Total Electrical Failure - Twice

welcome! sounds like you need a new 12 volt. are you familiar with prius 12v idiosyncrasies?

1) the prius 12v is smaller than most.

2) a battery sitting for a long time 'sulphates' basically causing irreparable harm.

3) there is a constant drain on a healthy prius battery, which needs to be driven a few times a week to keep it charged up.

4) if it's the original battery, just replace it. the date code is on the top.

5) there are several alternatives to the oem, make sure you get a correct fit, with vent tube.

6) don't trust the monkeys at auto zone with your car.

7) all the best!

 

Yeah it definitely sounds like it just needs a new 12V battery.

You should get it done sooner rather than later, as you're pretty much dicing with death every time you have to jump start it. I know it's not exactly rocket science, but just the same you'd be amazed a how many people post here that they've screwed up their Prius's electronics with a failed jump start.

 

"86%", I never heard it termed like that, would be 10.75 volts if we are gauging from 12.50 volts minimum charge. That would be a severely dead battery. Once jumped, you must be running from the alternator/inverter.

Go to harbor freight and get a $5.00 Digital Volt Meter to test it yourself, plus a good idea to have one anyways. If you buy something you need and they have their sale, you can get the cheapo for free or check their site for coupons.

+1, get a new battery.

In the future, if you do not drive that much, pull the NEGATIVE side of the battery. It will keep it charged and help reduce the sulphates, down side, you will lose your radio stations and CEL data.

 

The 12v in a Prius is no different than any other car. If you jump it once, chalk to it up to forgetting to turn off the lights. If you jump it again, then it probably is dead. What ever caused it to die the first time permanently killed it.

 

Oh Good