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Strange issue turning the car on

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MSC71, Apr 5, 2014.

  1. MSC71

    MSC71 New Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Hi all,

    I have a 2008 Prius nearing 90,000 miles. Everything has been fine, but the past week or so I have had issues turning the car on. I turn it on as normal and everything comes on except the dashboard. When I do it again all of the warning lights come on and stay on, I can't shift, and it will beep at me. The third turn on works and it all goes away.
    It doesn't happen all of the time, but when it does my battery is very low even if it was green when I parked it. I thought maybe I just wasn't pressing the brake down enough, but I've tested that and it doesn't change anything.
    Naturally my first thought is the battery, but I'm really not sure it's that at all. The 12V battery and instrument cluster were replaced a year ago.
    Any ideas?
     
    #1 MSC71, Apr 5, 2014
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Check the 12V battery voltage as that battery is the most likely cause of the symptoms you mentioned, whether or not it is only one year old.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Apr 5, 2014
    GrumpyCabbie and dorunron like this.
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I too suggest you check the voltage in the 12 volt battery. I also suggest you check all of the connections at the 12 volt battery as well as where the negative cable attaches to the frame of the car where the battery is located.

    Run the test below and feel free to post all three (3) values that you see.

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

    Just because your battery is one year old does not mean it could be failing. Batteries are not perfect. I have seen batteries newer than your fail. It is rare, but it does happen.

    Hope this helps.

    Ron (dorunron)
     
    #3 dorunron, Apr 5, 2014
    GrumpyCabbie likes this.
  4. MSC71

    MSC71 New Member

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    Thank you for your help! I followed the instructions and got 12.3V, 12.3V again, and 14.0V. I tried it a couple of times and it didn't change. Everything looks connected.
     
    #4 MSC71, Apr 7, 2014
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Two
    Check the tightness of the 12V battery cables using a 10 mm wrench. With the negative cable, check the tightness at both ends, don't forget the side connected to the body.

    If this is good and you still have problems, it is time to visit your local dealer for help.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Apr 7, 2014
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