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Computer System-12V battery Related Help Needed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by junebug8076, Mar 21, 2011.

  1. junebug8076

    junebug8076 New Member

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    I have a 2005 2nd generation prius. lately the main dash board would start the air conditioner automatically when the car takes a turn. the delaership said its probably a loose connection. then the battery went dead. AAA jump started the battery and car was fine. the dealership says that the main computer needs to be replaced and costs about 1000$. is there a cheaper fix to it. car is drivable now but the automatic air conditioner startup and battery going dead worries me.
     
    #1 junebug8076, Mar 21, 2011
  2. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    If it's still the original 12v battery, replace it. It probably hasn't recharged since boosted and likely won't hold much longer anyway. Then see if all the problems go away (they likely will) before replacing anything else. A low 12v battery causes the computers to act stupid and various odd electrical problems manifest themselves.
     
    #2 BAllanJ, Mar 21, 2011
  3. junebug8076

    junebug8076 New Member

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    Thank you very much. You put some life into my troubled soul. I havent opened anything on the dash board, but is it a regular 12V? any procedures/care?
     
    #3 junebug8076, Mar 21, 2011
  4. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    There are very few 12V that will fit. The easiest and possibly the cheapest is to get one from a Toyota dealer. It pays to call around. The other option is an Optima deep cycle battery, which is a superior product but requires some mechanical work to change the terminals. You can buy a battery and terminal adapter kit from elearnaid.com -- they are in Sylmar. The battery sits in the back passenger side corner of the car, next to the spare tire well, and as such cannot be your typical flooded 12V lead acid battery.
     
    #4 seilerts, Mar 21, 2011
  5. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #5 cwerdna, Mar 21, 2011
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I agree that you should replace the 12V battery first.

    Regarding the air conditioner starting by itself, I am wondering whether fixing that is worth $1K to you. I would prefer to keep the $1K in the bank and press the A/C button from time to time, but that's just me.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Mar 21, 2011
  7. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    #7 richard schumacher, Mar 22, 2011
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