1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

New 12 v battery: Strap in the way

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Jeremy M, Apr 8, 2013.

  1. Jeremy M

    Jeremy M Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2013
    14
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arlington, Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    First post, please be gentle.

    I replaced the 12v battery this morning with an Optima, as some here suggest. No problem, but the strap on the Optima is touching the negative connector wire.

    I tried squishing the battery strap under the metal hold-down bar but that doesn't work.

    Is it okay if the negative connector wire touches the strap? I can't figure out any way to get it to work unless I cut the strap off.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,474
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The strap should not be squished down at the battery hold down clamp.

    It is OK if the plastic Optima strap is in contact with the negative connector wire. I suggest you ensure that the wire terminals are tight at the battery end as well as at the end where it bolts to the sheet metal body panel.
     
  3. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    1,049
    192
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Nylon strap, no problem, seems to me mine was able to be tucked tightly against the battery and it was then out of the way, but cut it if it pushes against anything expensive;)

    I'd trickle charge that new battery to 100%
     
  4. GoesStation

    GoesStation Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2012
    26
    2
    0
    Location:
    Southwest Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I just replaced mine on Saturday. The instructions that came with it suggested removing the strap and explained how to do it -- but my new battery didn't have a strap, so I guess the vendor had already taken it off.

    Andy
     
  5. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    471
    109
    0
    Location:
    nor cal
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    The strap is just there to help you carry the battery home from the store.

    Job done, now remove the strap. Problem solved. Don't worry so much!
     
    Jeremy M likes this.
  6. Jeremy M

    Jeremy M Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2013
    14
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arlington, Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Maestro8, if you have any idea how to stop worrying so much, I welcome it. :)

    Yes, shortly after posting the question I saw another thread which seemed to suggest removing the strap, which I did.

    Now, Ursle, I apparently should look up how to "trickle charge" the battery - something new to worry about.

    Thanks everybody,

    Jeremy
     
  7. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    471
    109
    0
    Location:
    nor cal
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    1) Buy a charger
    2) Clamp the charger onto the battery
    3) Plug the charger into a power outlet
    4) Kick yourself for thinking it was so hard
     
    Jeremy M likes this.
  8. Roberta

    Roberta Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2013
    3
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Wow......Learn something new but too late. I had to replace my 12V battery and the dealer told me it can only be done at the dealers and only with a genuine Prius battery...the total cost was $406. Unbelievable They also told me the main battery runs $4000 installed..... Personally that was enough to make me want to sell the Prius and just use the Avalon. It is a 2001 and is loaded and has 58,000 miles on it. SO should last a LOOOOOONG time.
     
  9. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I bought a BatteryMinder (<$50) and have the pigtail cable "permanently" attached to the battery. This cable plugs into the cable that runs from the unit. That connection is easily accessible on my deck & it is connected only when in use. I ran the unit's cable the length of the car along the side so the wall wart stays on the front passenger floor. I crack that window open to run the extension cord from the garage. I'm getting into the habit of plugging in overnight as long as the weather is good. The BatteryMinder will charge up & desulphate the battery as needed.
     
  10. HaroldW

    HaroldW Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2012
    716
    95
    0
    Location:
    Grand Forks BC Canada
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I tied my 2 amp maintainer into the jumper points. Works like a charm! No need to run wires all over the car. ;) H
     
  11. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2009
    873
    194
    0
    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I had the same issue and just cut the strap and tucked it behind the battery. Later I realized that the strap came off - it was a bit of a duh moment for me, but I made myself feel a bit better by realizing that it was not terribly obvious when the battery was installed and you could not see the sides.