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Update: Starting problem. Hope someone can help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Marielapoe, Jun 14, 2015.

  1. Marielapoe

    Marielapoe Junior Member

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    2005 Prius
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    2006 Prius. Replaced 12 V battery 3 years ago after a red triangle, transmission (P) error event.
    Event happened again.. Think it was because I left the car in AC mode for half an hour. Eventually dead as a doornail last Friday. Wouldn't jump start from a neighbor's car. Posted here on Chat and got good advice. But, so far, charging has gone well, but the car won't start.
    UPDATE:
    Noon : Hooked up a 12V - 3amp charger (for AGM batteries) to the car's front, charge post.
    The charger read the battery at 71% charge and charging. Diagnostics are as follows:

    Vehicle Signal Check............Under Load ............Start Up Mode.
    in AC mode
    3:30 pm: 12.2V ...............................12.1V.........................12.1V
    7:30 pm: 12.5V ............................. 12.1V.........................12.1 V
    8:30 pm : 12.6V ...............................12.3V ........................12-12.1V

    At each time above, the charger said battery was fully charged. Disconnected charger. Tried to start the car..Car wouldn't start . Hooked charger back up after diagnostic test. After the last test, when I hooked the charger back up, the battery had dropped from 100% to 70% during the test. and I did try to start it, a number of times.

    I'm new to all this and I'm not sure I got the correct reading for the third test, similar to starting the car while the diagnostic test is on the MFD screen. One of the test instructions said something about a ready prompt showing on the speed line on the MFD. I never saw anything like that. I'm leaving the charger on overnight but I'm concerned ...

    1. Seems the last, "start up" voltage test numbers should be much higher. Does this mean my traction battery has issues?
    2. Could it be a problem with some kind of charging/communication mechanism between the !2V and the traction battery?
    3. What else should I investigate? I have a good dealership, an hour away, I can have the car towed to, but I'm hoping it won't come to that.

    Any and all advice cheerfully appreciated! This is a great site.

    Thank You,
    Marie
     
    #1 Marielapoe, Jun 14, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it could be that your 12 volt battery is bad, and won't take a charge. to confirm this, try jumping from another car, and be sure not to cross the polarity. if it turns out to be bad, it may still be under warranty.
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 14, 2015
  3. Marielapoe

    Marielapoe Junior Member

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    Thanks Bisco
     
    #3 Marielapoe, Jun 14, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all the best.
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 14, 2015
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Two
    1. The voltage readings aren't terrible and they relate only to the 12V battery. You can't determine anything about the traction battery from those measurements.
    2. No
    3. I think you've exercised reasonable due-diligence. You've tried jumpstarting the car and charging the 12V battery. If you find the car does not start after an overnight charge, it is time to have the car towed to your dealership for evaluation and diagnosis. Good luck.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Jun 14, 2015
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