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Drive-in Radio Experience

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by mdhall, Nov 12, 2009.

  1. mdhall

    mdhall New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2009
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    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Hello everyone...new 2010 Prius Model V owner here. I have a succession of questions but one at a time. This question addresses using the stereo at a drive-in. Forget hot or cold weather - I just want straight info. Set the car in ACC mode with just radio on. All was fine until about an hour into the movie when the inside car lights came on and the radio turned off with a battery low warning (it was topped off when I arrived). After my initial panic, I put car into Ready mode and the engine kicked on and started charging the battery (at 2 marks) and I kept it in that mode until both movies were done. I got about 30 minutes of charge between each engine start (engine stayed on for about 3-4 minutes each time). I couldn't get the dash lights to dim and stared at the seatbelt warning flash for 2 hours. Are there better strategies? Can you SAFELY force a charge? Any dashboard light solutions? Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 mdhall, Nov 12, 2009
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
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    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    The 12V battery in the Prius is fairly small. It doesn't like to power accessories for long periods of time without being recharged.

    You only have a few options:

    1) Keep the car in Ready, as you did.

    2) Power up into Ready a few times during the movie, just to get a little charge into the 12V battery.

    3) Use a battery powered portable radio.

    4) Go to an indoor movie and leave the car parked.

    5) Stay home and watch the movie on your home theater setup.

    As for me, I prefer #5.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Nov 12, 2009
  3. a64pilot

    a64pilot Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2008
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    Location:
    Albany Ga.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Or #6 install an Optima yellow top or similar high capacity deep cycle battery. Hey, at least the Prius warned you, other cars would have simply refused to start.
    And the bars you speak of, that's the traction battery, which of course isn't the 12V battery. I think if I remember correctly there are two acc modes? One which essentially has everything powered up and therefore has a high current draw, and the other that essentially has only the radio powered?
    If I remember correctly if your in ACC mode you don't have the dashboard lit up.
     
    #3 a64pilot, Nov 12, 2009
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