HELP! 2008 Prius stopped running AFTER replacing 12v/auxillary battery

Last week I had the 12v/auxillary battery changed, and everything has gone to hell since.

Background - I bought my Prius used, just couple years ago. No probs until recently. Car periodically, then constantly, not starting. Sometimes the dashboard lights & such would light up as normal, except the "ready" light. Other times lights would be dim, or not working at all. Could always get it to start with jump box, but after several months of having to use nearly every time I drove it, I decided to replace the 12v battery. The guy at the auto parts store put it in, not a mechanic (yes, I know this not the best idea).

After the new (and tested) 12v battery was installed, the car still would not start. After "tinkering" around with it for a bit, he discovered that my "fusable link" was broken and needed to be replaced. We were able to rig it (first with mini screwdriver held in place by another guy at auto parts store, then with aluminum foil and a penny) and the car finally showed "ready", BUT ...

My smart was not registering whatsoever. I had to put the key in the ignition to start. Would not unlock doors, either. AND there were nearly every light stayed lit up on the dashboard, including "red triangle of death" AND two warning lights came on the touchscreen: red battery & car shape with !.

After much debate and discussion about what might be going on, I decided to try drive it up the road just to see what would happen. I made it about 2 blocks & the car died. I was able to restart once, and actually put the car in drive and move it a bit, until it died again. Had to have it towed back to the auto parts store.

I ordered the part they said I needed (fusable link box - I that's what it was called); got a few days later; had friend replace/install it (very easy). And it's STILL not starting.

I have considered the possibility that the smart key may have something to do with it, but no idea how to find out or reprogram it. Also have checked fuses and approximately half of the once under the steering column are reading bad, but we pulled a little couple out & they appear to fine.

I realize now that I should have taken it to the dealer, but I was trying to save $. I now have about $350 invested & the car is in worse shape then when I started. So any tips, suggestions or even guesses would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Yes, there's gas in it. I can't speak as to why or why not the guys at the auto parts store tried to help me.

 

What does that mean? "Moderated"?

 

Thanks for the explanation!