Changing 12V today - any tips?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by NadineS, May 5, 2020.

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  1. NadineS

    NadineS New Member

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    Hello all,

    My 12v is not keeping charge well enough to start the car so it's time to change. After reading several other posts I decided to go with the Optima battery and installation kit for Prius 2001 to 2003 from eLearnAid.

    If you have also done this do you have any tips? The instructions look very good but maybe a few more pics might help.

    So - any tips you have before I start would be great.
    Thanks
    Nadine
    1st Gen - 2001 - 180K. Replaced Hybrid batteries around 120K
     
    #1 NadineS, May 5, 2020
  2. Josey

    Josey Member

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    Hey Nadine, this is just really easy. It's all 10mm nuts/bolts. Undo the bits that cover the battery. Undo the hold-down bar. Loosen the nut on the negative side and remove. Undo the positive. Pull out the battery. At this moment, the only "tip" I'd say would be to go ahead and clean the terminals (even to they likely don't need it and probably look clean). Just take a small wire brush or roll up a little sandpaper and scuff up the insides of the terminals.

    Install is the reverse. It's very straightforward.
     
    #2 Josey, May 5, 2020
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  3. ttou68

    ttou68 Active Member

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    Not familiar with Gen 1 Prius, but Gen 2 and Gen 3 all have vent tube attached to battery.
    If it's the same, don't forget to detach vent tube before taking out your battery and reattach after installing your new battery..
    Good luck!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 ttou68, May 6, 2020
  4. Josey

    Josey Member

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    No vent tube on the Gen 1 (or if there's supposed to be, mine it gone!)
     
    #4 Josey, May 6, 2020
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  5. NadineS

    NadineS New Member

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    Mission accomplished. I did need to use a vice to take off the positive battery cable to replace it and trying to get in the small compartment to unscrew and take out and replace the battery holder to break off the "wings" was a bit of a pain but it's all done and working great! Instructions were quite good and even with substandard tools I was able to accomplish just fine. Thanks everyone!
     
    #5 NadineS, May 9, 2020
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, May 9, 2020
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