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Help deciding to replace 12V battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by zvymq2p4qn, Oct 21, 2022.

  1. zvymq2p4qn

    zvymq2p4qn New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2022
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    What are your thoughts on replacing the Prius 12v battery? Last replaced 70k miles ago / 5yr ago

    Symptoms:
    - poor smart key connection after sitting for the night (even after highway driving to charge the battery)
    - Noticeably worse gas mileage despite all of the regular maintenance
    - 12v battery charge is less than 11.6v with and without load first thing in the morning in accessory mode on display (apparently a sign of a dying battery)

    Haven’t noticed other sx so far. I’m asking your opinion b/c it’ll be at least $200 regardless of brand. Rather not replace it if it’s not gonna help any

    Maintenance I regularly perform:
    • Oil change synthetic oil 5-7.5k miles
    • Oil filter change
    • Coolant recently replaced
    • Cabin air filter
    • Engine air filter
    • Mass air flow sensor recently cleaned
    • Tires recently replaced
    • Tire pressure regularly checked
    • Oil levels regularly checked
    Highway HILLY mileage is regularly 40MPG. These are relatively large up and down hill 70MPH highways for 60 miles at a time. I drive then 3-4 days a week. They make up 90% of my miles nowadays. Could they really hamper my MPG that much? Odometer at 180,000 miles.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I think you can try charging up the 12v battery (buy a good battery maintainer/charger for under $100). No need to buy a new battery if it's not bad
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,781
    48,985
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    get a free load test at most auto parts stores