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...
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.
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.
Thank you all for your responses and pointers. Yes, it is 12V battery that's dying. the voltage I measured was about 10.1V to 10.3V and eventually it dropped to 9.8V and I couldn't even start the car now. I removed the battery and put it on charge. We'll see if it picks up sufficient charge to let me drive for couple more weeks until I find a good replacement. Looks like these batteries cost almost double of other car batteries.
sometimes the oem is as cheap as anyone, and a better warranty. some dealers have parts sales now and then, or will price match
