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Dead 12 volt battery after ECU Update

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by jorez, Apr 14, 2014.

  1. jorez

    jorez New Member

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    I got the ECU Update Friday.. Today my 12 volt battery died.(got it started after a jump)..Any correlation?? Toyota service days no. Is there any kind of a warranty on the 12 V battery? 2011 with about 40k on it seems way low for the battery to die. No changes in driving habits since ECU update either...ARGHHH!!!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    did you leave a light on? maybe door ajar?
     
  3. jorez

    jorez New Member

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    nope. Im very diligent to turn the light off (all of them) and close the door and lock it each time
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    How many miles have you put on your car since the update?

    Any correlation between the two events would be that your battery was weak to begin with when you brought the car in. They probably had the door open to re-program the car and the interior lights were on for the amount of time it's serviced. So it further weakened to the point where it died today.

    You can try charging it up and see what happens. Or you can just take care of the problem and get another battery at Toyota for about $200 and install it yourself.

    if you complain loud enough, the dealership might install it for you if you buy the part. The car only has a 3year/36k mile warranty, so you are out of that warranty.
     
  5. jorez

    jorez New Member

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    Ugh. Thanks for the info!
     
  6. Tommy Johnsen

    Tommy Johnsen Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Many reports on faulty 12v battery in Norway.
    Probably has nothing to do with the update.
    If you are within warranty period and battery test at your Toyota dealer says faulty battery, there's no reason why not? Defective cell is the most common fault, if you didn't leave anything on...
     
  7. Tommy Johnsen

    Tommy Johnsen Junior Member

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    Sorry. .. In Norway we have 5years/160.000KM warranty. ..
     
  8. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    In general, except for the one year "all things covered" warranty, the 12V battery has no warranty. -Some- "aftermarket" batteries do have a warranty, usually a depreciating one (cost you more the older it is and you always pay something). But I'm not aware of any that will fit a Prius other than the Optima.

    Make sure they tightened the battery terminals if they disconnected it. Do check to make sure no interior light switch was turned on by them. Remember to check the hatch light as well.