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How long can let car sit unused?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Robertyboberty, Jun 3, 2022.

  1. Robertyboberty

    Robertyboberty Junior Member

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    My 2012 Prius just got into the dealership luckily right before it’s 10th birthday to qualify for the free abs brake booster/actuator fix. But the parts are back ordered and they have had it for just over a month now. They gave me a loaner Camry, but I am worried about my Prius Hybrid battery sitting too long.
    A couple weeks ago I asked if I could just take my car and bring it back when the parts came in….but they didn’t want me to do that because it’s covered by the warranty and I guess a safety liability issue.

    Does anyone have any insight if letting it just sit unused for over a month could cause any damage?

    I am thinking I should go up there to start it and let it run for a bit, or maybe see if I can drive it around for an hour.
     
    #1 Robertyboberty, Jun 3, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This is a tough situation, a weak/older hybrid battery can go out of balance without being driven in a month
     
    #2 JC91006, Jun 3, 2022
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Owner's Manual says this (on page 30):

    upload_2022-6-3_7-58-26.png

    Still, over a month, I'd be starting to get concerned too.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jun 3, 2022
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  4. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    I agree with jc91006. Especially a hybrid battery that has been in a lot of heat could be weak at 10 years old.
     
    #4 2010moneypit?, Jun 3, 2022
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  5. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Using the quote you got from Mendel Leisk, perhaps *they* would be willing to drive it for X miles. The dealership always thinks they are smarter than the customer, but it would be hard for them to argue with the manual put out by the manufacturer.
     
    #5 Johnny Cakes, Jun 3, 2022
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  6. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Go in and let it idle and charge the battery... They shouldn't have a problem with that.
    But, if it does go "bad" while under their care, they will need to charge it, or replace it....


     
    #6 ASRDogman, Jun 3, 2022
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  7. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Too bad the car isn’t like the Gen 1 with a built in charger, I would think the dealership should have to do a balance charge occasionally and be liable for doing so while it sits in their care
     
    #7 Rmay635703, Jun 3, 2022
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  8. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    mmmm "If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged
    and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the
    12 volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer"

    Wow, I didn't know the 12 volt battery was able to get the hybrid battery
    charged up! (y)


     
    #8 ASRDogman, Jun 3, 2022
  9. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    A bit of misinformation or engrish
     
    #9 Rmay635703, Jun 3, 2022
  10. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    The 12v battery starts the computer and the gas from the fuel tank runs the engine that charges the hybrid battery

    Mike
     
    #10 3PriusMike, Jun 3, 2022
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  11. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    The HV battery is what turns over the ICE.
     
    #11 2010moneypit?, Jun 3, 2022
  12. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    The HV battery is what turns over the ICE.
     
    #12 2010moneypit?, Jun 3, 2022
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    But it can't do that without a wake up call from the 12 volt.
     
    #13 Mendel Leisk, Jun 3, 2022
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  14. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Might be a good idea to actually READ what was written........
     
    #14 ASRDogman, Jun 3, 2022
  15. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    There was a long-haul trucker who posted on here once... He had a gen2 prius he bought and then didn't get around to driving it for over a year and if started right up with no issues. As the saying goes, "Your Mileage May Vary."
     
    #15 PriusCamper, Jun 3, 2022
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  16. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    My 2012 Prius C has been parked in my garage for over 2 years. I start the car and check the battery every 2 months. It never shows any change in the traction battery charge level. But the auxiliary battery does show voltage drop so I connect a smart charger to the 12V battery.
     
    #16 PriusII&C, Jun 3, 2022
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  17. Robertyboberty

    Robertyboberty Junior Member

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    Yes it has mostly been garage kept, but has been in the hot Texas summers every year.

    That does make me feel better. Thank you.
     
    #17 Robertyboberty, Jun 4, 2022
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2022
  18. Robertyboberty

    Robertyboberty Junior Member

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    Thank you all for the replies. Just to be cautious and help ease my mind some, I have decided I am going to go up to the dealership Monday and let it idle for a while and blast the ac and pump the gas so the ICE comes on. I need to get a few of my belongings out of it anyway.
     
    #18 Robertyboberty, Jun 4, 2022
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  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't use the a/c, just hold the brake down tight, floor the gas, and wait for the battery to fill up
     
    #19 bisco, Jun 4, 2022
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