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2012 Prius 4 not starting

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Epyoch, Apr 15, 2019.

  1. Epyoch

    Epyoch Junior Member

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    2012 Prius 4 purchased 2017,
    Not sure if OEM 12v
    When I press brake brake lights come on, but not sure if it is the switch.

    Could this be battery related? Or something worse?
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I don’t see ready illuminated, is your foot on the brake pedal?

    Does the dome light come on?

    Any recent maintenance or damage?
     
  3. Epyoch

    Epyoch Junior Member

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    Dome lights do not come on automatically, no recent maintenance or damage. The ready light is that green glow at 56 seconds.
    The little spotlight does come on, but flickers like the dash lights when I press the brake pedal
     
  4. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I’d definitely start by replacing the 12V battery. It’s due for replacement at that age and it can definitely cause what you’re seeing. It’s a special battery, installed in the rear right side of the car (hatch area). You could try charging it, but I’d just buy a new one and most likely you’ll be on your way.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  5. Epyoch

    Epyoch Junior Member

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    That is what I thought.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Check the voltage on the 12 volt first, with a digital multimeter. At the under-the-hood jump point in fuse box. Do this first thing in the morning, pop the hood the night before: that way you'll access the engine bay without "waking up" the car in any way.

    Rolls Royce would be to hook up something like a Solar BA5, directly to the battery posts. Besides reading the voltage, this will do an electronic load test of the Cold Cranking Amps, and give you a verdict.
     
    tankyuong likes this.