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Prius sitting for 5 years, help needed ASAP!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Eric Victor, Aug 16, 2019.

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  1. Eric Victor

    Eric Victor New Member

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    So recently, my grandmother passed away and I inherited her Prius, which sat for 5 YEARS. Not 5 months, 5 years. It sat outside, in Pennsylvania, in all 4 seasons for that long. How should I get this thing started? Would a jump to the battery work? Help is needed ASAP. I didn't want to start working on it until I got some help on what to do. Thank you.
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    you will need to replace the 12v and hybrid batteries. fob batteries too. you can get a new hybrid battery from 'newpriusbatteries.com' for $1,600.
     
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  3. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Would there also be damage to the ICE? I'm thinking maybe rubber seals rotted. Moisture inside the engine causing rust. Coolant/oil/gas/transmission fluid gone bad. Gas with ethanol in it turns to acid as it oxidizes and absorbs water which is not going to be good for fuel pump, etc.

    Bisco, I don't know enough about the traction battery technology, but would it make sense to replace the 12v battery and see whether the ICE (after its repaired) can charge the traction battery? Or is it pretty much guaranteed to be toast like the 12v?
     
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  4. RMB

    RMB Senior Member

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    Maybe, just maybe, there is juice in the hybrid battery to start up the engine?

    New 12v battery for sure, where as key fob battery, may get lucky? You will know if the key fob lights up or not.

    Remove old gas in gas tank and put in new gas.

    New motor oil and prime the system prior to start up, to protect the dry engine components.

    Just a few basic items to get the Prius started up, then definitely refresh all fluid, filters, spark plugs etc.

    Sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's always worth a try(y)
     
  6. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    Maybe squirt a bit of engine oil into each spark plug hole and rotate the engine with a wrench to lubricate the cylinders?
     
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  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    BG Engine oil flush and brake fluid flush.
     
  8. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    siphon out old gas, use stabil in new gas, pray the fuel pump is still Ok

    Pixel XL ?
     
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  9. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Not so fast, I don't think we know this for certain. A municipality (Florida???) that acquired a big fleet of (Gen2) Prii then somehow forgot about them in storage for years, was able to put most of them back in service when this snafu was discovered. All the regular warranties had run out except for the long hybrid system & battery warranty.

    A 2010 Prius in a CARB state might still have that warranty in force, depending on when it was purchased.
     
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  10. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    NiMH batteries (such as the Prius traction pack) can hold a charge for a surprisingly long time.

    I would:

    • drain the fuel tank & get fresh gas in. FI cleaner in a bottle if desired.
    • pull the spark plugs and add a SMALL amount of lube (motor oil, WD40, MMO) and put plugs back in, let it soak in a few hours or days
    • Replace 12V battery with a better (not necessarily new) one.
    • Check air cleaner for rodents & debris
    • change crankcase oil
    ...and see if it goes ready & starts.
     
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  11. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Take a look at the brake rotors (rust) and a good look over the tires.
    Tires will have flat spots that may or may not go away...but age is probably also in question.
     
  12. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    ohh, and where abouts in PA? general location, i.e. county
     
  13. Eric Victor

    Eric Victor New Member

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    Berks County, Reading area.
     
  14. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    This is likely going to require a HUGE investment in time and money.
    Are you sure you want to tackle it ?

    In addition to what has already been mentioned, the gas in the tank might be the thickness of oil now......or worse.
     
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  15. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    You could probably reinvigorate the battery with the Hybrid Automotive equipment. Or pay $1k more and get a new one.

    Pixel XL ?
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just for giggles:

    Check the tire pressures, jump-start it and see what happens?
     
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  17. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    I am in probably within 20 mins or so from reading, let me know if you need any help.
    I have some tools, scan gauge 2, dr prius app, multimeter, etc
    and I have somewhat flexible schedule
     
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  18. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Definitely circle back and post, whatever you decide to do. Interesting situation.
     
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  19. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    You are going to need a new 12 volt battery. about $200. (be extremely cautious jumping a Prius, doing it wrong can cost $4000)
    The buzzword you want is S46B24R. as an example www.amazon.com/ACDelco-ACDB24R-Advantage-Automotive-Battery/dp/B010GKJ8F6

    Most likely two Fob batteries 2032, about $5 The buzzword is CR2032 , as an example www.amazon.com/USARemote-Battery-CR2032-Remote-Keyless/dp/B076KQYM1B

    Four new tires are very likely needed, both flat spotting and rot, about $450. Most 'low end' Prius will have 195/65-15 tires. As an example https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Assurance+Fuel+Max&partnum=965SR5AFM&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Toyota&autoYear=2010&autoModel=Prius&autoModClar=II

    If you get it started, take it for an oil change and drain the gas out, day one. Expect a $100.

    Now the tough question, is the HV battery any good? If not it is about $3500 new. at this point you are $4500 into a questionable car, so ask your self if you want to tackle this, or just sell the car for parts.

    If you do, I would buy New Fob batteries, a jump start pack with polarity protection so you can't do it wrong, and starting fluid.
    www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C22RPYC
    www.amazon.com/CRC-05671-Ounce-Starting-Lubricity/dp/B000M8IFPW


    Best of luck.
     
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  20. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Eric...14 YO? I admire your ambition, but who does this car legally belong too now?
     
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