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Is there a DIY 12v battery change ??

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by bb4srv, Aug 16, 2021.

  1. bb4srv

    bb4srv Active Member

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    Is there a quick DIY on the 12v battery change? I haven't got my hands dirty yet, but just looking at the battery, it doesn't have a usual bracket that goes on top of the battery like most cars and the terminals looks like it's a 90 degree flange. Sooo.......how is the battery held in place?
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It can’t be that hard?
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Some have a bracket that tightens down on an indentation at the BOTTOM of the battery case.
    Or the top bracket has been left off by a previous owner.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    first google hit:
    watch
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    this doesn't look much harder:
    watch
     
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  6. bb4srv

    bb4srv Active Member

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    awesome, exactly what i'm looking for. TY
     
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  7. Clifford Bradford

    Clifford Bradford Junior Member

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    This is the way

    The only tricky bit is getting the hold down bracket out if you don't have a long enough extension. I applied my screw driver handle driver and then vice gripped that for leverage.
     
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  8. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Thanks for the video. Good to know about the hold-down clip at the bottom of the battery. I have not needed to change on my Prius yet, but when the time comes this looks much easier than earlier Prius with AGM battery in the back. Probably the hardest part will be finding the right size battery at a reasonable price.
     
  9. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    The hold down bracket/clamp is at the bottom of the battery. It's held down with one bolt. You need a long extension. Cheapest battery I could find is Napa Auto, $150, but they are out of stock. Expect to pay around $200.


    iPhone ? Pro
     
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  10. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    I wonder if it really matters? The car just needs a 12V source of power momentarily. Do the battery's physical dimensions really matter as long as it fits in the space, can be clamped down, and the wiring attached? We don't need cold cranking amps or special capabilities that I'm aware of.
     
  11. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I think that is the reason we look for the same size group battery. In most cases, different size group battery has physical dimensions different enough so that it will not fit in the OEM battery tray, or if it does it won't be easily secured. I have seen people moding the tray and using a larger battery in some cars. I don't know if that is possible in very tight battery tray placement in many newer cars. Are there any smaller dimension of the 12v battery readily available for PP and Gen4?
     
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