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hybrid battery disconnect

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by kaufmja, Jun 5, 2008.

  1. kaufmja

    kaufmja New Member

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    I read an car magazine which indicated there was an hybrid battery disconnect switch when the car is not being driven for several weeks. does any one know were it is?
     
    #1 kaufmja, Jun 5, 2008
  2. Danny Hamilton

    Danny Hamilton Active Member

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    Yep, it's the circular button on the dash that has "Power" written on it. When the Prius is turned off, it opens relays that disconnect the hybrid battery. When you press the button with your foot on the brake to turn the car back on, the car uses the 12V battery to close the relays and reconnect the hybrid battery to the car.
     
    #2 Danny Hamilton, Jun 5, 2008
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  3. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Hi kaufmja, welcome to PriusChat! :welcome:
    What Danny Hamilton said is correct, but may not address what you heard or were asking about. The 12V battery, which boots the computers and closes the HV Battery relay, is small. Toyota recommends disconnecting it if your Prius is going to sit unused for a few weeks.
     
    #3 Bill Merchant, Jun 5, 2008
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Which hybrid? There is no such manually operated switch in a Prius. There is a button (on the dash near the steering column) to toggle the Smart Key System on/off.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Jun 5, 2008
  5. kaufmja

    kaufmja New Member

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    thank you for your input
     
    #5 kaufmja, Jun 5, 2008
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    There is an orange traction battery safety interlock switch. It can be seen if you remove the folding hatch floor and the black plastic tray covering the spare tire, and is located on the left side of the traction battery.

    This switch is not intended to be used during vehicle storage. Rather it is intended for use when the hybrid system is being serviced. Its purpose is to open the battery circuit so that the battery cables can be touched without causing an electric shock.

    As was previously pointed out, the 12V auxiliary battery should be disconnected for long-term storage.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Jun 5, 2008
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