Do I Have to replace aux. battery Every 2 years?!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by cheeper, Oct 21, 2018.

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  1. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I would have paid attention to the comments about investigating why your car is having issues.

    www.amazon.com/dp/B010GKJ8F6
     
    #21 JimboPalmer, Oct 29, 2018
  2. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Hmm, how long does it sit at a time?

    My 08 with 144K has the OEM 12 v battery yet.

    We do live in Wisc. at it's 99% in a garage when not in use, so heat is not that much of an issue.
     
    #22 bat4255, Oct 29, 2018
  3. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    Not in hot climate; New York. Have no idea how to check current flow. Nothing is on after I turn it off. Never play radio if car not on. I often use GPS, had one of those viewers that photographs your trip, but haven't used it since I checked the battery with my tiny charger. Every time I go in for service they try telling me I need to replace parts. I checked all fluids before I went in and guy told me I needed a new radiator. How can I trust them?!
     
    #23 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  4. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    Over a year ago was convinced I need to drive daily. Did not do that before. For Over a year Rarely do not drive, but only go 11-20ish miles if just "exercising" the car. Perhaps need to drive further.
     
    #24 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  5. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    Thanks, I did miss some posts, have reread, found more. Just do not Know How to find out WHY I need a new battery every other year Don't trust, don't know how to find out Why.
     
    #25 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  6. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    It's my wife's car and it was used for mail delivery for 7 years, about 50 miles a day 6 days a week. For the last 3 years it usually sits for weeks at a time, as we are both retired. It only gets about 3-4K a year on it as it has been demoted to a back-up car and short trips. When we go anywhere, I drive the other car ('16 v).
     
    #26 bat4255, Oct 29, 2018
  7. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    I drive somewhere almost every day. When it is hot, no garage, lots of trees, I Always cover the windows from sun with shades, keep windows down til evening.
     
    #27 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  8. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    How's your small battery? Any problems?
     
    #28 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  9. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Last year I need to jump start it twice, possible hatch or door left open, otherwise both batteries (traction and 12v) are still working fine for me. I do not believe they are at 100%, but at 10 yrs. old I wouldn't expect then to be. Mileage is down to the same as our '16v, upper 30's in winter and mid 40's in summer. I have no need for it to be perfect at that age. If I wanted perfection, I would trade every 1-2 years.
     
    #29 bat4255, Oct 29, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2018
  10. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    I always drive my vehicles as long as possible. 10 yrs old, Just have to change small battery every other year.
     
    #30 cheeper, Oct 29, 2018
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no warranty?
     
    #31 bisco, Oct 29, 2018
  12. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    Warranty? I Searched, did not buy Extra warranty. Can find nothing that will help.
     
    #32 cheeper, Oct 30, 2018
  13. cheeper

    cheeper Member

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    Read by Dealer?
     
    #33 cheeper, Oct 30, 2018
  14. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    I think that was what prompted the warranty question. Even AZ batteries last more than a year.
     
    #34 05PreeUs, Oct 30, 2018
  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Warranty.......that usually comes with whatever replacement battery you buy, automatically.
    Usually pro-rated after the first 12 months or so, so it might save you a few bucks at 24 months.......IF the warranty is longer than that.

    I think that several others have strongly suggested that you NEED to find out WHY they are going bad after only 2 years......other than rock-bottom cheap batteries maybe. I agree with that suggestion.
     
    #35 sam spade 2, Oct 30, 2018
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not an extra warranty. 12 volt batteries come with their own warranty. what brand and where did you buy it?
     
    #36 bisco, Oct 30, 2018
  17. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    OP, I really think you have some sort of vampire load issue somewhere on your car. Our own Gen2 prius had the OEM 12V battery last 8 years.

    We do. Our Model S is on its third 12v battery in 5 years.
     
    #37 a_gray_prius, Nov 4, 2018
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Ouch, why?
     
    #38 bisco, Nov 4, 2018
  19. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    #39 a_gray_prius, Nov 4, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Wow, have you had to pay for one yet?
     
    #40 bisco, Nov 4, 2018
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