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Help 2009 weird lights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Esta Jo, Dec 28, 2017.

  1. Esta Jo

    Esta Jo Junior Member

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    Tried to start my car today (very cold here) and all the warning lights that could be on were. Finally called Geico road service (horrid, btw) and by the time the guy got to me I had left the lights on and the battery was dead. Neither of us could get the fuse box open. Sent another truck. Great gal jumped me and told me to drive around. I am taking it in tomorrow to dealer to see what the heck happened. After I drove for about 15 I parked and took the key out. A light went on that is not in my manual. It is an outline of the car with a key horizontally within the outline. When I put the electronic key back in, it went out. So I just left the key in the car, took out the manual key. Tried to lock the car with the manual key and it wouldn't go in.

    So, the key may not have gone in because it needs graphite? Is it ok to leave the key in overnight (other than the issue of being stolen from my lot)?
     
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    The car with the key on the dash is normal. Don't leave the fob in the car. Your car will be dead again in the morning the cold killed your old and borderline 12 volt battery. Do not jump start this car especially from tow trucks you can damage the car very badly $$$$$.
    The manual key didn't work because its probably never been put in that keyhole before and the lock is corroded and frozen. Spray some lubrication in the keyhole.

    Buy a new 12 volt battery and get it installed asap.
     
  3. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    15 minutes/miles will not charge up your battery, you'll need to put it on a battery charger overnight for it to have any impact. Otherwise, in the morning you could see yourself having to jump it again. If it is the original battery it's likely in need of replacement.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is it the original 12v? this cold is killing a lot of batteries.
     
  5. Esta Jo

    Esta Jo Junior Member

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    Bringing it to the tomorrow at 7am :-( Already got a second one about 2 years ago. Expensive little buggers.
     
  6. Esta Jo

    Esta Jo Junior Member

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    Even tho I have one relatively new, could be the cold. Hasn't been below 10 in a while. Thanks.
     
  7. Esta Jo

    Esta Jo Junior Member

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    not original. last year of 2 years ago got new one.
     
  8. Esta Jo

    Esta Jo Junior Member

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    Thanks for the warning. Car started up ok; we'll see about the morning. Will get out the WD40.
     
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    If still wicked cold get a lighter and warm up the key first. Spray some lube in the hole and a warm key.

    if car dead again in am just uber to any parts store and buy an optima yellowtop online and pickup at store. Autozone or advance auto carry it. its about $160. Or if they dont carry it go buy one at the dealer. Its about $250 but best $250 you ever spend.
    Install it where it sits hundreds of posts on this site how to do it.

    I'm telling you do not continue to jump start the car. You'll be sorry.