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Will not start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by txtabby, Jan 9, 2014.

  1. txtabby

    txtabby 2011 Prius 4

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    I pushed the start button and all that happened is the instrument cluster lights flashed several times I had a hard time getting it to stop. Is my 12 volt battery dead?
     
    #1 txtabby, Jan 9, 2014
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Sounds like it. Is it the original one? Do you have access to a digital volt meter? Did you have your foot firmly on the brake pedal?
     
    #2 dorunron, Jan 9, 2014
  3. txtabby

    txtabby 2011 Prius 4

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    FYI.. It was the battery. I had to call a mobile mechanic to come replace the battery. Here's where I now think I got screwed: $212 for just the battery. Some 'no-name' brand. I was told it was high because of the small terminals. I had to take it cause I was stuck and had to get to work.
    There's gotta be cheaper out there. I'm going to look around, but I don't know if I can get any credit back. The new battery is in, seems to work fine. I may just keep an eye on it over the months/years and get a good one next time. Maybe that's the price of calling a mob mech... >:/
     
    #3 txtabby, Jan 10, 2014
  4. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    I'm afraid you are going to be unpleasntly surprised at the price of those little batteries.
     
    #4 Munpot42, Jan 10, 2014
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you got charged $212, you didn't get screwed. That's about the going rate, and someone installed it for you.
     
    #5 JC91006, Jan 10, 2014
  6. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    You got a fair price when you consider you did no leg work, the battery for the Prius is NOT cheap. I paid almost $170 a year ago for a Toyota OEM battery and that was buying it with a discount online through a local dealer who sells online and delivers nationally.

    It is a special size AGM type battery with the small (JIS) reversed posts. They don't come cheap.

    Cheapest online would be the yellow top but you still have to put it in. $173.00

    Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + , Prius V & Plug-in Prius with Instructions

    Advanced Auto sells the same thing for $219.00

    Car and Truck Batteries & Battery Parts: Visit Advance Auto Parts for deals
     
    #6 dorunron, Jan 10, 2014
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    was there a labor charge on top of that?
     
    #7 bisco, Jan 10, 2014
  8. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    That is what I want to know. If so, the OP got a GREAT price. But still a fair price for that battery IMO
     
    #8 dorunron, Jan 10, 2014
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did he put the vent tube back in place?
     
    #9 bisco, Jan 10, 2014
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Now I have to say the OP only got a fair price if the battery is an AGM battery with vent. If it's a regular group 51 battery that fits in there and is not a sealed unit.....then he didn't get a good deal.
     
    #10 JC91006, Jan 10, 2014
  11. txtabby

    txtabby 2011 Prius 4

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    Total bill was right at $400, labor, service call, tax, ect. He did everything right, I watched him the whole time, took about 20-30 min. I checked prices-yea, not cheap! Same batt for $175 @ O'Reilly
    Oh well, live n learn! Lol!
     
    #11 txtabby, Jan 10, 2014
    bisco likes this.
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you would have taken it to a dealer, it would cost you over $300. This mob mechanic came out to you and installed at your location. His price was based on going to you and serviced what you needed.

    Triple A offers this service however they don't have this service for a Prius battery installation. For what this job required of this mob mechanic, I still believe the price is quite reasonable for coming to you.
     
    #12 JC91006, Jan 10, 2014
    txtabby likes this.
  13. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Guy goes to the auto parts store...buys the battery out of his pocket.....goes to your house...install's it outside in the cold while you watch him like a hawk the whole time...probably made $100 off the deal. And he screwed you.

    How kind you are.
     
    #13 edthefox5, Jan 10, 2014
  14. txtabby

    txtabby 2011 Prius 4

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    Up yours too ed. It was a local mobile mechanic service, highly recommended, and I was stuck. So yea, I kinda had to use the service. So I guess I shouldn't of said anything, bent over and take it huh??! Thank you sir, may I have another.
    Get lost unless you can be constructive!
     
    #14 txtabby, Jan 11, 2014
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're up and running, that's the important thing. i've not heard of these mobile mechanic's, it's an interesting idea.
     
    #15 bisco, Jan 11, 2014
  16. Rich12

    Rich12 Member

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    There must be a circle in Dante's inferno for mob mechanics...along the lines of war profiteering perhaps.
     
    #16 Rich12, Jan 11, 2014
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is there a charge to come look, or will they give you a free estimate? most pro contractors charge $75. or so just to come to the house.
     
    #17 bisco, Jan 11, 2014
  18. gring40

    gring40 Junior Member

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    Only (IMO) OP wasn't really stuck; small battery died on us, we got a jump, drove to the dealer, had it replaced. Not cheap, I certainly agree.
     
    #18 gring40, Jan 14, 2014
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