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2008 Prius won't start (died while idling)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by heyrob, Dec 5, 2021.

  1. heyrob

    heyrob Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2008
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    Location:
    Federal Way, WA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    The day after a cross-country road trip, I started my 2008 Prius, idled for a minute or so, and the car died. The power was gone, not even the locks could operate. The check engine light was the only visible light and it was very very dim. AAA was able to jump start the car (with some bypass setting) and it seems to be running fine. I'll probably replace the 12V battery tomorrow but want to troubleshoot everything else before another long road trip. Why would the car die with electrical issues while idling (and then work fine now)?
     
    #1 heyrob, Dec 5, 2021
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,869
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You got warning lights? Do you mean it idled in ready mode? Or did it try to start the engine and then died? In prius the hybrid battery, not the 12v starts the engine and most people don't realize engine failure at first because the hybrid battery spins the engine much faster and for longer when it won't start than a car with a regular starter.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Dec 5, 2021
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    The odds are very high that you're on the right track. Certainly sounds like a failure in the 12v system. Whether it be the battery or a battery connection, definitely sounds like 12v system.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Dec 5, 2021
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