2006 Prius - Recommendations to Preserve 12V Battery on rarely driven Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by TFarquhar, May 13, 2019.

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  1. TFarquhar

    TFarquhar Junior Member

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    I absolutely LOVE my '06 Prius I bought new. She has roughly 293,000 miles and was relegated to spare car when my 2012 Prius Plugin took over. She goes between being rarely driven to spurts of being a weekend warrior. Lately, "my baby" often sits covered up under covered parking for 4 weeks or so at a time. Don't even get me started on why she is not for sale.

    I would like recommendations for the following, please.

    1) Which 12V battery is my best option to replace the existing 12V?
    2) Should I consider a battery maintainer along with this new battery? If so, the kind permanently installed or ??
    3) Are there any other caveats to such long term gaps in usage?

    I appreciate your time and thank you in advance.


    Teresa Farquhar
     
    #1 TFarquhar, May 13, 2019
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    1) it's personal

    2) yes, ctek permanent instal so you just plug it in.

    3) you're probably gonna have a cell go out of balance in the near future. old nimh doesn't sit well
     
    #2 bisco, May 13, 2019
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  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    The largest battery that will fit.
    Not a bad idea, but might not be needed as a replacement battery could outlive your ownership.
    The HV (traction) battery can fail if left for extended periods of time.

    If sitting unused, be sure to turn off the SKS feature (if you have that option) under the steering wheel.
     
    #3 SFO, May 13, 2019
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  4. TFarquhar

    TFarquhar Junior Member

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    3) you're probably gonna have a cell go out of balance in the near future. old nimh doesn't sit well[/QUOTE]

    Out of balance? Does that mean it can be re-balanced?
     
    #4 TFarquhar, May 13, 2019
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it can be, but it is a lot of work. and it will keep happening as the car sits. you might want to talk to prolong, and see if their reconditioned can prevent this.
     
    #5 bisco, May 13, 2019
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  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    Yes prolong. That’s what I was thinking.
     
    #6 Skibob, May 13, 2019
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  7. TFarquhar

    TFarquhar Junior Member

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    Thank you for your replies. I will have to start switching off my cars since the '12 lost it's HOV sticker anyway. How do I tag the "prolong" group to get them in on this or do I start a new thread and where do I find prolong. Yeah. A newbie here. Sorry.
     
    #7 TFarquhar, May 13, 2019
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  8. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    #8 Skibob, May 13, 2019
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    In my not so humble opinion, trying to "rejuvenate" an old weak HV battery is just a waste of time and money.

    There is absolutely NO REASON to spend extra money on a bigger battery.

    Hard to beat the AGM that comes from the dealer.
    Reports are that Pep Boys has a direct replacement that is less $$$.

    IF you have access to 120 V to plug one in, a battery "tender" is well worth the money.
    But it MUST be a fully automatic "smart" one. A cheap trickle charger won't do.
    No need to mount the whole charger on the car. Most come with a "pig tail" to attach to the battery.

    Making a daily commute once every 10 days or so is likely as good as the battery tender.......and has other benefits too.
    Getting fresh gas in the tank occasionally is important........and using stabilizer is a good idea too.
     
    #9 sam spade 2, May 13, 2019
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  10. TFarquhar

    TFarquhar Junior Member

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    Thank you Sam. My post is about my '06 (not a plugin). To solve or prevent most of these potential HV, out of balance issues, etc. issues I am going to switch off cars ever other week or so rather than leave her sitting so long.
     
    #10 TFarquhar, May 13, 2019
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #11 bisco, May 13, 2019
  12. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Not sure if I should link to supportive proof otherwise, call in some heavy hitters, or ask how you came to hold such an opinion :cool:
     
    #12 SFO, May 13, 2019
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  13. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Meh, ignore user option is sometimes best;).

    Doesn’t stop opinions, but keeps the peace better(y).
     
    #13 Raytheeagle, May 14, 2019
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  14. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I was talking about plugging in the TENDER, not the car itself.
     
    #14 sam spade 2, May 14, 2019
  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    People have been trying to "rejuvenate" old batteries for YEARS by various methods and the results are always spotty.
    A scant few are really successful, and no doubt like to brag about it.
    But most are only marginally successful and probably don't like to report that in public.

    Once a battery really is worn out, the chemicals needed for the charge/discharge reaction are GONE.
    Nothing that you apply to the terminals can get them back.
     
    #15 sam spade 2, May 14, 2019
  16. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Sure Ray.
    Ignore any opinions that don't agree with yours.
    Good way to learn new things.
    :rolleyes:
     
    #16 sam spade 2, May 14, 2019
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