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2010 Prius dead...please help

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Cardar, Oct 14, 2020.

  1. Cardar

    Cardar New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My 2010 with 129900 miles has been great, even without being driven much lately. The other day we had short drive, and my husband switched with me and parked in garage, without thinking I jumped out and had the key fob out of the car. Not sure if he turned it off correctly.

    Next day, all lights on dash, could not move out of park. I consulted manual, and tried longer time with brake and Starter button. It started fine and I took out of garage, then back in and parked. I think I should have kept it on to charge things, but I was convinced it was not my 12 V. The lights and interior lights were fine.

    DH tried to jump with our van next to it—which he has done a few times in last 7 years. Now all is dead, no lights or anything except check engine light. I don’t have a code checker or volt meter.

    Do I have any options other than tow to dealer? Is my hybrid dead along with regular 12 v? Can we go to PEP boys and buy a battery and install ourselves? Please help! We have disabled family member, need the car!
     
  2. SB6

    SB6 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    II
    What happens when you try to jump start it?

    You can absolutely change the battery yourself, really easy. The hardest part (that's to say not very hard at all) will be opening the trunk to get to the battery, since you'll have to manually open the trunk from the inside. Here's a video on replacing the battery:


    No, you don't need to tow the car just for a 12V battery replacement. Remove the battery, take it to a nearby store like AutoZone, O'reilly, Advance Auto Parts, etc, and have them test the battery. If it's still good, they'll charge it for free. If it's dead, check if it's under warranty from wherever it was purchased.
     
    #2 SB6, Oct 14, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2020
    bisco likes this.
  3. Cardar

    Cardar New Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Thank you for video. I checked my records and could not find that the battery has ever been replaced. It turns out we were able to start the car with a portable jump pack. But I think this battery is done for. I just had a major service in December 2019, and I have not driven it much since March. So if I check the voltage and the battery is still good do I keep it, or should I change it because it is so old. I bought the car in 2013. Where is best place to get battery?
     
    #3 Cardar, Oct 14, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 14, 2020
  4. SB6

    SB6 Member

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    What brand is your battery? If it's Toyota Truestart, that has a 7 year warranty on it. However, only the first 2 years offer a completely free replacement battery. The next 5 years are a prorated warranty, where you pay an amount based on where in those 5 years you are. Other brands sometimes have similar warranties.

    You can check your car's history at Toyota dealerships by entering your info here Welcome to Toyota Owners

    Does the car start without a jump now? Keep in mind, simply keeping the car on is not enough to charge the 12V on the Prius. You'll need to drive it around. If you haven't driven it much since March, that definitely could have affected the battery, but it could still be fine. Go get it tested, should be free at stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, etc. They can charge it for free too.

    Whether you change it or not is up to you. If you want the peace of mind, you can replace it. Personally, if it's working alright right now, and I had a jump pack to keep in the car, I'd keep the battery until it started giving me more trouble. On the other hand, if the battery is under warranty, I'd get it replaced.
     
  5. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    As stated in a previous post, any of the major auto part chain stores can test your battery and sell you a new one. They sell for about $200 and are easy to replace. you can check with a Toyota dealer but would they would probably charge more.
     
  6. SB6

    SB6 Member

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    Last time I checked with my nearest dealership, they were also charging about $220 for the Toyota Truestart.

    There also seems to be a lot of hype around here for the Optima DS46B24R Yellowtop battery. Other than that, you can check what's the cheapest option from your local stores. I'd make sure they come with a warranty though.

    Advance Auto Parts seems to constantly have 15% - 25% off coupons, so that may be an option you can look into.
     
  7. Cardar

    Cardar New Member

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    Thanks for replies. I don’t know battery brand, but think it’s original. After much reading, I went into car maintenance mode self diagnostic, and battery is 11.5. After watching video about battery install, I was convinced I could change it (I am not handy). However, call to dealer where I usually go wants $259 with 30 rebate on old battery, and $150 install fee which sounds ridiculous. They cautioned the computer codes may not work or key fob may not work after a DIY install. Is that just sales pressure (it worked) or is there a grain of truth? I would feel empowered to do this simple repair job, and I’m tired of feeling ripped off, but I just really need my car to work. I guess I’m paying for convenience as I need after hours service and shuttle.
     
  8. SB6

    SB6 Member

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    Just sales pressure. Don't pay $150 for a 12V battery install. I've never tried so I don't know if it's true, but I've heard most parts stores will install 12V batteries for free if you buy it from them. However, as has been mentioned, changing the battery yourself is really easy.

    Also, you want your current battery tested, not just have the voltage read. Like I said, if it's still good, then parts stores can charge it up at no cost to you, and you'll be good to go. If it's not good, then there is still no cost to you other than having to buy a battery from wherever you decide.

    You say your battery is "original," meaning from the dealership? Take the current battery there and ask them if it's under warranty.

    If I understood you correctly, the dealership is asking you $259 - $30 = $229 for a new battery. IMO, that's not bad for a new battery, if it comes with a warranty, considering it's a dealership. Dealerships will almost always be more expensive than elsewhere. Having said that though, you may be able to find something for $150-$200 (just an estimate off the top of my head), depending on current prices and promotions/coupons at different stores
     
  9. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    That works out to about $600 per hour labor, and that's if they are slow. You can do it yourself or Check with Napa, Pep Boys or other auto parts chain.
     
    #9 royrose, Oct 17, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2020