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2-4 attempts in order to start - which battery?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Kardinal, Mar 26, 2016.

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  1. Kardinal

    Kardinal Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    2002, 90,000 miles.

    Symptoms:
    2-4 attempts in order to successfully start. Have to hold in 2-4 seconds for success. Still starts consistently though. CEL lit last week for two days, but gone now. Car is driven only for commuting, 10 minutes city driving, 15 minutes highway, 10 minutes stop and go, each way. Gets 40-45mpg over the course of a tank.

    History:
    Aux battery replaced 2011 at dealer after a bad jumpstart. It may have fried the inverter. Not sure. I assume it was the Panasonic that was installed, but the battery says neither Panasonic nor Toyota anywhere on it. Pic below:

    [​IMG]
    Hm. Upside down. I also attached it. Anyway...

    Last year, had occasional Red Triangles on MFD and LED panel. Took it to the local Prius specialists, they said the indicators were definite HV battery cell failures, but $750 just to remove, discharge, recharge, discharge the HV cells to figure out exactly which cells should be replaced, which I think they said cost $200 each to replace. I decided it was not worth it on a car still functional and getting 40-45mpg.

    Research on here and elsewhere indicates that the AUX battery is not used for starting so the starting doesn't sound like an AUX battery issue. Is it likely an HV battery issue? Time to go back to the local Prius specialists and have the test done? Are there any other ways to find out what's up?

    Thanks for the help!
     

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    #1 Kardinal, Mar 26, 2016
  2. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, California
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I would first check the voltage on that battery in the pic ( Aux Battery ). 1st when cold then after start than an hour later with a Voltage Meter.

    Post your results or remove it and have it tested at a FLAPS.

    Holding your starter longer will start to damage your starter so you really should not force it by standing on the switch. Just my 2 cents.

    $750 to remove and $200 per cell, WTH? They need to take you out to dinner before screwing you, no? Seriously, you need to borrow or buy a Mini VCI or a Prius aware scanner and check it for yourself. Plus you really need to know what the error codes are or you are simply flying blind here.

    BTW, what is all that crud on the surface of the battery?
     
    #2 DRACO, Mar 26, 2016
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    How many people can you find on PriusChat who actually think a Prius has a starter?

    -Chap
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Mar 26, 2016
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  4. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    One
    LOL. I meant the switch. I just do not understand why people stand on switches thinking it will make things better. My step-son thinks by pushing or pulling harder, he can make it work. NOT.
     
    #4 DRACO, Mar 26, 2016
  5. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    II
    You can see from the pix it is a Toyota battery. If it was replaced in 2011, it's got five years on it -- that seems to be the witching hour for the Prius 12v.

    The 12v does "start" the car in that it enables all the other processes that actually get you moving to work (I really don't know anymore than that). If it is low voltage, you will have starting issues and lots of warning lights.

    First thing is to check the 12v, preferably after sitting overnight, any reading lower than 12v (and it really should be above at least 12.3v) and you need a new battery. If you take care of that, you will probably find your problems will ease.
     
    #5 Stevewoods, Mar 26, 2016
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    [​IMG]

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Mar 28, 2016
  7. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    Gosh, I would have given ALL my tire sensors for one night with Terri Garr, back in the day!
     
    #7 Stevewoods, Mar 28, 2016
    DRACO and S Keith like this.
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