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Negative battery cable ground issue

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Shaf9, Sep 25, 2021.

  1. Shaf9

    Shaf9 New Member

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    So my Prius won’t start and I had the aaa guys come out and look at it. Seems like the bolt that grounds the negative battery cable on the rear battery is the issue. The hole has something in it, looks like the bolt was cut off inside and I don’t see anyway to remove it. There is another hole to the right of the hole with the issue but I can’t seem to find a bolt that will fit in there and go thru the loop of the negative battery cable. Am I stuck taking it to mechanic?
     
  2. Shaf9

    Shaf9 New Member

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    I've uploaded a picture of the issue. Any help appreciated.
     
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    [​IMG]

    I'm not positive, but I think the open hole there is the one you want. It looks like the threads are ok.

    Is there a hardware store near you that would sell you an M6-1.0 bolt to try on for fit?
     
  4. Shaf9

    Shaf9 New Member

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    I looked at my dads Prius. Same model. The cable is connected to the hole above the two indents to the left of the threaded hole. I tried a 8mm x 125 bolt on the threaded hole but it was loose. Tried going one size bigger but it doesn’t fit thru the loop at the end of the negative battery cable. I thought maybe if there was a way to remove the broken bolt above the smaller indents.
     
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    The small hole is the correct one for the Gen 2 (-) battery cable. Apparently the bolt was over torqued and snapped off.
    The larger hole next to it just has a 12mm headed bolt with nothing else. Think it just clamps that brace.

    A couple options right off the top of my head:
    1. For me: I would use a dremel tool to cut a slot in the broken bolt and then just remove it with a flat head screwdriver. This usually works a bit better for me than drilling in an awkward spot like that, but drilling is also an option. especially if you have left twist bits.
    2. The 12mm headed bolt has a head with an integral washer, so the head is wide. I would just thread in that bolt most of the way, slip the (-) cable terminal under the head as I'm tightening it the rest of the way, clamping it between the bolt head and the car body. At best, a temporary fix.
    3. remove the bolt holding the chrome tie down that's next to both of those holes. Loosen the (-) post clamp to ensure you have enough cable and then slide the 'hole' end under the trunk trim so you can reinstall the chrome tie down with the bolt passing through the (-) cable terminal. Then reattach the (-) post clamp.
     
  6. Shaf9

    Shaf9 New Member

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    I was thinking use a center punch then a center drill to drill a hole and using a left handed drill bit but i'd have to buy the tools. Also, i'm not sure what your referring too in option three. also any downside down the road with option 2?
     
  7. Another

    Another Senior Member

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  8. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Option two would work, just doesn't have the full strength connection. Always possible the bolt may loosen and the connection fall apart.
     
  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    If the bolt head broke off due to being over tightened, it will probably come out pretty easily with the first suggestion by @TMR-JWAP. IE, cut a slot in it and remove it with a screw driver.

    If it broke off coming out, then you'll need some ver careful drilling and a screw extractor. Even then, iff it's really tight, you'll want to be careful that you don't snap off the screw extractor.

    Since it looks so clean, I think idea #1 is probably the easiest way to do it. I've removed a lot of broken screws that way.
     
  10. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Take ONE jumper cable.
    Attach one end of it to the negative battery post and the other end to a frame grounding point within 3 feet or so of the battery.......where it will clamp on solidly.
    Drive it to a repair shop that you have previously contacted......where they should have the tools and expertise to fix it right in about 10 minutes. Charge: Less than $100.