Stuck on a starting problem

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Joanna Earl, Aug 11, 2026 at 12:05 PM.

  1. Joanna Earl

    Joanna Earl New Member

    Joined:
    Today
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    First post and admittedly not a Prius expert. We have a 2013 Prius with 190,000 miles. It won’t start unless jumped. After it jumps, it drives fine. However, regardless of how long it runs or is driven, as soon as it’s turned back off, it will not start again without being jumped. Nothing comes on the dashboard and all electrical is out as well, until jumped. The auxiliary battery is only a couple years old and has tested good. I ran diagnostics with the doctor Prius app and the hybrid battery appears to be ok as far as I can tell. I checked all of the fuses recommended various troubleshooting websites, including fusable link assembly, and those appear OK. I’ve reached the end of my troubleshooting abilities, and my husband (who is decently car savvy on much older vehicles) does not even want to touch the hybrid. We’re needing to get rid of it quickly, and I was hoping to fix whatever the problem is and sell it as a working vehicle, but my husband is lobbying for a cheap dump at a salvage yard. I’m having a hard time dumping it for $750 knowing that the batteries, catalytic converter, and probably a bunch of other stuff has more value than that. I’m just currently not in a place to go through the process of parting it out and selling a bit by bit. Does anyone have any other ideas on what could cause this issue?
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    11,114
    6,974
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    You should supply a little data when asking for help. Voltage of 12v when off at battery and at engine jump point.

    Its almost certain if a jump AT THE BATTERY starts it, its the battery.

    Second, measure voltage with car off at the battery to ground and then at engine fuse box to ground. If engine side is low to zero there is a blown fuse or disconnected plug at the battery positive terminal.

    Fuse Point Diagram with Jump Point & Notes .jpeg
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 11, 2026 at 12:40 PM
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM
    Joanna Earl and Brian1954 like this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    61,543
    42,351
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    How and when?