I don't have a hybrid mechanic in the area

If you let us know what region in the US you live we can help you find someone to help you... But just saying your from the USA and giving no additional information is shooting yourself in the foot. As you already know, there's lots of awful mechanics that couldn't learn a new car design to work on even if they've been in mass production for two decades. The 12v battery is easy and safe to replace yourself. There's plenty of people who will walk your through any repair you need on here. And if you live near someone who helps people on here you'll be in an even better position. But good luck getting anyone to help if we don't even know what region you live in....

 

Thanks for clarifying... There's this group in San Antonio for big stuff that's beyond what you want to take on:
http://hybridrepaircenter.com/

But it sounds like you're a perfect candidate to learn how to do your own work via all the support you can get from PriusChat...

Basically any repair you need to make to your car you do a google search on the repair name and keyword PriusChat and start reading then post comments in those threads if you have questions. Or start a new thread. This will mean your cost of repair will often be just 10% of what a Toyota Stealership charges for the same repair. And your ambition to be a mechanic yourself will mean the skill you learn on here could turn into a side hustle where people pay generously because you helped them make a repair way cheaper than a shop can do it for.

For your 12v battery I recommend these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/141206981871

You'll also want to be able to connect your phone to your car so you can use diagnostic apps like Dr. Prius and others with one of these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/265484403768

 

The 12v is pretty simple. You can get a volt meter, or take it to auto zone for a free load test.
If you need to replace it, it’s a simple process, and there are you tube instructions available

 

I would follow Priuscamper's advice. Start with the repair center he mentioned. And yes, there are plenty in here that can walk you through most of the repairs. You might be able to have one of us be by the phone to answer questions if needed. Personally, When I first bought my 2015, I felt challenged to do any repairs on it. And all my friends told me the main battery would die in 5 years and cost $10,000 to replace. It's been over 7 years and I plan on getting one this year. After going in here at Priuschat, I was able to find that the price for a new main battery can range from $1,800 to $2,800.......a far cry from $10,000!!

I replaced my 12v battery on my own, its pretty simple. I change my own oil and oil filter. I installed the spin-on oil filter assembly. All other stuff I took it to Hybridpit because they are local for me.

Continue to reach out to us, you will get darn good advice!!

 

if you want to be sure, auto zone will load test it for free, and there are aftermarket batteries available

 

Depending on where you are, prices are less for a Toyota battery.
If you are a veteran, the could give you a 10% discount.
It's easy to change the battery. They hard part is removing all the rugs and covers to get to it.

 

Get the Toyota battery. It's the best one for the car. It lasted a long time.
Just make sure you put it on a 4amp or less charger for 6 or so hours to bring it up
to a full charge. Dealerships, or auto stores, do not keep a charge on batteries.

Plus, you won't have to do any modifications to get an aftermarket battery to work.

 

Good to go! What brand battery did you get?

 

Is corrosion on the 12V battery typical, even with it being in the trunk rather than exposed under the hood? I don't think I've ever seen corrosion on mine, but I don't live in a rust-prone area.

Also, not sure which method you found to open the trunk with a dead 12V battery, but I just confirmed myself that jumping from under the hood allows you to open the trunk normally, rather than having to crawl into the trunk and use the latch from inside.

Another thing I always tell people now is to check your dead 12V battery for warranty. You may be surprised at how long the warranty is on some of them. The Toyota Truestart battery has a 7 year warranty, with the first 2 (iirc) years full warranty, and the rest being prorated. The warranty also restarts upon warranty replacement, at least if you replace it during the pro-rated warranty period. Not sure about the full warranty period.

 

My 12V battery was almost fully submerged in water thanks to a leak behind the tail light. The terminals were badly corroded.

It happens alright.

 

?? Not really. Unless there's cargo in the way, that part's a 30-second chore, and I'm slow.

 

The hardest part, for me, is trying and failing to avoid all the hoses and cables there while dropping the battery back in

 

When I changed my OEM battery, there was no corrosion. I thought it was a pretty easy job.