knowledgable 12V battery replacement mechanics in my area?

RTFM. Battery is in the back! You can trust him. It is a VERY simple job. Takes less than a half hour. Here's the videos from Luscious Garage. She does it in less than 5 minutes:

 

The problem with the changing of the battery in the Prius is its location and all the stuff that atttaches. Other wise it's straight forward, any body can do it. Good video.

 

As one poster said, if I can replace the 12v, anyone can....I dispute that, but....at any rate, here is the most helpful video I have found. Pedantic, yes....

And, if you want to read through my "adventure," here is the thread....Won't Turn Off -- Master Warning Light on (Red Triangle) | PriusChat

But, seriously, any competent mechanic should be able to do it. If worst comes to worst, if you have no other choice -- the dealer.

As an aside, lots of cars have batteries in the back, not just the Prius.

 

It's dead simple changing the battery. But if you want a pro to handle it, and you're going to the dealership for oil changes: ask them if they'll do it, and what (if anything) they would charge. If you're a regular, and combine it with an oil change, the charge might be trivial.

 

There's two sizes of batteries for the Prius. One is small meant for non-SKS models, and the other is larger meant for SKS models. Since you bought the Yellow Top, I'm pretty sure you bought the SKS model battery. The problem that you may face is if your car is non-SKS: the tray is physically smaller and won't accommodate the bigger battery. You'll need the SKS battery tray to fit it. All this is simple, and takes maximum 30 minutes.

 

50 bucks.

 

if you have your battery tested at a battery shop, like batteries plus, they will test and install for nothing, call first to see if they have the right batttery in stock or get it in one day or so.

 

There yah go.

BTW, pretty much all you need to swap batteries is a 10 mm wrench.

 

My philosophy is, "Why pay someone to have my fun for me?" Fixing your own stuff (assuming you're physically capable and have a place to do it) is wonderfully satisfying.

 

What a great neighbor. I enjoy doing the work myself, too. Note: you got your neighbor to do the work for free. You owe him a nice meal. FWIW: Often the cost of a tool can be more than the having everything done by a pro. And sometimes repairs need to be done more than once. And sometimes it's more than it appeared at first glance. And parts break. And mistakes are made. And everyone's time is worth money. All these variables need to considered.

 

CONGRATS, Love to hear stories like this.

 

Next on TODO list is cabin air filter and engine air filter. Those two are stupid easy. Don't get taken at the dealer for those.

 

DIY is so much more satisfying, knowing how to do it and knowing it was done right. 12V battery, cabin and engine air filters are stupid easy.

Oil changes are a step up in difficulty, both in getting the right filter wrench and securing the car on jack stand or ramps, along with having the proper filter and oil, and CAREFULLY removing the oil change door clips. Once you've done it a couple of times, it really is simple and a heck of a lot cheaper than having a dealer do it.

Headlight bulb changes are also simple, although in some tight quarters.

Learn and do as much as you can with your car. It can be very satisfying. Good luck.

 

One thing about DIY air filters too: when you've got the filter in your hands, you might pose the question "Uhm: WHY am I changing this? It still looks like new."

Dealership service, interval comes up, they slam in new filters (and charge for labour), but why oh why: as often as not it's WAY too soon, lots of life left in them. Especially the cabin filter, I just can't get too worked up about it: a few seeds and dust? Knock them off and reinstall. The engine air filter I'm more careful.

But 65K kms in, I've yet to change either filter. Check the regularly though.

 

I have always followed the old adage that if you can see light through the filter it is still good.

But, as Mendel said, with the engine filter I am much more paranoid than with the stupid Cabin Filter, which, I think, is just a part put in the car to soak money out of owners.

Having said that, if I see mice pee on any of the filters, they are replaced immediately.
kris

 

Yes, anyone can replace the battery on the 2009 Prius. 10mm, 12mm sockets, a screwdriver, a non-rainy day because your trunk is open the whole time, ....that's about it. TIP: after you install it and your car still won't show any power anywhere, and you check all the fuses you should check, you look on the internet for an hour or so reading helpful instructions on using a multimeter, listen to your wife tell you that you should have a real mechanic look at it.......... go back and check, just for the hell of it, see if there is a plastic cover over the negative battery terminal on the new battery, and you attached the negative ground on top of the plastic cover.......you fool..... take it off and re-attach the negative terminal. You should be good now. and your wife will laugh with you. and that beer tastes a little better knowing you didn't pay anyone to laugh at you for not removing a piece of plastic. True story.