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After Jump starting, can I get to dealers?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by gene4655, May 14, 2011.

  1. gene4655

    gene4655 Junior Member

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    I've had no trouble leaving my '06 at the Airport for a couple of weeks before, but this time I was gone 23 days, and, of course, it wouldn't start, despite turning off the Smartkey function. My question is, if I get it jump started by AAA, and I start driving it to the dealer (4 miles away), will it die out when I hit a red light and have to stop? I know, dumb question to some of you, but I'm no expert, so can you help me out?
     
    #1 gene4655, May 14, 2011
  2. FirstFlight

    FirstFlight Member

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    The high voltage traction battery will keep it charged while you are driving. Once you press the power button, all bets are off.
     
    #2 FirstFlight, May 14, 2011
  3. bigmike5

    bigmike5 New Member

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    You shouldn't have problems getting to the dealer. The auxiliary battery just starts the ecus/etc. I believe once the engine starts, it uses the main battery.
     
    #3 bigmike5, May 14, 2011
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    In general, once you make the Prius READY, and assuming sufficient fuel in the tank, it should run without difficulty until you make the car IG-OFF. At that point, if the 12V battery remains discharged, then you will not be able to restart the car unless it is jumped again.

    When the car is jumpstarted, you must be very careful to observe the polarity of the jump cables: positive to positive, negative to negative (or body metal). If the polarity is reversed, the inverter may be destroyed which will be a four-digit repair bill.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, May 15, 2011
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  5. gene4655

    gene4655 Junior Member

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    Friends, thank you for this assurance. I have to wait til tomorrow to do it, and hope for the best.
     
    #5 gene4655, May 15, 2011
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    You won't have any problems. Just don't panic and turn the car off. You -can't- "stall" the engine. Even if the engine stops at a light, it will start right up, as that function is from the traction battery, which is still ok. Relax and have a nice drive. Hope the stealer, er, dealer, doesn't try to rip you off for a new 12V battery. I'd phone around for pricing, if possible, to see which nearby dealer is honest.
     
    #6 David Beale, May 15, 2011
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