Gen 4 12 Volt battery.

Well, we OCD types balance it out: crawling over/under our cars, with cell phones at the ready and a pit lamp in our teeth.

 

I didn't realise it was see through. Here is a (poor) video - you can see the fluid moving in the top of the cell when I rocked the car. Unfortunately, my phone kept rocking at the same time

 

That’s basically the situation: as I mentioned before, the Repair Manual (more info) says to check the electrolyte levels, as part of the on-vehicle inspection procedure for the charging system. Toyota writes:

• If the electrolyte level is below the lower line, replace the auxiliary battery.
• If the electrolyte level is below the lower line, add distilled water to each cell. Then, recharge the battery and check the electrolyte specific gravity.

Standard Specific Gravity:
1.25 or higher at 20°C (68°F)​

For the U.S. market, the Warranty & Maintenance Guide books don’t mention checking the 12-volt battery at all, and the Owner’s Manual books say only to “Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps,” though they also warn against the “poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.” There’s no discussion of checking levels or adding water.

That’s not true everywhere. In Europe and Australia—where the cars use the same battery—the same sections of the Owner’s Manual books go on to explain how to check the battery fluid level and add distilled water, if necessary. The Maintenance Schedule for Europe, however, says “Battery: No maintenance.” For Australia, the Warranty and Service booklet lists “Battery” as an inspection item at every service, without elaboration.

 

I never noticed before - but yes, it's reported as inspected:

 

They don't really mention level, in the above. Too: whenever I see those hit-lists, my skeptical sense kicks in.

I'm out of that loop, doing DIY, and would advocate to remove the battery from the car, say around the 3 year mark, clean the posts and cable clamps, also the case, check the fluid levels, level them all up with distilled water. That should do it, assuming replacement around year 5.

 

20 years of prius 12v issues, do other car sites spend so many kWh on this?

 

Other sites don’t have as much energy.

 

I've posted this before:

But I asked him a question yesterday about whether PRIUS Gen 4 should have an AGM or Wet/flooded 12v battery - basically he said ... how about you read it yourself - it's probably still the first comment to a question I asked in comments below the YouTube. My YouTube "name" is alanclarkeau - the same as PriusChat.

 

Batteries live a tough life in either climate extreme. I keep gloves in my car. Not for when it's cold, but rather, for when it's common that the steering wheel is too hot to hold if the car is parked outside (shades only help so much...).

My new 2018 (two weeks for me, but manufactured a year ago in January 2018) mysteriously came with a non-OEM battery, which itself is showing low-voltage indications. Tentative theory: the car sat outside through a long, hot Florida summer being only short-tripped only occasionally. That's a virtual recipe for battery (12v) trouble. Still in the investigation phase, so we'll see where it goes.

 

That reminds me: better go out to the garage and attach the smart charger, the car's more'n not being used today, could be idle the next few days as well.

 

might as well change the oil while you're out there

 

And lube the brake pins.

 

I've been using one of these in my car for 20+ years and use it if the wheel is in the sun - it makes it cooler - but still hot:
(mine is a RHD version)

Goes back to 1995 we bought a Mazda with 3 yr warranty, and just before the warranty ended, the urethane of the steering wheel became a little loose on the centre steel ring. They replaced it under warranty - but the mechanic warned me that the modern wheels need to be kept covered as they're not standing up to the heat of the sun, particularly in the tropics.

Fast forward to 2008 when I bought my first car with a leather coated wheel (FORD), and I had the same advice - keep covering it, leather doesn't stand up to sun either, and they're still urethane underneath.

I've tried shades, but they're more awkward to use, but do protect more than the wheel.

 

A bit off topic but this will cure all you steering wheel woes

Insane Steering Wheel by kithmo posted Feb 17, 2019 at 12:02 PM

 

Maybe there's none in it

 

Do they do LHD versions ?

 

They probably make left handed channel locks.

I bet if you go to the local auto parts store and ask for a set, they’ll point you in the right direction .

Ingenuity at its finest .

 

Just take to not push the release lever, you'll be fine, lol.

 

^ Meant to say:

 

They do smaller sports versions:

Mole Grips by kithmo posted Feb 18, 2019 at 9:55 AM

and Black ones to match the interior:

Black Mole Grips by kithmo posted Feb 18, 2019 at 9:55 AM