1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Bay Area: 2008 Prius engine won't turn, Main Battery Error

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SantaRosaPrius, Jun 22, 2022.

Tags:
  1. SantaRosaPrius

    SantaRosaPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2022
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Santa Rosa
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello all, and thanks in advance for any help that ensues.

    I have a 2008 Prius with an engine that won't turn. I just replace the 12V battery. When I turn the car on I get the red triangle of fun, and a main battery error message. It will not allow me to put the car into anything other than P and N. States that it cannot charge the battery in N, if I try to take it out of park. The car hasn't been driven in well over a year.

    My assumption is that the traction battery is completely discharged. Is there anyway to jump or push start the car? I live in the Bay Area, is there any place where I can rent a grid charger or have someone come out and charge it? Is there any other means of charging it? Am I not seeing an option besides replacing the traction battery or getting it charged at the dealership?

    Thanks in advance

    Also if this has been answered in another post please direct me to it.
     
    #1 SantaRosaPrius, Jun 22, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Are you certain the 12v battery you put on is good? The hybrid battery shouldn't discharge to the point it won't start (unless it's really weak).

    I would check the 12v health and then check all the fuses in the car, make sure nothing else can be contributing to the no start
     
    #2 JC91006, Jun 23, 2022
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,699
    48,945
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    there are a bunch of people in your area who can help. change your title
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 23, 2022
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,286
    4,225
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Confirm with a voltmeter that you have 12v at the battery, and again at the jumper points under the front hood.

    Are all of the 12v connections good, including the negative strap that starts from the battery and attaches to the body? (known rust spot)
    Generally speaking, if there are warning lights being displayed on the dash, there are OBD2 codes (DTCs) stored in the computers (ECUs). Locate a toyota hybrid compatible scanner and retrieve the codes, then post them here for additional guidance.
    There is a Prolong grid setup including a gen2 harness in SF (delivery may be possible), and you can build a DIY grid charger as well.

    FYI : you're moderated until you've posted 5 times.
     
    #4 SFO, Jun 28, 2022
  5. SantaRosaPrius

    SantaRosaPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2022
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Santa Rosa
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Whom might I contact to get a hold of the Prolong grid setup with charger?
    Also, thank you very much for your help
     
    #5 SantaRosaPrius, Jun 28, 2022
    SFO likes this.
  6. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,286
    4,225
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Send me a PM (start a conversation), or include a contact in your profile.
     
    #6 SFO, Jul 9, 2022
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 18, 2022
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)