Featured 12V Battery Died Suddenly

If the battery was basically dead (ie: extremely low voltage), then no there’s no way you could have started the car. Since from your description you are talking about the 12 volt battery (not the actual “hybrid” or traction battery), you need 12 volt power to activate the relays that connect the hybrid battery to the Motor Generator to start the car.
I don’t know about the 3rd generation, but my 4 generation has a charging system warning light that might help. But really, if you’re doing proper preventive maintenance then you should be checking the 12 volt battery periodically and pretty much know if it’s going to give you trouble.
With your car being a 2013 and from your comments, I’m going to assume you still have the original 10 year old battery in it.

 

some people get warnings. i didn't, and idk what the software is looking at, that it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.

 

Yes you needed to jump start the car to get it running again or you needed to replace the 12v battery.

FYI, you can jump start the car in the fuse box under the hood. Look at the car manual for more information.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Impossible to jump start the hybrid battery. Prius is not a smartphone that will alert you when battery is low.

 

Too much to read syndrome

 

Too much useless and irrelevant verbiage separating the occasional tidbits of useful information.

 

1. The mfd display has a diagnostic screen with realtime 12v readings.

2. A lithium jump box under the driver's seat will save the day.

3. Knowing how to use both is key.

 

The original battery is the best !!!

 

I jump it from the front fuse box. Its the little red slot you flip up thats the + then ground it to whatever bolt you can reach in distance.

The 12V battery tends to die if not used in a while. Especially being since the prius 12v is a lot smaller since its not used to power a starter.

 

Check your Owners Manual under the section “If the 12 volt battery is discharged” (or something like that, probably in section 7) for instructions on anything that may need to be reset to avoid strange electrical issues that might pop up.
While the Manual is a little cumbersome, it does have a wealth of very useful information.

 

Don’t worry about it. If it bothers the Powers that Be it will get changed. Plus, it kind of helps separate useful responses from the not so.

 

How often do you use the car, and how long are your drives?

How do you park, garage, parking lot of some sort, street?

 

I didn't know that parking space was important.

 

Was wondering if you're able to hook up a charger; I should have clarified.