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Uh Oh,Hoping it's Just 12v

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ML Diggs, Feb 10, 2013.

  1. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    I noticed a couple times lately that the red triangle with exclamation mark came on briefly when starting my 2007. Tonight, I went out and pushed the start button and lots of dummy lights came on, including the fuel indicator flashing 1 bar (had three last time I drove it) and the flat tire warning light flashed as well. The ICE engine didn't start either, and the MFD didn't come on. I attempted to start over--- you know, turned it off, got out, locked the door, pretended it didn't happen and got in again, doing the usual foot on brake, start button push, and same thing. In addition, the transmission indicators (park, drive, reverse, b) were all highlighted and flashing.

    Is this a 12v issue or something worse? I think the 12 v is the original, but I had it tested this summer, and it was fine.

    Tell it to me straight!!! What are the possibilities?? I have AAA, so I can get a jump and/or new battery tomorrow if that's all it is.
     
    #1 ML Diggs, Feb 10, 2013
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Sounds like the 12 volt battery is toast. The symptoms you report are very similar to other reports. End resolution is a new 12 volt in most of the cases.

    Test the battery by following the instructions here

    Weird stuff happening? MPGs dropping? Test The Battery | PriusChat

    Please post all three value's from test.

    If your 12 volt is original, you are way overdue for a replacement IMO.

    Ron
     
    #2 dorunron, Feb 10, 2013
  3. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    And don't assume that the AAA guy knows how to jump the car with the right polarity. Too many failed jump starts reported here. Double check that the cables are hooked up correctly, if that is what you are going to do.
     
    #3 nh7o, Feb 10, 2013
  4. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    I only live four blocks from O'Reilly's and the battery was 6y/o, so went to O'Reily's, got their drop in Prius battery for $175 and installed it in about an hour. Works great. I did have to push the start button twice to get it to start. First time nothing really happened, but the dash lights didn't flash at me. Second time, I heard some clicks from the back and I was up and running. Must have needed some computer or relay thing to kick in.

    I noticed there was a lot of water in the bottom of the battery compartment...not sure how it got there, but it had a faint car wash smell. There is a rubber drain plug, so Toyota knows water can get in there.

    I highly recommend the video on this forum posted in the thread "yet Again...Another 12volt battery...". It made the process very clear, and I echo the lithium grease in socket suggestion for the bolts that could drop into no mans land. I didn't drop a bolt.
     
    #4 ML Diggs, Feb 10, 2013
    JMD likes this.
  5. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    Oh...and thanks, as always!!!
     
    #5 ML Diggs, Feb 10, 2013
  6. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Glad to hear you got it sorted and got the Prius back up and running. It seems that water does tend to find it's way into the battery compartment in some of the Pri. Some have reported the hatch back gasket to be leaking. Other's have reported that the welds in the sheet metal tend to leak over time. You may find evidence of water under your spare tire also, since you mentioned the water in the battery area. Also, it has been reported that the Prius does not boot up fully the first time you reconnect the battery as you found.

    You can monitor the voltage of the battery by running the test I mentioned above in post #2. A fully charged AGM battery should measure 13.0 volts when measured with a digital volt meter at the battery terminals with no load on it. If you run the test, the Prius should show at least 12.6 with a new battery in the ACC mode and 12.4 or higher in the IGN ON mode. Since I installed the new OEM battery I bought from Toyota I regularly see 12.6 if the car has sit overnight or longer in ACC mode. If I have recently driven it, I will see 12.8 volts.

    Ron
     
    #6 dorunron, Feb 10, 2013
    ML Diggs likes this.
  7. motochris

    motochris ^^ newb ^^

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    Got a link to the video?

    edit--- found it...
     
    #7 motochris, Feb 19, 2013
  8. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    Yeah, I just your request and came here to post it. I do recommend viewing the entire thread where this video was posted to our forum. There is useful info on pitfalls and brands. FWIW, I got the OReilly's battery and it required no modifications and cost 175 instead of the 250 for the Optima. here is a link to that thread.
    Yet again...another 12v battery question | PriusChat
     
    #8 ML Diggs, Feb 19, 2013
  9. jtegf

    jtegf Junior Member

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    I recently ran the previously mentioned test on my 2008 and found the original battery fading out. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the folks at elearnaid.com if you want an Optima battery and a SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE! The battery got here to Texas in three business days and with their instructions was a snap to change. AND, it was only $175 for the newest drop-in battery (no conversion kit necessary). AND, no shipping charge. I kept another battery connected to the system through the engine compartment hot spot and the car booted up with the first push of Start. Couldn't have been easier.
     
    #9 jtegf, Feb 20, 2013
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