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2014 lockdown seems killed 12v battery

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusCNewbie9, May 26, 2020.

  1. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    Hey All, a newbie here. This lockdown created another problem when my 2014 Prius C didn't start after leaving it in garage for 8-10 days. First I saw check engine light but it started, reaching my destination it didn't start at all in return journey. After leaving it for an hour I was able to start. Now car in garage, very inconsistent behavior, head unit doesn't turn on randomly drive side window glass bounce back from top and open again, brake pedal press create a noise and dashboard restarts.Only consistency is car wouldn't start, I am attributing it to a bad 12v battery and ordered one for replacement. Am I missing something here? Again how to change this battery? Your views are highly appreciated. Stay healthy and stay safe.
     
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think your analysis about a bad battery is probably correct.
    BUT.....if you don't know, and can't figure it out on your own, how to change it out.........then "ordering" one might not be the best plan.

    The new one must be fully charged before being used and it needs to be kept near to a full charge, either by being driven for about an hour every couple of weeks OR by being connected to a battery "tender" while not in use.
     
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  3. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    Thank you, this is great advice! I saw battery installation video in you tube and did open rear seat area in which this battery should go, seems doable. I learnt lesson to keep it fully charged, will invest in a battery tender for future.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've been using a CTEK 4.3 charger 'round the clock for a few years now (our usage is always low). Though recently this on-board style charger has caught my eye:

    NOCO Genius GENM1 4 Amp 1-Bank On-Board Battery Charger

    For testing your current battery, I'd mention an electronic load tester, but sam will go ballistic. Oh well:

    Solar BA9

    Taking cover.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, May 27, 2020
    Last edited: May 27, 2020
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  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Sure sounds like a dead 12v, and after 6 years it doesn't seem out of the ordinary.

    Pop the cover off the right side rear seat face and it's all right there. Doubt you'll need more than a 10mm wrench.

    You may find it easier if you also remove the rear seat cushion, it just pops up vertically starting from the front edge. It can be a bit fiddly to re-thread the seat belt buckles when reinstalling the cushion but it does give you a better view and some better tool access.
     
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  6. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    I ordered NOSO Genius5, should get in couple of days. Battery is in back order and dealership is not sure by when they will be able to fulfill the order.
     
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  7. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    Thank you, this helps. Wait for battery started, seems lockdown has created this problem for many and battery is difficult to find. I order OEM replacement battery.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    This charger was recommended by @MSantos , which sparked my interest in it. He said something like he regularly installs them in his vehicles. It's designed to be installed in the car, and looks to have long leads, both on the 12 volt and 120 volt AC end.
     
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  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Call other dealers.
    Call auto parts stores.....especially Pep Boys if you have one.
    Battery stores too.
    You should not have to suffer down time just because of a dead battery.
     
  10. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    None of Toyota dealers in my area have it, checked auto part store around me and none.

    Do you think I can try to recharge the battery with NOSO Genious5 and see if it works while waiting for battery?
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Doesn't hurt to try
     
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  12. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    +1
     
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  13. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    Thanks All, successful in getting battery confirmed. Called up dealership as retail customer for stock of battery got confirmation they got 3. Called again to check status on my order they replied out of stock, shared previous communication of 3 being in stock and they eventually processed it, will be picking up tomorrow. Will try to install myself.
     
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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe they'd be amenable to connecting it to their electronic load tester. Takes a couple of minutes, and verifies for both seller and buyer that the battery is good.
     
  15. PriusCNewbie9

    PriusCNewbie9 New Member

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    Tried negotiating but they were short of staff it seems, battery date was 5/20 and he was sure that it is tested and foundok. I was able to install it successfully and now vehicle works perfectly.
     
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