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Is it normal to have a dead 12V after 2 weeks of non-use?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Halcykon, Apr 21, 2020.

  1. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    No no. I'm just thinking, these "tests" of the battery are not what's needed. Long term downtime, punctuated by only short drives, is detrimental to any battery. Doesn't indicate it's defective. With modern cars there's a steady low level drain. Near daily use, you're ok. If not, then you're not. That's just how it is.

    Read up a bit, get an appropriate smart charger. I believe for 4th gen the Owner's Manual recommends 5 amp max rating? And with sporadic use, just use the charger round the clock. If that's not practical, consider disconnecting the neg cable for the down times.
     
    #21 Mendel Leisk, Apr 23, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2020
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i mean when you're toggling back and forth between two threads, it's hard to keep track of what has already been discussed, and responders may be repeating advice already offered in the other thread, or even their own past advice.
    and it can be difficult for the o/p as well, trying to keep track of it all.
     
  3. Davis Prius

    Davis Prius New Member

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    Hello All: New to forum. And also the Prius is not my personal car, but due to Covid-19 and living arrangements, the car had sat for over 30 days so the 12V batter issue is not the only problem. Upon trying to start the car on a jump, the engine turned over, but displayed a series of messages "Smart Key System Malfunction, Braking Power Low, Antilock System Malfunction and Shift System Malfunction, along with a number of warning signs on dash and then shits off. Also, found the underside of the insulation above what i think is engine or inverter scortched. Ive attatched picture.

    I have another vehicle, but getting service or towing is tough right now. Any thoughts? Battery? Something far worse?
     

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  4. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    Can you please take another good quality picture of what's damaged below your first picture ?


    Rob43
     
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  5. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Wow! This is a new development. Do you have a battery charger? I guess you did not check the 12v before trying to jump? I can't offer much help, but I would definitely try to determine what caused scorching of the insulation and any collateral damages caused by it before trying anything new.
     
  6. Halcykon

    Halcykon Junior Member

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    Based on another thread I decided to get the BatteringMinder 1510. The CTEK looked good too but is currently out of stock on Amazon.
    (Looking back on the thread, I realized I was reading your recommendation on the CTEK!)
     
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  7. Davis Prius

    Davis Prius New Member

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  8. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    looks like the insulation under the hood.
     
  9. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Active Member

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    Yeah, that looks like rodent damage, not scorching from a fire. Where did the car sit for the entire month?

    You do know that rodents are attracted to the wiring harnesses because its made of soy, right?
     
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    You beat me to it. I don't see any scorching in that picture. Something cut or chewed the insulation. If they got into the wiring, it could be anything from a simple tape job to something disastrously expensive.