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2005 Prius battery terminals

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by tom1l21, Aug 5, 2016.

  1. tom1l21

    tom1l21 Member

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    2005 Prius
    About 6 years ago I replaced my oem battery with an optima. The optima came with larger terminal clamps than the Prius comes with. I discarded the original clamps without thinking much of it. Today, my battery finally died and I am looking to replace it with a cheap stock battery. Problem is, the stock (non-optima) batteries all have the skinnier posts that will not allow my clamps to screw down without significant play.

    My two options are to buy another optima or find someplace that sells the clamps for a Prius battery. Any suggestions? Ordering an optima will put me out several days with no car.

    Ive attached a photo showing my old optima with thicker posts and larger clamps compared to an off the shelf Prius battery.
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    dealer? where will you buy the battery?
     
  3. tom1l21

    tom1l21 Member

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    I went to a dealer today, they said they ddnt have the parts or knew of where they would be. I'm going to try another tomorrow.
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can also try some auto parts stores and batteries plus, for an off the shelf battery.
     
  5. tom1l21

    tom1l21 Member

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    I tried several different auto parts stores, the best I could do is to get a D51 size battery with the larger terminals on the opposite side (short side) of the battery. The fit is a little tighter with the large battery pack vent sort of in the way. Also, the 12v battery vent hose will not reach due to the vent being on the other side, so I will nees to extend it. Such a headache.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe buy a jump pack, and order an optima.
     
  7. tom1l21

    tom1l21 Member

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    Using an optima is my solution. I still find it insane that auto part store don't sell the terminal clamps for the skinny terminals. They sell the batteries with them but not the clamps for that size.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agreed.
     
  9. DLW1953

    DLW1953 New Member

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    I am new here and don't know how to start a new post, but while we're on the subject of batteries, is the battery the only place to access the terminals for a jump start? I thought they had terminals under the hood but I can't find them. I have a 2007 Prius. Thank you for assistance. And good luck with the battery post situation.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, it's inside the fuse box. it shows it in your owners manual. there's a red cover you flip up, and a terminal underneath, with metal on one side. negative goes to a clean nut or bolt.

    you can start a new thread by choosing the correct forum. then look in the upper right for 'post new thread'.
     
  11. DLW1953

    DLW1953 New Member

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    Thank you so much. I'll check out this new info!!!