1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

car won't start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Rising Tide, Nov 9, 2013.

  1. Rising Tide

    Rising Tide Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2013
    2
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    After trying to start my '08 Prius, the following message appears on my touch screen about 2-3 times a month: "The transmission PARK lock mechanism is abnormal. Park your car at a flat place and apply the parking brake completely". I try to patiently wait it out while I apply the parking brake, unapply it etc. Finally, all dash lights will go out, and I can then start the car. Any thoughts?
     
    #1 Rising Tide, Nov 9, 2013
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,931
    49,508
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome to priuschat! could be your 12 volt battery.
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 9, 2013
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,863
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    #3 JimboPalmer, Nov 9, 2013
  4. brownsnoutuk

    brownsnoutuk Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    185
    119
    0
    Location:
    Shepherd, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Napa also offers an AGM battery with the correct post size.
     
    #4 brownsnoutuk, Nov 9, 2013
  5. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2010
    366
    70
    0
    Location:
    North CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Yes no panic. Check your expired 12V aux battery at the trunk. Change a new one.
    Factory or Yellow cap are both OK.
     
    #5 ahmeow, Nov 9, 2013
  6. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Yup, change the 12 volt. Like others have said - Optima Yellow Top, Exide Brand, Toyota True Start to name a few.

    Takes a vented AGM type battery with the "reversed" JIS posts.

    It is also a DIY job. Look in my signature below and click on the link that says "change the battery" Post #8 gives detailed instructions on tools and technique. Anyone who is mechanically inclined should be able to do the job. I did ours in one hour using the Toyota True Start.

    Best of luck to you Rising Tide and "Welcome" to Prius Chat!
     
    #6 dorunron, Nov 9, 2013
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)