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Seat belt warning... but car is off? And then dead battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Reba, Sep 22, 2008.

  1. Reba

    Reba New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2008
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Like many of you, I've had to jump start my 2005 Prius after leaving a light on or a door not fully closed. So, I'm aware of how easy it is to drain the battery on this car. Lately, I've experienced a new problem that is more mysterious. I'll turn off the car, remove the key, and then the seat belt light will come on and the annoying beeping will start. Usually, I can just turn the car back on and off and the beeping will stop. I didn't think anything of it when it happened today - I just got out and left the car sitting for 2 hours. When I came back and opened the door, I heard the beeping before I even sat down. I stuck in the key, depressed the brake, and hit the power switch...

    The battery light came on and the power button's amber light came on but nothing else happened. Now my key is stuck in the ignition as I wait for a jumpstart.

    Does anyone have any idea what's happening here? We're on a remote island in BC so getting the car to a dealer is going to be tricky (involving 2 ferry rides)!

    Thanks,
    Rebecca
     
    #1 Reba, Sep 22, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Green Valley, AZ
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    2015 Prius
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    Two
    Hi Rebecca,

    If you've repeatedly had to jumpstart your Prius, I suggest that you replace the 12V auxiliary battery. Then, if you continue to notice weirdness with the seat belt warning, it would be reasonable to seek dealer assistance. This may be part of the reason that the battery is being drained.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Sep 22, 2008
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    2004 Prius
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    Once you've drained the 12V battery it is likely never to be the same again. As Patrick wrote, replace it. And then get in the habit of *always* locking the car, no matter where you park it or for how long you intend to be gone. In most cases, if something is wrong (for example a condition which threatens the battery) the car will give a long beep.
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Sep 24, 2008
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