2007 Toyota Prius Will Not Start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TheTick900, May 17, 2009.

  1. TheTick900

    TheTick900 New Member

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    Guys,
    This is my first post in this thread. I own a 2007 Toyota Prius and have owned the car since July of 2007. I had to take the car into the shop for the warning light since it came on for some reason, don't know why. The mechanic just reset the light and said that there was nothing wrong with the car. I had some errands to do today, so I tried to start the car. Every single light came flashing on the car, I couldn't put the car in Drive or Reverse. Also the start button was on red and not green. I tried to reset the computer by pressing the start button for 45 seconds and my foot on the break...NOTHING. I left the car for about a half an hour and I tried again, the car is doing nothing, no lights are coming on. The car won't lock or unlock. I cannot get anything in the back hatch. The car is just a immobile vegetable. Does anyone know what is wrong with my car? Thanks for the help. Joe
     
    #1 TheTick900, May 17, 2009
  2. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    :welcome: to PriusChat. :cheer2:

    Joe,

    I'd bet a tank of gas that the problem is that your 12 v battery has
    gone south -- just filled up at 2 pips; $16.52. Big spender, eh? :rolleyes:

    IIRC, with very low voltage, lets say ~10.5 volts, you'll get the warning
    lights but the CPU won't boot up, so you can't start the car. The service
    life of the battery is about 4 years. But if you've ever run it down really
    low and had to charge it, or keep it on a trickle charger, the service life
    is greatly reduced.

    Did the tech specifically mention checking the 12 v battery in any way?

    Let's wait a bit and see if the e-smart members have any comments.
     
    #2 Rokeby, May 17, 2009
  3. TheTick900

    TheTick900 New Member

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    Thanks for replying. I sure hope that my 10 year warranty covers the replacement of the 12V battery.
    Joe
     
    #3 TheTick900, May 17, 2009
  4. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I second the suggestion of a dead 12v battery.
     
    #4 dogfriend, May 17, 2009
  5. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Joe,

    I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the new battery will be on your
    nickel. :mad:

    Sorry.

    Speaking of nickles, today I removed some shrubbery from around the
    foundation of our 1938 era house. Found a 1945 nickel. My SO asked
    what it might be worth. I replied, "Same as any other nickel...

    about 2 cents." :p
     
    #5 Rokeby, May 17, 2009
  6. TheTick900

    TheTick900 New Member

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    Thanks for the news as I am unemployed and needed my car to search for work.

    :(

    Does anyone know how much a 12V battery would cost me? I'm probably going to get it from the dealership. I am hoping not a lot.

    Joe

     
    #6 TheTick900, May 17, 2009
  7. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Again, some bad news; expect about $170... :(

    and maybe $90 for them to install it. :mad:

    Whether they do the install or you DIY, make sure the battery is fully
    charged before you install it.

    And be absolutely, 110% sure you don't get the + and - leads reversed.
    That can lead to mega-$$ replacement of the CPU. :eek:
     
    #7 Rokeby, May 17, 2009
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