Christmas Tree Dashboard

Ok, I have read a lot of topics on this, and got home today to do some testing.

Story, I have a 05 Prius. Bought used, big bad battery was replaced last August. There was no known issues. Drove the car for about 2 months, and I get the Christmas Tree Dashboard, lights galore. I checked the code and it came up as P0a80. Yep I know what that usually means.

Today I was reading through all the discussions about the dash lights and testing this and that. So I got home, jump started the car, and here are my findings.

1. The inverter fluid is moving while engine is running, and not running.

2. Car turned on: Vehicle Signal Check Mode shows battery at 12.8V in diag mode.

3. Car turned on: Vehicle Signal Check Mode shows battery at 12.3V in diag mode with headlights on.

4. Car running: Vehicle Signal Check Mode shows battery at 13.8V in diag mode.
EMV: OK, NAVI: OK, Audio H/U: CHEK, G/W: OK, DSP-AMP: OK

Lan Monitor:
EMV: CHEK, NAVI: CHEK, Audio H/U: NoErr, G/W: NoErr, DSP-AMP: CHEK

Dash lights that are on:
Red Triangle, Check Engine, VSC, and the !

HUD shows the red car with the ! on it.

After turning off the car, the volt meter on the 12v reads 4.15v and falling.

The car has been sitting since December. Needless to say I have to jump it anytime I need to test or do something. Prior to that I had no problems starting it.

As long as I jump start it, it starts and runs fine. AC blows cold, everything works, just this annoying Christmas Tree Dashboard. I have not driven it since this first started in December. Closest Toyota dealer to me is about 50 miles away.

I have been pricing the big bad batteries, and found a place close to Memphis, TN, that has them for under $1500 with a 5 year warranty. Just trying to make sure that is what it is before trying to get a loan to drop that much money. I am still paying on a car that has been sitting in my yard for 8 months. Besides that, I loved driving it, since I work 65 miles from my house.

Please let me know if there are other things I need to test, I was really hoping it was something cheap and easy fix.

 

I'll take a look at it. I didn't have a problem with the 12v battery until it sat for 8 months. When this problem first starting happening, it would start without any issues. Or is it that the car doesn't start off of the 12v battery? Right now I cannot get it to start or power anything, without a boost. Once I hook up the jumper cables, it fires right up, don't have to let it sit to charge before starting.

 

Ya not a typo, im afraid. I know that the 12v battery is shot now, but it was starting just fine 8 months ago when these issues first started. I parked it then, as I do not have the money for the other battery.

Could the 12v battery have been going bad then that is causing me all these issues and check engine code of P0a80?

 

Is the 12v hard to replace? I can afford the $200 ish more than the $1500 ish. Either way I know it needs replaced, just don't want to take it to a shop if it is something I can do easily from home.

 

Didn't realize a 12v would give you that check engine code. The main battery gauge goes all the way down, then back up after first stating.

 

I've heard you got to get a special charger. Only battery charger I have is a 12v charger I got from Harbor freight

 

Ya the company was Greentech, something like that

 

I got it fixed yesterday. I called to order both batteries and he showed up same day and installed them in about 30 mins. He services about 6 states, so if you are in need, I would recommend him.

$1775 for both batteries, tax and installation. 5 year warranty.

Hybrid Restoration is the company, located in Bartlett, TN.