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Cold car won’t start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jason Culpepper, Feb 14, 2021.

  1. Jason Culpepper

    Jason Culpepper New Member

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    Hello all,

    reaching out for some advice. I have a 2006 Prius. I recently been having issues with the car not starting on a cold morning and for some reason it would start later in the day. When I try to start in morning the lights barely come on and I have to use the key to open the door. The voltage on the battery was down to 8 as well. Then later in the day it starts like nothing was wrong. The 12V battery is brand new and the hybrid battery was just replaced with a refurbished one. I do notice the red triangle on and on the screen it shows a car with a redline going thru it. Anyone have advice on what the issue can be? Thanks
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Your battery loses voltage in extreme cold. When it warms the voltage goes back up. All modern cars draw power constantly but some top batteries maintain their voltage better. The problem is worse if you don't drive it everyday. 8 volts is really discharged. The ideal solution is to put a battery maintainer on it overnight to ensure a full charge and keep the charger on it if it won't be driven for several days. Even with a "new" battery. Any battery can discharge overnight under some conditions like the rear hatch not completely closed.

     
    #2 rjparker, Feb 14, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2021
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. Jason Culpepper

    Jason Culpepper New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. Any idea why the red triangle will be on?
     
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    How many miles on the vehicle, and how many hours per week do you drive it?

    If the Prius didn't come with Toyota owner manuals, go download them here : Toyota Warranty & Toyota Manuals | Toyota Owners

    Though your issue could be a simple 12v problem, generally speaking when there are warning lights displayed on the dash, there will be OBD2 codes (DTCs) stored in the ECUs. Without spending $$$ for a dealership diagnostic, many prefer using a 'Mini-VCI' cable (20 usd) and TechStream (dealer technician software) installed on a windows device to scan for OBD2 codes. Others will use a simple bluetooth adapter with an App like Dr Prius or Hybrid Assistant, neither are as robust as TechStream.

    If the problem doesn't resolve and once you know the OBD2 codes, you can post them here for additional guidance and help.

    Don't forget to check the engine oil often, especially if you're a spirited driver.

    FYI : your posts are being moderated until you've reached a total of five (5).
     
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  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Just because the battery is "brand new" does not necessarily mean that it can't be BAD.
    Hopefully it just was not charged properly before being installed and a good charge will fix the problem.
    After that, the charging voltage should be checked while it is running (ready).

    It is also possible that one of the main battery connections is not clean and tight.
     
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Because the hybrid computers are starving for 12v power. Be a good owner and fed them.
     
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  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Red car icon is usually failed hybrid battery odds are good it has failed again.

    Refurbished hybrid battery’s are quite a racket.