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Any 2012's running original 12v?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by markabele, Nov 2, 2018.

  1. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It's the current best diagnotic I think, but with inadvertent drains, who knows. I know how long mine will last: typically around 5 years at most, because that's when I get nervous and replace it, regardless of condition.
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i will put it to the test, and keep you informed. it is said that warmer climates are a problem for longevity, and cold can spell trouble for weakened batteries, so i suppose one size does not fit all.

    admittedly, i baby my cars and batteries, and have never drained them. i don't drive much, which may spell trouble, but my 2004 oem lasted 8 years, and my 2008 lasted 10 years. i'm all about risk reward, and i'm going to try to smash my record.:cool:
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    No cheating now... :whistle:

    IMG_9704.JPG
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    and it will sit in the unheated garage from 01/16/19 thru 03/24/19 with sks on;)
     
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  5. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    I'll already be wearing sunscreen in March.....:D
     
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I never stop:p.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no need here, starting to feel like london all summer, and frostbite falls all winter.
     
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  8. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    My 2012 PiP 12v died in March 2018, almost 6 years exactly. I came home to an endless click click click click sound, then couldn't find the battery! Thanks to all who gave me advice!
     
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  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    While it's true the Prius (including PIP) 12 VDC battery's main purpose in life is to "boot up" the boxes, they also were designed and installed with the equivalent of a lawn tractor battery for that purpose. Anything over 5 years with normal use is beyond expected life...so I'm proactive at 5 years. I don't try to stretch my fluid and filter changes, go without a spare or drive my tires bald either.

    YMMV
     
    #29 frodoz737, Dec 29, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2018
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah, but thesis one area where i just have to go for it. it's like the mpg challenge!:cool:
     
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  11. Potorap

    Potorap Active Member

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    My 2013’s are 5+ years old. 150k miles and 138k miles. Use battery tender nearly everyday. Beginning to think about replacement.
     
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  12. Suds

    Suds Member

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    My built in April 2012 built Prius Plugin Advanced has it's original 12v battery. I was in for the Fuse recall 1/16/2019 and asked them to check the 12v battery, it was still good (crossed fingers). But I'm seriously considering replacing it, I will need to anyway and would rather change it at my convenience not some Sunday evening in the middle of nowhere Kansas (yes I chose to live in Kansas) and will be left with no choice but to purchase whatever they are selling generally an EL Cheapo battery to get home.
     
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  13. CaliforniaBear

    CaliforniaBear Clearwater Blue Metallic

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    The Toyota service department did a load test on my 6 1/2 year old battery. The result was CCA 270 with the battery rated at 325 CCA which is 83% of rated value. The voltage over night (not plugged in of course) is 12.5 v. What does this tell me about the battery condition?
     
  14. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You’re still good;).
     
  15. CaliforniaBear

    CaliforniaBear Clearwater Blue Metallic

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    Yes I get that :) My concern is what if I were to park the car for 3 weeks in an airport garage while on a trip?
     
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    What I did (and still have) is a portable jump pack that I keep in the car ;).

    Charge it up and it’s good to go:).

    I was able to make our 2010’s original 12 volt go for almost 9 years without the fear of being stranded. The mechanical key gets you in the car. The jump pack gets you going if it’s drained;).

    And at ~$40 on Amazon it’s a quarter of a new battery:).

    You can also help others without feeling like a bad person(y).
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It's weak. I would replace.
     
  18. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Mr. environmentally conscious is saying replace before it is done?

    Why not run it further and buy a jump pack to keep in the car ;).

    Then when a co-worker or someone else needs a jump, your well prepared and don’t look like the bad guy when someone asks and you respond: “I would but I don’t want to potentially brick my car for you”.

    In the 3 years I’ve owned my jump pack I’ve charged it up twice and not needed it for any reason:).

    But when the original 12 volts was getting old, I felt better about taking trips and not returning to a car that wouldn’t start;).

    All about perspective(y).
     
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Done, lol. JNC660 in the underfloor tray. And a spare CTEK charger; you can never have enough charger.

    I'm really out of a job though: daughter was pretty much my only jump start "client", and I got her a JNC660 for XMas. It's still sitting in her living room though, so...

    Yeah, regarding the battery longevity question: 6 plus years old and 270 CCA, just replace it. Why prolong the agony?
     
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  20. CaliforniaBear

    CaliforniaBear Clearwater Blue Metallic

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    Yes, that's the best way to go. Does anyone know what is the actual draw on the battery when the car is "off"?
     
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