Today I started my 2012 Prius C and the LCD lights etc started normally, but the engine won’t start. I pressed the start button again but it won’t turn off either. It sporadically displays things on the lcd but engine won’t turn off. After a few tries I’m able to turn off car. If this were a battery issue wouldn’t it not turn on at all? Is something on the fritz? Any ideas?
First thing you should do is check the 12v battery and go from there. Some people have reported weird behavior like this when the 12v battery is failing.
About 65K. I don’t think I have the right tools to check the battery, is this something anyone can do?
yes, voltmeter, pretty cheap. check it in the morning before turning anything on. you can get a freebie with load test at an auto parts store. if it is original, you could just replace it. but that may not cure the problem.
Yes, you need a voltmeter. A new battery is 12.7 volts. Below 12v you need to change it for a new one. Is it the original battery? Since 2012?
Yes, original battery. I brought it to Toyota dealership for a regular checkup and it came back fine. I think I have a voltmeter somewhere. Will a cheap one work? Is there any danger of blowing myself up if I connect it wrong?
No, you won’t blow yourself up . Just don’t make contact between the battery terminals and you will be fine.
Can I just call AAA and have them check and replace battery if needed? I did that for my Mazda several years ago. Or do they not do Prius batteries?
Well, I can’t assure you that they can but if they did it with your Mazda I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it with the Prius. Just tell them what car it is when you call. They can at least check the voltage for sure.
depends on the driver. just make sure they don't crosspollenize the connections. can be expensive in a prius
Well, if they mess up then I suppose they’d be responsible for fixing/replacing it. Thanks for the tips.
I ended up calling a hybrid battery service, he asked me how long I had the car/battery for, when I said 2012/65k, he said to buy a battery and bring it to him and he’ll replace it for $35. I went to O’Reilly and they said they don’t carry Prius C 12v batteries and the Prius battery is not the same. So I called the guy back and he said to buy the regular Prius one. When he went to install it the size was slightly different but he said it would fit. However the metal frame needed to be cut since the Prius battery was slightly longer. He tested the old battery and it looked good but he said that’s because I was driving around. He said I can get it tested another day for free at Autozone or something.
It did, but it also started several times today before the swap as well. I think 7+ years is enough for a 12v battery such that these wacky things happen. I’ll know for sure by summertime whether it really was a battery issue I suppose. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
