2015 Prius C - just had to get new battery..

What dealer was selling the OEM 12V for a mere $130??? That's cheaper than you can usually get aftermarket on sale.

 

I ordered a new 12v battery yesterday from this Toyota dealership for $193 ($213 total with shipping). I recently removed the 12v when I thought my car was broken. The car wasn’t broken.. btw.. just dumb owner error, but I had the battery tested and recharged it myself. The battery’s still good, but it’ll be 7 years old in October (according to the date on it), so I’m sure it’s going to need replacing sooner than later, and I figured it was best to preemptively purchase now, as I remember reading posts on here about the OEM 12v for the Prius C being on backorder not too long ago.

I have a 12v socket splitter in the front that displays the voltage of the 12v. I’m not sure how accurate the readings are, but yesterday I noticed it was in the low 13s while driving when it’s usually always in the 14 range. I will replace it before my next big trip.

I know it can be a little intimidating to remove the battery, but all you need is a 10mm wrench and socket.. and to take out the hybrid safety plug. The job isn’t for everyone, but I wouldn’t pay $200+ in labor for something I can manage myself in 10-20 minutes.

 

Isn't it the charging voltage when you are driving?

 

Yes. And the reading in the low 13's probably just means that it is fully charged.

 

Thanks guys, that’s good to know. Still, at nearly 7 years old, I’m sure it’s in the latter part of its lifecycle.

I’m not going to rush to change and recycle it just yet, but I’ll be glad to have a new one on standby. It’s not uncommon for me to take 2k+ mile trips in the spring and summer to remote locations where I don’t want to be stuck with a dead battery.