Replacing 12V Battery in 2009 w/o SmartKey

You can purchase the hold down bracket from Toyota for the larger battery. Some people on PC have just cut off the bottom of the bracket as you suggest without problems.

 

I can't believe you need a new battery after only 3 yrs. of use. Did you leave the dome light on every day???

 

The non smart key battery has a hard life as it is even smaller than the smart key version (amp/hr capacity) this means if you sit listening to the radio or leave a light on it goes into deep discharge sooner. Also a 10amp/hr loss due to age on a 40amp/hr battery is 25% loss on a 30amp/hr battery it's a 33% loss so things snowball.

 

Wow, that helps me understand it better. I would definitely upgrade the battery. Replacing a battery isn't that hard but doing it every 3 years is not on my list of fun things to do.

 

I have fitted a 60amp/hr AGM battery the type used in mobility scooters. It is the same physical size as the Prius OEM battery with nearly double the capacity as I intend fitting an electric lift for a disability scooter. I did not wish to lift the scooter on board to find I had flattened the battery, and could not get into ready.

 

Do not take the easy way out and fit the smaller battery. Go with the Optima you already have.

Check the voltage of the battery before fitting if you can. This should be around 13volts (12.9/13.1) for a well charged battery.

There have been many reports of poorly kept Optima batteries at suppliers giving rise to batteries with voltages of 12.6 and below, not good for the longevity of the battery.

If your battery is below the 12.6v level I would get the supplier to change it after carefully marking the battery you have (so that you can recognize it) in case they just charge it and return it to you.

 

And I just got one of those Optimas (date code 3/12)! Returning it tomorrow. Highest Ive got it to read, after a 12 hour 8 amp charge is 12.75v but it quickly drops to 12.2v.

 

Any method that holds the battery securely should be ok but the correct bracket would be the best and is not expensive from Toyota.

 

Checking online at Champion Toyota here in Houston reveals that there are two battery trays, one non sks and the other sks and only one hold down clamp. I think you need to change the battery tray to solve your problem since you are using the bigger battery now, but trying to place it in the old tray made for the smaller battery.

If you call Jake at the 800 # listed on the site, he is very knowledgeable and can make sure you are ordering the correct part.

Item # 8 is the part that is different. (battery tray)

Here is the link to their site.

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Parts - Champion ToyotaWorld

800-327-2087 Ask for Jake.

Ron

 

It is great that you were alert and realized the battery polarity was reversed. Had you installed that incorrect battery, considerable damage might result to the inverter.

 

In my experience, draining the battery like that is all it takes to cripple it. Mine (original) never recovered from that, & kept failing. Toyota kept insisting it was ok, I insisted they replace it, and it's been fine ever since.

 

Glad to hear that the different battery tray did the job.

FWIW, Advance Auto has a code BATX which will give a $50 discount if you buy a new Optima Battery for the Prius. Just checked and the code is still working.

Buy Optima Batteries YellowTop Battery DS46B24R at Advance Auto Parts

Good luck to you.

Ron