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Does a dead 12V mean it won't charge at all?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by QuantumFireball, Apr 4, 2020.

  1. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    We're on a lockdown here in Ireland, so I'm driving less than once week on short trips for groceries and that's about it.

    My understanding is the 12V battery is charged when it's plugged in to charge the HV battery, but once charging the HV battery is finished it stops all charging. Normally I'm charging every weekday for my commute, but my grocery shopping is mostly within 5 km so I'm rarely charging now.

    My concern is if the 12V battery dies, will it even be able to initialize charging if I plug it in normally? I think the 12V battery is the original so coming up to 8 years now, so I'm not sure how long it'll survive unused.

    I'm thinking about getting a separate 12V charger/maintainer to avoid any potential issues...
     
    #1 QuantumFireball, Apr 4, 2020
    j12piprius likes this.
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Good idea. But it needs to be a small "smart" tender type and not a cheap trickle charger.
    At 8 years old, NOW would be a good time for a new battery too.......since you have the time.
    It likely won't survive much longer no matter what you do.
     
    #2 sam spade 2, Apr 4, 2020
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  3. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    Well, going out shopping around for batteries now would be against government advice, most motor factors are closed anyway (and I wouldn't want to do this either way). I don't have many options for buying those online (mostly from abroad with expensive shipping), whereas I can get a charger easily on Amazon.
     
    #3 QuantumFireball, Apr 4, 2020
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I know @Mendel Leisk has a battery tender he prefers. He lets his Prius sit at times.
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Apr 4, 2020
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if the 12v dies, plugging it in won't do anything. an inexpensive battery maintainer, or you could just disconnect the 12v neg. but you will lose trip meters, if it matters.

    i replaced my original 12v last summer, after getting stranded
     
    #5 bisco, Apr 4, 2020
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'm using a CTEK 4.3. It's practically always hooked up these days.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Apr 4, 2020
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  7. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    SAMs club has a sale on AGMs

    if going a little bigger doesn’t scare you enjoy the savings (cheapest agm $99) 9B116550-6F67-4DF8-B104-F2951E78BB04.jpeg
     
    #7 Rmay635703, Apr 4, 2020
  8. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    Thanks, I'm looking at the CTEK MXS 5.0 as they get a lot of recommendations. I think it's the equivalent for 230V markets.

    I think you missed the first sentence in my post :)
     
    #8 QuantumFireball, Apr 4, 2020
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  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I doubt they are open in Ireland.
     
    #9 Prodigyplace, Apr 4, 2020
  10. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Mail order :0
     
    #10 Rmay635703, Apr 4, 2020
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Quote from second post.
    I think you totally missed the point of this thread. :rolleyes:
     
    #11 Prodigyplace, Apr 4, 2020
  12. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    He can’t get a battery locally or by order but can get a battery charger.

    got it,

    if his battery dies he’s good for maybe a week as long as he doesn’t shut off the ignition and his dcdc doesn’t crap out.

    better have a bicycle
     
    #12 Rmay635703, Apr 4, 2020
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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    While I know it might vary some by location..............

    Where I live, auto parts stores and repair shops are still open because that kind of activity doesn't involve much human interaction.
    And it IS the human interaction that is important, not the travel itself.

    Then.....Amazon in the US is backed up with it's shipments.
    Getting a charger might be a lot easier and quicker at a local parts store too.

    Even if you don't get a new battery right now, you might as well shop online to find out who has one in stock so that you can get one later.
    That 8 year old battery might come up on a smart charger........and it might not.
     
    #13 sam spade 2, Apr 4, 2020
  14. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #14 JimboPalmer, Apr 4, 2020
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  15. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    Thanks, I didn't know about them, not sure that price is good though.

    People who sell car parts are considered "essential business", but due to staffing or personal reasons, or the inability to provide a safe environment, many smaller retailers are closed anyway. Even Toyota dealers are essentially closed and only deal with emergencies by phone.
     
    #15 QuantumFireball, Apr 5, 2020
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