Hello, 7 year Prius C driver here

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Billy boy SD, Jun 3, 2026 at 4:14 PM.

  1. Billy boy SD

    Billy boy SD New Member

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    Glad I found this forum , hello to everyone! I’ve had many cars since I was 18 (Nissan 240fx, Escalade , jeep wrangler, BMW 328is, Benz 320 SEL, and a couple more) and have to say this used 2014 Prius C I purchased 7 years ago has been the most dependable and non problematic car I’ve even owned!

    unfortunately I’m at 110K miles and the dreaded check hybrid system message popped up on my screen. I did disconnect the 12v battery and hybrid / orange switch for 15 minutes and it did disappear however Im sure that’s just temporary. Currently everything is working fine and it seems I’m actually getting a bit better mileage.

    here’s a screenshot of the reading I did , does it look problematic ? Thanks for any help!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Billy boy SD, Jun 3, 2026 at 4:14 PM
  2. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Is this the car's 2nd or 3rd 12v battery?
    These cars have notoriously small aux batteries.

    Just a stab in the dark.
    Priussys are the most dependable of the breed and it's a shame that they didn't make the cut - but that's been the fate for just about all subcompact hatches.

    The market (and the OEMs) want CUVs which have bigger everything - especially profit margins.

    Good Luck!
     
    #2 ETC(SS), Jun 4, 2026 at 6:30 AM
    BiomedO1 likes this.
  3. Billy boy SD

    Billy boy SD New Member

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    Hello! I believe it’s this cars second. I installed a new one on May 23rd, 2024 so I’m thinking it’s probably still good?
     
    #3 Billy boy SD, Jun 4, 2026 at 9:56 AM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Make sure you keep the battery intake cooling vent clear. Behind the drivers seat, below the rear seat bench. Maybe clean-out and test that cooling fan assembly. I know mine use to run hot while driving through the Sierras. So hot that I could feel the heat radiating off, below the rear bench seat.
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Jun 4, 2026 at 11:57 AM
  5. Billy boy SD

    Billy boy SD New Member

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    Right thanks for that , I clear it out once a month due to my husky’s fur! Checked again , disassembled it and all is clear (did a cloth cleaning for extra measure)
     
    #5 Billy boy SD, Jun 4, 2026 at 12:05 PM
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    will you go with oem battery pack if necessary?
     
    #6 bisco, Jun 4, 2026 at 1:22 PM
  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Well, the hybrid batteries in the c model tend to last "about ten years" which means you're right on schedule for a replacement.

    The 12v batteries tend to go 4-6 years, so I'd think one that was new in 2024 still has a ways to go.

    The built-in diagnostics are pretty good, but they aren't perfect. I'd say there's a strong chance you do need a new hybrid battery, but you should very definitely confirm this either by taking it in to a pro, or tooling up to DIY.
     
    #7 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jun 4, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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