2008 won't start after sitting for 2 weeks

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusOwner428, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM.

  1. PriusOwner428

    PriusOwner428 Junior Member

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    2008 sat for 2 weeks while we were on vacation. Upon returning it would not start. Hooked up charger and connected charger cables to the positive post on the fuse panel in the engine compartment and a bolt for ground. Battery is reading 12.4V now, but ignition will not start. Dashboard display is completely dark and shows no life at all when the start button is pushed with the keyfob in the slot. But headlights, horn, cabin lights etc all work. Also, while completely dead, it does show the car door open red LED light and when the start button is pushed without the key in the car it displays the "no key detected" symbol. So the battery is working for all these items but it seems like the ignition has been disabled. Is there some major fuse or other disconnection point that might need to be reset?
     
    #1 PriusOwner428, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe the load on the 12v is too much to close the start up relays. how old is it?
     
  3. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Member

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    I don't remember all the details, but your symptoms sound similar to the AM2 fuse being open.
     
  4. PriusOwner428

    PriusOwner428 Junior Member

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    Right. And that was the first thing I checked. Visually it looked OK. Tested with a meter & it was good. Had a 6.8 ohm reading so replaced it with a new fuse for good measure. Didn't help.
     
  5. PriusOwner428

    PriusOwner428 Junior Member

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    Not sure about age. Bought car used 2 years ago and have never changed the battery. But would the start up relays need more power than the headlights and horn?