1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

12v Battery advice: recharge, replace, etc?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by fpfpfpfpfp, Mar 24, 2021.

  1. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    yea, i was wondering if that's a type of 'mod'

    sorry. i feel like it's not clear what that wheelchair battery rly is, and im sure i poorly communicated.... actly, that reddit dude provided a working link to the battery clerk store (https://bit.ly/3cnCwRY), you'll see the actual battery with specs, to avoid guessing, and the current price is $113

    but, if it's actly a mod, i'd rather avoid it bc im sure it adds more variables that could make things risky
     
  2. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    when i said 'same tests' i rly just meant a test that would determine battery condition. ..so, it sounds like you can do the test that i want(?), if i understand you correctly.

    ..i just thought the AAA guy who recommended the shop didnt seem untrustworthy. so, i figured the shop is prbly ok(?). but, im just taking his word, i cant prove the shop isnt corrupt, at the moment.

    i tried dm'ing you, so you could have my number but, apparently im not allowed to dm you. dont know how that works on this site. was going to mention dm'ing in my post, last night, but was sleepy and forgot abt it.
     
  3. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    3,902
    1,064
    0
    Location:
    New Yawk
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Well, for starters, those are tabs, not automotive posts, on the wheelchair battery, so you will have to fab adapters for posts to tabs. But I wouldn't even start down that road.
     
    fpfpfpfpfp and jzchen like this.
  4. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2012
    3,295
    1,005
    0
    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Wait, AAA didn't offer you a replacement battery? They're actually a good source of batteries.

    The Toyota test is easy peasy if you want me to do it. Replacing it without mods is also easy peasy for me. Not much further from taking out the spare tire to check the tire pressure. Replacing the current clamps is something I have never done before, so I'm hesitant. I'm probably the only person, at least that I know, to use a torque wrench to tighten up the clamps to spec. My friend was surprised at how much further I turned the torque wrench when we installed a battery in his E350...

    Seems like you're on the west side of LA? Techstream is not necessary, there is no rush. I have the Foxwell tool to deal with any codes. It's just a backup, a "just in case"....

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    fpfpfpfpfp likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    triple a didn't offer me one either. it may be that they don't carry the odd size. or maybe they don't like the location.
     
    fpfpfpfpfp and jzchen like this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    1) tabs instead of posts, even your uncle will ask you what you were thinking

    2) i don't see a vent hole, probably cause a wheelchair isn't an enclosed space like your car

    3) i don't see dimensions. if it isn't the same hxwxd, you're uncle is going to do a lot of knuckle busting cursing
     
    fpfpfpfpfp and jzchen like this.
  7. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    yea, this reply, and xx backing you up, really makes it certain for me that $113 is not worth the risk. thx for stressing those points--I hear you!

    *oh yeah, idk why but, the AAA guy didnt try to get me a replacement battery.

    on the other hand, i went to that shop and they told me i didnt need a new battery! they tested both. they used a device, 'midtronic' brand and, the underling dude pointed out that the device said 'good' (the guy in charge maybe didnt want him to show me. kind of waved him off when he showed me--unless i misinterpreted things). the other device was called something-master (forgot). but, i moved away bc it might've bn bothering him for me to be nearby.

    he didnt give me an actual estimated number of years but he said they could still last for a while longer, that they were still good, and just recommended that i not let a lot of time go by without driving it, even in the driveway. he also didnt let me go without trying to convince me to drop toyota and go to him for regular service. lol

    so, i guess we won't be getting that battery right away. ..we should be fine (?)--fingers crossed. ..seems like the only pending concern is recalibrating the computer after the 'power outage'. ..but, i half forgot and half didnt want to ask the guy about the computer bc of his nervous energy (reminded me a bit of my energy. lol). just felt glad abt good news (and they let me cut in line)!

    although stressful, this has also been an enlightening experience and, having you and the others share your wisdom, time and experiences has rly helped to take some pressure off. thank you so much! <3
     
    #27 fpfpfpfpfp, Mar 27, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2021
  8. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    so, no...AAA didnt offer. ..idk why.

    and, yea, everyone's convinced me to never consider that wheelchair battery. would rather not take big risks with mods, esp if the experienced ppl like you all, are warning against it. ...now, with what little i've learned in the past few days, it seems weird that he recommended it without much clarification.

    sorry, bc of my lack of experience, your comment about the torque wrench goes slightly over my head. ..but, it sounds like you're good at making sure clamps are tight so, it makes you sound more reliable!

    also...i went to that shop and they told me the batteries were both good! ..at least i got to see the 'midtronic' device that said the battery was 'good'. ..maybe he wasnt happy that i saw that--idk if i misinterpreted. ..but, the shop guy felt kinda weird, to me. his underling guy wasn't even allowed to talk to me. ..altho maybe im just good at spotting weird nervous energy bc i can be similar sometimes...lol. was just glad to hear good news, so i just left asap!
    but, we are probably fine for the time being, batterywise (?)--knock on wood.

    the only real concern that remains is the computer not being calibrated (like how i had mentioned the reverse camera guidelines are not working). tho today i drove it alot, i wasn't able to notice if there was anything else missing, or affected by the computer losing power. ..i have no idea what else could need recalibration, etc. ..is that something you are able to check on, or fix with your device? (btw, im not quite west LA. more like Leimert Park)

    i just want to say thank you for offering to help me in person, and all the other advice, time and insight you, and the others have shared! ..it would've been a way more stressful week than it already was, without you--and i even learned stuff, that will come in handy sometime in the near-ish future. <3 <3
     
    jzchen likes this.
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    good luck!

    (in the meantime, maybe educate yourself with some youtube videos, open the hatch floor and study the battery area, learn how to crawl in back and open the hatch manually, find the jump point under the hood, and invest in an inexpensive maintainer)
     
    fpfpfpfpfp likes this.
  10. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2012
    3,295
    1,005
    0
    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Midtronics is a brand of battery care products. I actually have a Model 100 I believe, (either that or 200), that hooks up with an ancient Acton scanner. A little footnote says it won’t properly test deep cycle batteries, of which AGM is one type. Anyways the Toyota Service version, (the one they use at the Toyota dealerships’ service department), is $2k from what I could dig up online. I was able to flash/reprogram the ECU without one in under 4 minutes. That money is better spent elsewhere when turning on high beams for 30 seconds suffices....

    Those backup camera guidelines were probably turned off in a setting somewhere. I honestly don’t know where as I’ll confess I haven’t read through the owners manual. There is a button for the parking aid system to the left of the steering wheel just lower than steering wheel level. If you push it while slowly passing potential parking spots I do remember the lines (with flagpoles) will show up as you pass potential parking spots.....

    I had to look up Leimert Park because I am not familiar with the area. Yes not quite west side.

    Sounds like you have two batteries now. This is how I stored it, with a 1.5 Amp battery maintainer (that bisco kindly mentions) to keep it healthy/ready for use. The S46B24R is actually in my iQ with terminal adapters that came with my Lithium battery.
    image-2021-03-27-07:03:33-327.jpg
     
    fpfpfpfpfp likes this.
  11. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Didn't rly get a chance to say thanks for the replies and offering your helpful input during that stressful week. Sincerely appreciated!
     
    Air_Boss likes this.
  12. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Didnt' even notice this comment, last week. Apologies. The battery was tested at a shop and they said it was still good, just recommended that i drive it/power it more often so, not buying a battery for the time being.
    Tho, for future reference, what brand battery is it?
     
    #32 fpfpfpfpfp, Mar 31, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2021
  13. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    could you please give me some brief key points on why a maintainer would be useful/what it's for?

    on the youtube front, what sorta videos did you have in mind, and can you recommend specific channels?
     
  14. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    uhoh? ..are you suggesting that it's not a good idea to rely on that midtronic saying the battery is 'good'? ..that it can't give accurate test results?

    so, in general (not just parking lines), you're not able to find out what things need recalibrating/resetting in the system/computer with your tools (aka, i have no choice but to take it to the dealership)?

    Sorry: "2...now"? I rly dont follow what you're saying. ..i didnt buy any new battery, if thats what you mean.
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    a maintainer is a battery charger that will keep your current battery topped up until you replace it, or it fails altogether.
    youyube, just search prius battery replacement
     
    Mendel Leisk and fpfpfpfpfp like this.
  16. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    3,902
    1,064
    0
    Location:
    New Yawk
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    There are no backup camera guide lines on the 2012 v Five, so none to lose.
     
  17. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2012
    3,295
    1,005
    0
    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I could have sworn I see them when driving my parents' v.

    Alignment instructions note that afterwards the Yaw rate and Acceleration sensors need calibration. I noticed that after taking it to the (1st, good alignment shop) these backup lines (and flagpole) show up on the screen. After taking to another place for a 2nd alignment (my caster issue that you helped me with) they all but disappeared. My conclusion:. Yaw rate and Acceleration sensor calibration is not needed if the alignment shop is so good that it is within tolerance from when the car first left the factory. It is needed when alignment shop does a crummy job.

    I'll check if I was just imagining things when I go home tomorrow or if no time the next day....

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  18. BurkPhoto@aol.com

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2008
    55
    39
    0
    Location:
    High Point, North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The poor taste of bad quality lasts longer than the joy of a lower price.

    Get an AGM battery in the exact size specified. The OEM is Yuasa S46B24R. It's warranted for 7 years, pro-rated. Die-Hard makes a drop-in replacement with a three-year free replacement guarantee.

    Installation is very simple and there are MANY YouTube videos showing how to do it. I followed one and did the work in less than half an hour, including watching the video.

    Be sure to return the used "core" battery! It's worth a refund of at least $20.00.
     
  19. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    had the car since 2015 so...it's not like the backup guidelines were in my inagination for all these years, lol. ..fortunately, the day you sent this reply they somehow fixed themselves!

    ..now, hopefully there arent other things that remained affected by the outage
     
  20. fpfpfpfpfp

    fpfpfpfpfp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    34
    3
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    yea, i've driven the car since 2015 so, i wasn't hallucinating guidelines for 6 years... fortunately, the day you sent this last reply, they somehow started working again without doing anything or pressing any buttons! (and the flagpoles just show up on their own, never bothered to research how they work).

    ..tho, i am still somewhat concerned abt your earlier comment regarding the reliability of the device.
    were you basically saying the one they used at the shop i went to is not a reliable test? i.e., they told me the battery was 'good' but, that might not be an accurate test result? that's a bit worrying, if so.