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2011 Prius won’t start: dead 12v battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by TBAP, Nov 4, 2020.

  1. TBAP

    TBAP Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi all,

    My 2011 was fine yesterday. Today, less than 24 hours later, it won’t start. I’ve tried researching on my own and (pure guess), I’m leaning toward the 12v battery being the problem. Hopefully, someone here can point me in the direction of the issue and the fix. Never had any battery issues or had to replace the batteries in the 10 years I’ve had the car. Here’re the symptoms.
    -Power button starts orange and turns to red.
    -Engine won’t start, engine icon won’t come on screen.
    -During my first few attempts to power on, all the warning lights came on and staid lit. Everything lit up on the screen except for the engine. If I left it on for more than a minute or two, I’d lose power completely. On more recent tries, only the check engine light comes on and, sometimes, the caution triangle on the left. It also is taking longer and longer for anything to light up each time I try to start.

    Any help or advice is appreciated!
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,662
    38,207
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    The 12 volt battery is ten years old? If so, I wouldn't even bother with testing; just replace it.
     
    TBAP likes this.
  3. TBAP

    TBAP Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    12
    4
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks. Seems like I was damned lucky to have it last that long. Any recommendations for a replacement battery beyond trying at a dealership?
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,662
    38,207
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Check with a few dealership parts depts first; they can vary. If install charge is over $50 consider DIY, it's not hard.

    Not sure about aftermarket where you are. Do you have Pep Boys? They use to have a good deal on Bosch battery, but maybe they dropped it??

    Up here Canadian Tire has a house brand battery that's 100% compatible. Check automotive retailers near you, enter your car stats, see what they have.

    FWIW I went with Optima Yellow Top, a bit over 5 years back. But I've heard it's maybe not the best pick; has high CCA (cold cranking amps), but at the expense of lower amp hours. And there's been a few reports of quality control slipping. Ours has been fine though.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,662
    38,207
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Should say: the Toyota battery is probably the best, if the price isn't crazy. Case in point: yours lasted 10 years.
     
    ASRDogman likes this.