Dead battery after 2.5 weeks

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jonbeck @ May 24 2007, 05:38 PM) [snapback]449376[/snapback]</div>

Until I got annoyed enough to add the push button, I had the ICE>Link device located behind the bowed panel that is over the floor hump. This panel can be removed in about 10 seconds without any other dash parts being removed. When the ICE>Link locked up, I would pop off that panel, disconnect the radio cable from the ICE>Link device, and then plug it back in. But, since it averaged about one lockup a week, I finally added the button.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ May 25 2007, 11:01 AM) [snapback]449778[/snapback]</div>

That model battery minder is $45 at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Electronics-BatteryM...0613&sr=8-1

Do you use it with the 12V battery still in the circuit on the Prius or did you rig a harness to isolate the battery? Seems like it would be a pain to reset the radio and windows everytime you used it if you had to go the disconnect route. I just got the VCD unit last night and the instructions didn't say anything one way or the other about charging and desulphinating with the battery in the car.

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ May 25 2007, 12:39 PM) [snapback]449867[/snapback]</div>

Tom

That's a much better price. About 4 years ago I picked up three of the previous model at auction for $70, for all three. The other one is on my FJ and the last one is on my tractor at the hobby farm. I need to get another one for my old Ford pickup at the hobby farm.

I leave the battery in circuit. No problems doing that, two years running

jay

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ May 25 2007, 01:33 PM) [snapback]449921[/snapback]</div>

Jay, thanks for the info. I'll probably put the wires and connector in this holiday. I always like to do jobs like that on days with all the stores (that I'm likely to need) closed.

- Tom

 

I have a 2007 and 2 months and 1400 miles of driving I discovered a dead a as doornail car. I had armed the alarm 12 hours prior. I called the nearest toyota dealership and they suggested I tow it in which I did. They discovered a dead accessory battery and they found a back door ajar so they said I was at fault and must pay towing. I never saw a dome light and the car's alarm was on. They said I am still liable. Even if the dome light was on, 12 hours and a dead battery?

 

I'm on my 3rd OEM Toyota Aux. battery now (I have an 05 w/SKS). I finally wised up and put my BMW Battery Tender (BMW sells one for around 70 dollars. It plugs into the cigarette lighter. The BMW part number is 82-11-0-026-66). It tops off the aux battery, prevents sulfidation and...
since I got a new battery a week ago, my mileage has increased from 35 to 40mpg (I believe due to the ICE not having to work all the time to try and charge a worn out battery.)

We get 20 degree F morning for a couple of months, we get 100+ F daytime time temps for a month sometimes and I often drive 15 miles max in a day.

I have considered replacing the OEM battery with the Miata or Optima battery (I know I have to get, fabricate or modify a the hold down strap & battery terminals, but these are easy to find < Installtion Kit for Mazda Miata battery on a Prius 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 > is one place.

The OEM batteries are just so WIMPY.

BTW I did find the manual rear hatch release level that NO ONE ANYWHERE INSIDE OR OUT of Toyota has a freakin clue that one exists. With the carpeting (if you have any) and the hatch floor cover removed, look for the flying saucer opening, then look for a small silver lever. Pull this lever upwards and violá baby, up pops the hatch. Handy for those times when your battery is dead, jumper cables won't reach the front battery tie points, so you can get into the trunk to jump that bad boy flabby 12v aux. battery.

GO PRIUS, GO!!!:cheer2:

Thanks again to all!!!

Ken

 

Hi Ken,

For the sake of others who might read your post, I would like to point out that this will work only if you've modified the circuitry so that the power socket is "hot" at all times. Normally, when the car is IG-OFF, the socket is not functioning so plugging a battery tender into the socket will not help the battery - but might give you a placebo effect.

 

I bought that small one at Harbor freight for $6.50. puts out a steady 12.6 volts. I'm charging the prius bat and inserted a Panasonic wet cell from a Honda. Works great.

 

I think that the final solution is to just put in a stronger battery that physicall fits and is at least 30AH or more preferably more. Whether its a wet or dry cell is also irrelevant.

 

this is the affordable and effecient solution to all your starter battery problems. it's a battery upgrade which will last for a long, long time...



find it here...12 Volt (12v) Toyota Prius Auxilary Battery for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 with free shipping

look down the web page above for the method to test your battery voltage via the display screen.

note: it includes free shipping. suggest to order the conversion kit for an additional $15.

i have decided to make the change.

 

Re: Full Time Hot Dash & Center Console Power Outlet

Hi Patrick Wong. You are correct. I forgot that when I first got the car I modded both the dash and center console power outlets so they were hot all the time so I could do things like charge my cell phone with the car off.

Who knew that it would also allow me to top off the, now 3rd, aux. battery in 3 years. As ai result of this new batter and the fact that I am topping it off every night with my BMW Battery Minder, I am now getting, no b.s. here, a 20% increase in fuel mileage.

So again, this "Unintended consequence of an intended action" has me jumping for glee. 20% better mileage from 36 to 42 mpg, is a phenomenal 'happenstance'.

QUESTION: If/when I upgrage to an Optima or Mazda Miata battery with a much higher AmpHour rating, unless I supplement it's state of charge with a nightly top off, won't the ICE keep working to bring this higher capacity up to proper working voltage which may result in reduced mileage due to the ICE running more often?

Would 'brighter bulbs' than me care to pontificate on this situation/propsition? THANKS AGAIN!!!

Ken

 

Re: Full Time Hot Dash & Center Console Power Outlet

Getting a battery trickle charger sounds like a good idea, especially for those in cold climates. Your "hot plug" mod certainly comes in handy!

Rumple

 

I have the same problem but I do not know how to find the solution. Can anybody help me.

 

Re: Full Time Hot Dash & Center Console Power Outlet

Hi Ken,

The original equipment battery with SE/SS is rated in the low 30s while the base model battery is 28 AH. Since the available physical space is pretty small, you'll be limited in terms of installing a battery with a significantly higher AH capacity.

In any event, don't worry about incremental workload associated with charging up a higher capacity battery. A higher capacity battery should retain a higher state of charge while the car is in storage or driven intermittently.

 

Patrick: A quick scan of what's avail. (w/a small amount of modifications - to the hold down bracket, a set of new battery terminals, etc) indicates two distinct battery choices: A battery that's normally used in the Mazda Miata ( go here: 12 Volt (12v) Toyota Prius Auxiliary Battery for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 with installation kit and free shipping to 48 states ) and an Optima Yellow Top - deep cycle battery here ( 12 Volt (12v) Toyota Prius Auxilary Battery for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 with free shipping ) which, according the the site: "[FONT=arial, helvetica]that can handle the slow stead drain than occurs when the car is parked from: the clocks, the memory chips, the security system and the remote entry and key less starting system. THIS YELLOW TOP BATTERY IS DESIGNED FOR THE DEEP DISCHARGES THAT THESE SYSTEMS CAUSE WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A WHILE."
FYI, today's new mpg came in at nearly 44mpg, essentially the highest I've ever gotten and it's in the middle of winter with the lows in the low 20's!

Any thoughts you have on this?

Let 'em rip!

Thanks,
[/FONT]

 

I had almost an identical post last year. I left the car on a vacation and apparently the kids left the dome light on. I could not get it to to take a charge and ended up replacing the battery (from Toyota) myself. I solved the problem by putting blue tape on the switch so the kids can't use it!

 

Hi Ken,

I do not recommend the Mazda Miata battery for 2G since the battery polarity is reversed. In order for you to use that battery you would probably mount it so that the terminals are next to the inside of the fender. This may be a safety hazard in the event that your right rear fender is hit in an accident.

The Optima battery has received enthusiastic endorsement from some posters. Since you've not had good luck with the Toyota-supplied battery, it would be reasonable to try the Optima next time you need a battery. However this probably doesn't reflect a $ savings compared to buying a battery from your local Toyota dealer.

My 2004 with 69K miles is still using the original equipment GS battery, but that car is frequently driven so the battery doesn't have much chance to discharge while the car is sitting idle.

 

Patrick: Thanks for your insights & wisdom re: the Miata Battery terminal locations and potential hazards.

I'm going to give the new Toyota batt. a chance since I've just installed it and I am topping it off nightly with the Batt. Minder. I guess I've already begun the "Plug-In" phase of my hybrid experience.

I'm still a little shocked that my gas mileage was so adversly affected (now remedied) by that little aux battery and it's less than stellar condition.

That being said, the Prius Cust. Service guy at the local Toyota dealer mentioned that they've been getting about 4 Prius owners a week who are experiencing the exact same dead battery issue this winter. Hmmm... I think I smell a trend here.

Thanks again.
Ken

 

Perhaps, if you can tell us more. Did anyone install any aftermarket electronics in your car? Do you always lock the car when leaving it (if a door is open it will give a long warning beep)? How often do you drive the car, and for how long? Was the battery ever drained in the past? How old is this battery?

 

In so far as getting a 20% increase in MPG because you charged your Aux Bat. I believe that, I can't prove it yet. As I said before I replaced my Prius Aux with a Honda Bat I had laying around ( wet cell ) It seems to work perfectly. I am now in Reno, and probably my mileage is about as good as in Summer. This includes suburban, urban and a mountain pass about 7500 feet. Just tanked up in Reno, my mpg was 46, which is very good for conditions. Temperature over the pass was 26 F. The large differences in MPGs by various posters could very well be accounted for by not only by good hypermiling techniques but also by how well the Aux is charged, its general condition and this will affect the energy expended by the HV circuitry in charging the Aux. IF: the aux is weak for an extended period of time, this could cause a big difference in mileage. Incidently, as I was climbing the pass, I executed HMT's during the valleys and got a few more higher bars. I am thinking of running a pos wire to the trunk where charging could be accomplished every evening. Naturally I'd keep a wire nut on it when not in use.