Need to push start button twice to start the car

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Bidzina, Apr 23, 2026 at 9:49 PM.

  1. Bidzina

    Bidzina Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2020
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    Location:
    Littleton, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    For the last couple days my 2012 Prius Plug-in is acting strange. When I push the start button (with brake depressed) it lights up the panel with every light on and stays that way until I push the button the second time. When I push the start button the second time (again with brake depressed), I can hear something click in the back (battery area) and then extra lights go out and car starts.

    Any thoughts what's going on? Is my battery going out (which one?)?

    Thanks...
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    First step is giving your 12volt battery a super thorough heavy duty charge with a smart charger that has a repair/desulfate feature. It's been a long winter in your part of the country and Prius don't do a very good job at keeping the 12v charged.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Vehicle:
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    Plug-in Base
    Do the brake lights come on when you step on the pedal?
     
  4. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Active Member

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    Simple version:

    That is one symptom of the car losing 12v power. You need to verify the condition of the 12v battery and the cable/post connections.