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My Prius 2005 shuts down on its own

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ruberoid, Nov 5, 2018.

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  1. Ruberoid

    Ruberoid Junior Member

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    ----USA----
    I know it's my first post, but I've been on this forum for ages without registering, never had a need to participate in interactions.
    I bought my Prius 2005 in used condition, but as far as I know, besides a road accident, it never had any electrical issues. Yesterday, upon arrival from the store, I removed the key from the socket and left, came back a bit later to empty the trunk, though I couldn't unlock it, I kept pushing on 'unlock' on my keypad, but nothing happened. I immediately inserted the key into the socket and pushed on a brake pedal, but nothing happened, the car seemed DEAD, even headlights! Since it was dark outside, I couldn't do much, so I went back home to get a flashlight. I opened the hood and didn't see any burnt wires or smoke,etc., so I decided to give it another try and inserted the key again and nothing happened, so I pulled it out and suddenly the lights turned on WITHOUT A KEY IN A SOCKET.I put the key back into the socket and I was able to start the car.This incident happened to me again, twice today.Though I was able to finish my errands.
    I am lost, I don't want to drive to a dealership, since I do not trust them. I changed oil 4 days ago and the only thing that I need to do is to change cabin air filter, I was told that everything is in good condition. I was driving in the rain prior to the incident, but there wasn't much rain that day. Any advice is appreciated!
     
    #1 Ruberoid, Nov 5, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    start with the 12v connections. especially the negative to body ground

    make sure everything is clean and tight, and test the 12v health. any idea how old it is?

    after that, look to the accident area for wiring repairs and corrosion.
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 5, 2018
  3. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    Check you 12v battery for state of charge. You're in Wisconsin, so it must be getting cold, a weak battery will be most affected by colder climate. Also, check the connections of your battery for tightness and corrosion, especially the negative end connected to the bare metal of the car body.

    Lastly, check the fob battery, it might be time to change.
     
    #3 hchu1, Nov 5, 2018
  4. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    Geez, Bisco do you live on this forum, you're usually the first to answer at all hours of the day. :D
     
    #4 hchu1, Nov 5, 2018
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    shut in:cool:
     
    #5 bisco, Nov 5, 2018
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wouldn't it be cool to have a screen time counter like a phone?
     
    #6 bisco, Nov 5, 2018
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  7. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    I think you would dominate.
     
    #7 hchu1, Nov 5, 2018
  8. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    For the OP.
     

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    #8 hchu1, Nov 5, 2018
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  9. Ruberoid

    Ruberoid Junior Member

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    I checked the 12V battery via hidden service menu. It shows 12.1 and 14.1 in running mode , I don't know if it is reliable, but it went down to It's 30 degrees outside.
     
    #9 Ruberoid, Nov 5, 2018
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i do not know. i'm only on at lunch and dinner thru bedtime typically. some people are on their phones 24/7.
     
    #10 bisco, Nov 5, 2018
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  11. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I wonder who fits that bill:whistle:?
     
    #11 Raytheeagle, Nov 5, 2018
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  12. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Just so you know the keyfob in the socket does nothing to start the car. As long as the RFID can be read the car will start. SKS has a more active transponder system so it can be detected all around and from in your pocket. The other low models need a short range. There is a transponder in that socket and also by the power button. So turning on with the key not in the socket is pretty normal.

    Your electrical issues sound like a dead 12v battery. Start there first. Just replace it. 12.1v as you measured is dead. A healthy 12v battery should be reading closer to 12.6v minimally.
     
    #12 2k1Toaster, Nov 6, 2018
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