12 volt battery

reason for this second reply is I keep forgetting to change thread subscription to "instant e-mail notification"....how can I change that to my default setting?

 

I've got a 2007 with a dead 12V. Optima is on order (3-5 days shipping).

the question is, should I try to charge/jump the prius in the meantime? Is it detrimental to sit with a low/bad 12v? The smart key is "stuck" in the slot, if that matters.

 

I would do it out of annoyance, but it shouldn't hurt anything to leave the 12 volt dead (just the 12 volt )

 

well, I just dug up my multimeter and got hands-on practice opening the hatch the hard way. My battery is a smoking 4.4volts. I suspect it was in the 10 to 11 v region this morning but had all day with the car draining it - not shutting down. Probably not even worth fussing with this one now... Oh, and I can get the key out now....

Just too bad FedEx is showing 5 days for shipping rather than three!.

I ended up getting an Optima rather than the OEM as the base price was the same but the Optima has a $25 rebate (plus, oddly, free folding chairs). I'd have needed a tow to get to the dealer anyway. So, it'll be a do it yourself exercise for me! (Anyone got a link to a battery changing guide???)

 

Optima will send paper directions that are OK for average guy or gal to replace the battery.