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Is there any way to know if I have the original 12V?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 5 Speed, Feb 4, 2017.

  1. 5 Speed

    5 Speed Member

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    I purchased my 2011 used so I don't know if the 12V is original or has been replaced. I know if the original 12V battery is still in the car that it might be a good time to do some preventive maintenance and put in a new one but since I purchased it used is there a date code or way to tell if the battery is original or a replacement? Don't want to replace a good battery but I don't want to go through the hassle of having problems either. It hasn't given me any problems and if reading the Scan Gauge when the vehicle is off is a true reading it is always in the 12.4-12.7 range after sitting 12+ hours
     
    #1 5 Speed, Feb 4, 2017
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Just replace it for peace of mind
    12.4 seems low
     
    #2 tankyuong, Feb 4, 2017
  3. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    My '08 w 143K still has the original.
     
    #3 bat4255, Feb 4, 2017
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  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    My advice would be to replace it at the first hint of trouble. (bat4255 lives in WI, i bet I would be a lot more paranoid about batteries in WI)

    I would be aware of where you could get a Prius 12 volt battery in your town, so you are not scrambling after it died.
     
    #4 JimboPalmer, Feb 4, 2017
  5. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Actually I get 8-10 years out of a battery, including motorcycle and lawn equip.
     
    #5 bat4255, Feb 4, 2017
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is a code on top of the battery. if you can't decipher it, bring it here.
    my batteries usually last 7-8 years, but not if you ever drain them. and with a used car, you never know. that being said, 12.4 - 7 is fine.
     
    #6 bisco, Feb 4, 2017
  7. 5 Speed

    5 Speed Member

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    The battery code 220211W.
     
    #7 5 Speed, Feb 4, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2017
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    february 22, 2011. 6 years old, you're on the cusp.:) voltage is fine, next year? depends on your risk tolerance.
     
    #8 bisco, Feb 4, 2017
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  9. 5 Speed

    5 Speed Member

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    The battery code 220211W. The car lives in southern california and has delivered 55-56 mpg consistently. My scan gauge consistently shows 12.4-12.7 before I turn the car on but I don't know if that is a true battery voltage . If it is true what is the good time to replace it. Will be ordering the optima when this goes.
     
    #9 5 Speed, Feb 4, 2017
  10. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    Load test battery ...that will give you health.....if it pass....leave alone and save your for something else
     
    #10 Samprocat, Feb 4, 2017
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  11. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    Mine died at 4 years ... I think the interior light was not turn off .. and the battery never recovered. Mid atlantic .. so we get hot and cold.
    I typically get 6-7 years out of a battery ... it's a small battery .. so if it gets stressed I don't think they have much reserve.

    They annoying thing is the cost for such a tiny thing .. almost 2x the cost of my euro cars
     
    #11 yeldogt, Feb 4, 2017
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The guessing game is due to the lack of actual insight into the battery's health. A volt meter is a good first step, but load testing is more definitive. Skip past old-school load testers, get a digital load tester, something like Solar BA5. Or go to any competent battery retailer, they should have a similar, pro-level tester.

    Testing aside, just replacing it every 4~5 years is the smart way to go, just treat it like any other service interval.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Feb 7, 2017
  13. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    I would not suggest replacing battery unless load test have shown otherwise.....Battery can last depends on environment and use long time.....changing before is getting weak is throwing .....
    Any Parts store have battery load testers that will show you health and voltage under load
     
    #13 Samprocat, Feb 7, 2017
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