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Is the Optima Yellow Top a good batt?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Taxi/Limo, Jun 17, 2018.

  1. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I connected a CTEK quick connect (a connector with a pair of ring connectors, an inline fuse on the positive (red) one. For our 3rd gen Prius, I connected the positive lead at the bolt that holds the main 12 volt (positive) cable at the under the hood fuse box. It's under this plastic cover:

    upload_2018-7-27_12-59-18.png

    Getting that cover off is a bit of a puzzle: I believe @NutzAboutBolts has a video on it, pinned at top of 3rd gen maintenance sub-forum.

    Also, there's limitted room for a spade or ring connector; IIRC I had to trim off the insulation covering the connector's base, and bend it to a right angle.

    The negative lead I connected to an nearby bare hold-down bolt, I believe on the brake reservoir bracket?

    When done, I've got a capped connector, in the front right corner of engine bay. I do need to pop the hood to get to it, but I can hook up my charger, and lower the hood just to, not slammed shut. If you're parking outside and security is a concern, that may or may not work for you. The flipside: if your plug is accessible from the outside, someone could short it out?
     
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  2. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    Ok...so we can do it both ways. Thx for the info!

    It just seems so much easier to hook up a quick connect to the battery itself though ( for me anyways )! (y)
     
  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    @NutzAboutBolts did the video just for you;).

    Nice addition to the video collection (y).
     
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah, if it's infrequent, alligator clips, either at the battery or the under-the-hood jump point, are the way to go. Ours tends to sit for days, frequently, so quick-connect was more secure/quick.
     
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  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    There is NO "correct" method.
    Connecting it at any point which is "hot" all the time is fine.

    You do not need a permanent connection.
    Use the big clips at the "jump points" or at the battery itself if this is needed just occasionally.
     
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