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Resurrecting my 2008 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by E sabo, Aug 9, 2023.

  1. E sabo

    E sabo New Member

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    Hi all.

    My 2008 Prius has been sitting for years and it’s time to bring it back to life. Step one, I’m recharging the 12v battery to full in my shop. Step 2 put in fresh oil and top off all the fluids. Step 3 start the car in engine only mode and let the car recharge the hybrid battery.

    Am I missing any steps? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!
     
    #1 E sabo, Aug 9, 2023
  2. E sabo

    E sabo New Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Two
    Hi all, and thanks in advance for any advice.

    My 2008 Prius has been sitting for over 3 years. I got a fresh 12v battery and tried to put the car into maintenance mode. On the final step (pressing the brake) before the final power button I get DOUBLE red car with ! On the touchscreen and the engine just sits there and makes no attempt to start.

    My guess is that the Hybrid battery is completely drained. If I could get the gas motor to start, it would recharge the hybrid battery, but doesn’t the hybrid battery start the engine? Is my only option to remove the hybrid battery and find a way to charge it? Does anybody know what I should try next?

    There are no codes, just FYI.

    Thanks!
     
    #2 E sabo, Aug 9, 2023
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, it starts the engine. you could get a grid charger (hybrid aotomotive) ordo individual modules with a hobby charger and light bulb.
    but wouldn't it be better to put in a new battery? sitting is pretty tough on the cells.
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 9, 2023
  4. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    A 2008 sitting unused for >3 years will need the hybrid battery rebuilt or replaced. The HV battery was likely 12 years old when the car was idled. At that point it was probably already close to needing rebuild/replacement. After being idle for 3 years? DOA. Odds are pretty good the battery ecu is going to have corrosion at the socket pins also.
     
    #4 TMR-JWAP, Aug 10, 2023
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I would agree that there probably isn't any remaining value to the hybrid battery in the car beyond core swap.

    Swap it out, get rid of stale fuel, add fresh fuel.

    Obviously replacing the hybrid battery is a big first step to this process, so be sure you really want a new old car.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 10, 2023
  6. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    If the HV battery is marginal step 3 could finish it off. If you really want to try to keep that pack you should find some way to charge it before asking it to generate the current to start the car and the ICE. Using a prolong charger, for instance.
     
    #6 pasadena_commut, Aug 10, 2023
  7. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    build yourself a grid charger. its easy and cheap. you don't need to remove the HV bat to charge it with a grid charger. Just be careful.
     
    #7 JohnPrius3005, Aug 10, 2023
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