it thinking it was my driving... My engine is also making a ticking noise. Sounds like my lifters.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    14.1 is not the correct way to read it. it should get a free load test at an auto parts store. short of that, a voltmeter on the jump point after the car has been off a few hours may give some indication. once you get past that hurdle, you may have a bad inverter, though that should throw a code.

    how many miles on her?
     
  6. Kayle

    Kayle New Member

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    190,000 miles
     
  7. Kayle

    Kayle New Member

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    I went and had the 12 V battery tested and they said the battery is good
     
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  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Your 12 V battery voltage is NOT 14.1.
    That is the charging system voltage while the car is running.....and tells you nothing about the battery itself.

    Was the cooling system for the HV battery checked and cleaned when the battery was replaced ?

    I think you need a shop visit for a full diagnostic.
    Where did you get this Toyota HV battery.....and who installed it ??
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    see post #4