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Help Needed - Strange Behavior as of today

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by 15SuperPrius, Oct 27, 2019.

  1. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Hi folks,

    As of today, my car has done something twice that I’ve never seen it do before: basically I unlock the car, sit in it, and it is 100% dead. The car will not power on or start, and the open door light on the dash struggles to stay on, as well as the map lights which look very dim. I can hear some electronics trying to do their thing, while everything is off. If I try to unlock/lock the car using the fob, it will not work either. Surprisingly, after waiting a few minutes both times, the car started working normally, no CEL, or anything.

    Before I go any deeper into troubleshooting, this seems indicative of a bad 12v battery - my car is a 2015 model and I don’t believe it’s ever been changed (I’m the second owner). Thoughts/advice?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 15SuperPrius, Oct 27, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2019
  2. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    yep, first thought would be bad battery /
     
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  3. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Thanks! Any advice on what type to get and where? Or is dealer the recommended option? I’m used to working on my own cars, but being that the Prius is a different animal, I thought I’d ask.
     
  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I got a replacement at AutoZone when it was on sale and it worked well:).

    And they have better hours than most dealers do(y).
     
  5. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    for sure not from the dealer /
    check out pepboys, they might have coupons for bosch batteries or check amazon for a optima yellow top /
     
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  6. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Just any 12v battery, or is anything special required for the Prius? Also, where is the battery on this thing? lol
     
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Find the model number and search for that ;).

    The battery is in the back behind the passenger rear wheel(y).
     
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  8. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Thanks folks!!
     
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  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    --If you want to change the terminals that connect the wires to battery, get a Miata sized battery for $50 (25 amp-hour)

    --if want to change the hardware on the 12v so they fit on existing terminals that connect the wires to battery (bushings/longer bolts), get a mobility / backup power supply for $100-$150 (55 amp-hour)

    --if you're like all the suckers who go to the auto parts store and ask for a battery to fit a Prius for easy install ($250) (35amp-hour)

    --if you want to buy a 12v that's dead on arrival or will be dead in a matter of weeks or months, an Optima for $200 (0 amp-hour)
     
  10. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    hmm, they work for me: 5 years in the prius, 14 (yes, FOURTEEN) years in the gto.... /
     
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    No need to change cable clamps; there's lots of correct sized options.

    I probably won't go with it next time, Canadian Tire has a correct size/spec battery available now, but the Optima I put in over 4 years back is still like new, according to my tester. (y)
     
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  12. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Does the yellow optima have the vent hole on the positive post side to connect the vent tube? I couldn’t see it on pictures online.
     
  13. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Thank you all for your responses - based on reviews and quality, I went with the Optima all is back to normal!
     

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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yes, the vent port is the same, correct orientation.

    The one thing I noticed, and I would blame Toyota design for this: the Optima is perhaps 1/16" taller or shorter (I forget which), and that necessitated the need to add a shimming washer on one side of the battery hold down bracket. It's a hopelessly short-sighted design, compared to the norm: a bar with a couple of hook-ended rods with threaded ends and nuts.

    An example of the "accomodating" design:

    upload_2019-10-28_9-23-19.png
     
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  15. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    If your car won't start after you install it, you'll be one of many, many people who post on PriusChat with that problem... At least you'll know why. Congratulations on buying a junk battery... If you're lucky you won't have to replace it for a couple years.
     
  16. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Interesting - I did notice the tight fit but I did not need to add any hardware. If you are able to give the bolt side a few turns, the nut side is more flexible as it doesn't "bottom out". I ended up with a perfect tight fit. Also notice that the underside of the bracket contains a foamy surface, made to contour to the battery's surface, so a bit of pressure it ok.
     
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  17. 15SuperPrius

    15SuperPrius Member

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    Huh? Car started right up, perfectly fine. The battery has great reviews.
     
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