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'03 Prius won't start.

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by candlewick96, Nov 25, 2008.

  1. candlewick96

    candlewick96 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
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    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    HELP! Tried to start the car the other day but it won't start. When the key is turned to ON, the dash display shows NO warning lights but the fuel gauge bars blink and the indicator moves up and down (the tank is full).

    When the key is turned to START, the engine does NOT start. The dash lights go through the motion but the "READY" signal doesn't come on. There is no sound other than a whirring one in the engine compartment that cuts out after about 5 seconds.

    Neither the ICE nor the electric motor comes on. I've already disconnected the battery to reset the computer with no positive results.
     

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    #1 candlewick96, Nov 25, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Suggest you measure the voltage across the 12V auxiliary battery. Should be ~12.6V when fully charged. If much below that, then replace the battery.

    The fact that you lost the fuel gauge reading is a good indication that there is insufficient voltage on the 12V bus, probably due to a dead or near-dead battery.

    Another way to qualitatively assess the 12V battery is to turn on the headlights. If they are not fully bright, then the battery is low.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Nov 25, 2008
  3. candlewick96

    candlewick96 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
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    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Thanks, Patrick. I brought the battery to Autozone and they said the battery charge was low. Had it charged for an hour and it tested "good" after that. Will re-install it in the morning and see how it goes.
     
    #3 candlewick96, Nov 26, 2008
  4. Shubin Andrey

    Shubin Andrey Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2006
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    Location:
    Russia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    i have different prius behavior with bad 12V.
    when ignition is turn ON, there was no indicators lights at all (dark prius). keep waiting for 1 minute and after that odo and display is turned ON, only then car is able to start.
    some day the display didn't turn ON after 5 minutes waitings, so 12V battery was replaced.
     
    #4 Shubin Andrey, Dec 24, 2008
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