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My 2009 Prius won't start

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by KE2, Feb 3, 2010.

  1. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    My 2009 prius won't start this morning. I thought the key was dead but it didn't work in the ignition either. Bad time to have the car breakdown as all dealers are completely overloaded with the gas pedal thing. It's not that cold, as we live in the DC area. Any ideas what it could be? We drove it 2 days ago without a problem.
     
    #1 KE2, Feb 3, 2010
  2. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    I would check the 12v battery.
     
    #2 jelloslug, Feb 3, 2010
  3. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    Do you think it just needs a jump start? Our 2005 Prius has been going fine for 5 years without issues so this kind of threw us.
     
    #3 KE2, Feb 3, 2010
  4. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Make real sure you get the polarity right when you jump start it. If it starts it's most likely the battery went toes up. Check all the lights especially the courtesy lights in the trunk ect. make sure you didn't bump a switch by accident and one of the lights were left on and that accidently discharged the battery.
     
    #4 paprius4030, Feb 3, 2010
  5. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    More details will be helpful. Could you go into ACC (or ON) mode by pushing the power button once (or twice) without pressing down the brake?
     
    #5 2009Prius, Feb 3, 2010
  6. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    Does it drain the battery to leave the headlights on? My husband and another Prius driving friend believe that, as they go off when the car is powered off, it doesn't make a difference. But I've heard it can drain the battery. I've also heard if the keys are too close to the car that can drain it. I am an AAA member, so wonder if I should have them jump the car in case it is the battery. What else should I look out for?
     
    #6 KE2, Feb 3, 2010
  7. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    My husband is the one who tried the car this morning and then ended up taking my 2005 when the 2009 wouldn't start. I cannot check it again until I get home this evening. I've also emailed the dealer to see what they say about it as the car is just 13 months old.
     
    #7 KE2, Feb 3, 2010
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    You need to give us a few tiny hints before we can even guess. Do you have 12V power? Do the interior lights come on? What happens when you press the power button? Will it start if you insert the fob in the slot and *then* press the power button?

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Feb 3, 2010
  9. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, your car likely needs a jumpstart, followed by leaving the car READY for several hours to charge up the battery. Or, hook up the battery to a battery charger and leave overnight, charging at the 2A setting.
     
    #9 Patrick Wong, Feb 3, 2010
  10. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    When the AAA service person comes make sure he/she uses the correct jump start terminals described in the owner's manual and double check the polarity. You should also check light switches as suggested earlier. Good luck!
     
    #10 2009Prius, Feb 3, 2010
  11. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    Problem resolved. The car is fine. It was an issue with the keys which is easier to resolve. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.
     
    #11 KE2, Feb 3, 2010
  12. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Exactly what was the key issue? Future readers might be able to benefit from your experience.

    Tom
     
    #12 qbee42, Feb 3, 2010
  13. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Did you mix up the keys between your 2 cars?:eek: Inquiring minds want to know LOL
     
    #13 paprius4030, Feb 3, 2010
  14. KE2

    KE2 New Member

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    It gets complicated when you have two Prii with identical keys. Three of the keys had dying batteries and two of them accidentally got switched so we had a manual key for the 2009 attached to the electronic key of the 2005 with a dying battery. The cars are parked on opposite sides of our condo, so it required taking all the keys our and trying each individual manual key and each electronic key and changing one key battery with one we had but we still have to buy 2 more batteries.
     
    #14 KE2, Feb 4, 2010
  15. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    That makes sense. I'm happy for you that it was a simple problem.

    Tom
     
    #15 qbee42, Feb 4, 2010
  16. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Don't buy batteries for Fob at Toyota, they overcharge.
     
    #16 andyprius, Feb 4, 2010
  17. vikx

    vikx New Member

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    Good info.
     
    #17 vikx, Feb 6, 2010
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