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Stupid move

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jk823, Sep 29, 2021.

  1. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    So we had an issue with rats getting into our 2009 Prius engine so I put a battery operated light/sound maker thing in there and it seems to have solved the problem. HOWEVER, when I was changing the AA batteries in the little box today one came loose and fell into the inner workings under the hood. Yeah. Real dumb. It didn’t fall through to the ground and I drove a few feet to see if it would fall out — but no luck. It snuck down next to the coolant container. How dangerous is this? How easily could I get it out. Photo attached.
     

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    #1 jk823, Sep 29, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not dangerous at all, can you see it? a magnet or claw on a flex rod might get it. auto parts store or hardware or amazon
    ref=asc_df_B07D23M5R7
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 29, 2021
  3. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    Nope. Can’t see it at all down there. Didn’t know if the heat of the engine would be bad for a AA battery?
     
    #3 jk823, Sep 29, 2021
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just checked: AA batteries are strongly magnetic, if you can acquire one of those grabbers.

    I don’t think there’d be any immediate problem, as long it didn’t jam something. But I would try to find it; over time it’ll get crusty.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 29, 2021
  5. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    Good idea! I don’t have a grabber but can pick one up tomorrow. So frustrating. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just annoyed with myself. Lol
     
    #5 jk823, Sep 29, 2021
  6. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    If you cannot see it, then a grabber won't be of much use, same with a telescoping magnet.

    FYI: Dollar Store recently had some telescoping magnetic tools for sale, guessing Harbor Freight would as well.
     
    #6 SFO, Sep 29, 2021
  7. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    You’re probably right, but it can’t hurt? I know generally where it went.

    Worst case I guess it’ll just sit wherever it is and maybe pop out one day…

     
    #7 jk823, Sep 30, 2021
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Magnetic grabbers that are shielded on the sides are better, a little less prone to stick to everything but what you’re trying to reach.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Sep 30, 2021
  9. Pdaddy

    Pdaddy Member

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    Just curious what light and sound maker you used as a mouse deterrant?

    SM-G960U ?
     
    #9 Pdaddy, Sep 30, 2021
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Dropped a 10mm socket on the opposite side of the engine bay that fell between the fuse box and the inner fender. A telescoping magnetic pick up tool saved me. Actually, several times that day (socket, nuts, pliers, bolts, egr gasket ).

    Turns out it was one of the most important tools in my toolbox.

    Once you get the magnet on the battery, if it is really wedged in and won't move, you can remove the mounting bolts from the coolant reservoir and move it slightly to remove the battery. Do try to put the magnet on the battery first though, or the battery will just fall down further.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 xliderider, Sep 30, 2021
  11. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    I used this one which I had god luck with (until this battery mishap)

    Loraffe Rodent Repellent...
     
    #11 jk823, Sep 30, 2021
  12. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    What’s tough is I can’t see the battery anywhere. I pushed a magnet tooth a little
    Grabber down the same direction the battery fell hoping to nab it, but….‘nothing. Might need to just bring it to a mechanic?
     
    #12 jk823, Sep 30, 2021
  13. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    If it is too far down to see from the top it must be pretty close to the bottom. Perhaps if you put the car up on jack stands and look around, probably with a mirror on a stick

    Telescoping Mirror

    after removing some of the splash shields, you could see it from underneath.
     
    #13 pasadena_commut, Sep 30, 2021
  14. jk823

    jk823 Junior Member

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    I swung by my mechanic today and he took a look. He couldn’t find it and felt where it likely went wasn’t anywhere dangerous (and TBH it drove to the shop fine.) he said it’ll likely just fall out when I’m driving one day. <shrug> thanks everyone.
     
    #14 jk823, Oct 1, 2021
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    pleasure
     
    #15 bisco, Oct 1, 2021
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I had an oil filler cap like that. Gave up and got a replacement, then one day it shook out.

    Did the mechanic take the engine underpanel off; it might be laying atop it. If you take the panel off it won't be, of course...
     
    #16 Mendel Leisk, Oct 1, 2021
  17. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I might think that it fell onto the transmission under the inverter. I wouldn't give it any more thought.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #17 mr_guy_mann, Oct 1, 2021
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