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Dash Lights Sometimes Don't Come on

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Mattdr28, Jul 2, 2023.

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  1. Mattdr28

    Mattdr28 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2014
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    Location:
    Washington, DC
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So for a few years now every once in a while the dash lights on my 2008 Prius won't come on when I turn the car on. It seems to be happening more frequently now. Yesterday I had to unplug the 12 V battery and plug it back in which did the trick. Have been doing the climate button/light switch combo but that doesn't seem to work as well anymore. The 12V battery charge in the diagnostic screen reads 11.9v - 12v. Also read somewhere that it could be a capacitor in the dash light board. Haven't had to replace the 12V battery in a few years. Could it be that? Hoping it's not the capacitor. That sounds like quite a job. Anyone have any experience with that? What's the typical cost?
     
    #1 Mattdr28, Jul 2, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    that's a little low, but not necessarily the problem. take it to auto zone for a free load test.
    you can send the unit to texas hybrid batteries for a $200. swap, if you are doing it yourself.
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 2, 2023
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It's an underpowered capacitor that's failing on your combination meter / speedometer-mileage-shift indicator. It's relatively easy to pull out and solder a new more powerful capacitor in place. Lots of info online about how to do it.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Jul 2, 2023
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