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Prius C No Start, No Gear Position Indicator on Dash

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wojoxx98, Jan 26, 2022.

  1. wojoxx98

    wojoxx98 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2022
    1
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Hey all,

    I have a 2013 Prius C Two, 129k miles, that I just wrote out a check for the final payment last week. Today I was out running errands and I stopped for lunch. I turned the car off, but left the key turned to accessory as we were eating in the car and wanted to listen to the radio. The lights were turned off, as well as the heater. We were there for no longer than 30 minutes, and when I went to start the car nothing happened. The speedo came up, but the shift indicator never lit, and the info screen in the dash got really dim. The ready light never illuminated either. Slightly panicked, I shifted the car between park and drive a few times, turned the key and got nothing. Got out, pushed to make sure it was actually in park. After about a minute of this, I turned the key and it started like normal. This has never happened to me before and I feel like this is punishment for paying the car off. It’s been 100% reliable for the last 4 years and 55k miles. From other posts I’ve read it sounds like it’s a dying 12v battery, but no one else seemed to have the exact same problem as I did. I have no clue as to the age of the battery, but I haven’t replaced it since I got the car. I should note the temperature locally hasn’t been much over freezing for the last month, and I don’t believe it’s gotten over 20°F today. Thank you for any advice!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,793
    48,994
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    yes, it is likely the 12 volt. you can get a free test at most any auto parts store.

    since you purchased the car 4 years ago, it is likely original, and had a good life.
     
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,783
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    It seems that no two cars exhibit exactly the same symptoms when the 12 V battery starts getting weak.
    Give your description of what you did and what happened........
    The odds are huge that you just need a new battery.
    Be sure the new one if fully charged before being used.
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    6,840
    6,484
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I'd believe a dead 12v battery.

    Lucky for you the 2013 model uses a relatively easy-to-find battery. Good luck!