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2013 PiP hard to start

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Eric Vasaio, Jun 24, 2019.

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  1. Eric Vasaio

    Eric Vasaio New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I've got this 2013 PiP a month ago. Recently I found sometimes it's hard to start.

    This happens usually in early morning for the first time start in a day. Press down brake peddle and push Start button, nothing happens, main screen on just like double press Start button but no "Ready" light.

    I have to try and try several times before the "Ready" sign is on and able to drive the vehicle. It never happened if I shut the car off for a short period of time and turn it on again, it happens 90% on the first start in early morning.

    Any comment ? thanks for any input.
     
  2. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    It sure sounds like a weak, 7 year old 12 volt battery.
     
  3. Eric Vasaio

    Eric Vasaio New Member

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    Plug-in Base
    Can't agree more, this is my first guess. Just then I went to check the 12V battery, after parked for 3 hrs, there is 10.15V left. I guess it's too low.
     
  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    It’s due to be retired;).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  5. Eric Vasaio

    Eric Vasaio New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    So, thanks Pluggo and Raytheeagle, I've replaced the ruined 12V battery with a brand new ACDelco AGM battery from Amazon, cost $167.

    It feels very "strong" start now. But what exceed my expectation is, before the 12V battery was replaced, a full charge will show that EV range is 10.2 miles, now after a brand new 12V battery sitting in place, a full charged traction battery will give me a EV range of 12.6 miles. I guess that is because it doesn't have to chip energy trying to charge accessory battery anymore.

    Great! Love PiP!
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    more likely you are getting the factory default after changing the battery. do you have any way to test actual range?
     
  7. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Advanced
    ...but also you are correct in that your HV battery will not be working so hard trying to keep the new auxiliary battery charged.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    on the plus side, it gets charged along with the hybrid battery every time you plug in.