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2001 Prius 150K makes won't start makes grunting noise

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Lywyllyn, Apr 16, 2010.

  1. Lywyllyn

    Lywyllyn New Member

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    Hi there... couldn't find the oldtimer section for the 2001 -2003 Prius' so I placing it here....

    Car has 150K+ miles, runs fine (well ran fine) parked it last night. This morning.. door had to be opened manually, no lights.. starting I get a kinda like grinding/grunting noice when I try to 'start' the car.

    Any ideas?
     
    #1 Lywyllyn, Apr 16, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    How old is the 12V battery? I suggest that you replace it, if more than 3 years of age.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Apr 16, 2010
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  3. Lywyllyn

    Lywyllyn New Member

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    You know what I do remember something funny about locking the car last night... I used the remote to lock the doors... heard the locks engage.. I walked away and I heard the same sound again (I was not pressing the remote I am sure of that)... so I stopped and turned around, checked the doors (they were locked) and clicked the remote to 'lock' again.. car responded with lights flashing and the locks engaging. Waited a bit and then went into the house.

    Could it be that the damn remote locking mechanism was 'locking' the car all night? that would certainly run down the battery, would it not?
     
    #3 Lywyllyn, Apr 16, 2010
  4. Lywyllyn

    Lywyllyn New Member

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    oh I am sure it is as old as the car .. unless some major maintenance overhaul swapped it out.

    I have a feeling the battery is dead. If I were to get a new one, any of you guys where I can get one.. it looks rather small compared to normal car batteries and I don't want to pay the dealer $$$ if I can find it myself.
     
    #4 Lywyllyn, Apr 16, 2010
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    12V battery MSRP is supposed to be $139 although some dealers are not ashamed to charge more. Suggest you call your local dealer parts depts to determine their pricing.

    If you can't get the correct battery you are going to have to figure out new terminal connectors, correct physical size, etc. Here is one potential solution:
    12 Volt (12v) Toyota Prius Aux. Battery for 2001 to 2003 with installation kit
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Apr 16, 2010
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    *Moved to Gen 1 Forum*
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Apr 16, 2010
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    If you have a volt-ohm meter, you might want to open the trunk and measure the battery voltage to confirm the diagnosis. It is on the left of the trunk behind the 'felt' access cover.

    I understand Sears carries a replacement, 12 V. battery. Others have gone with the Optima yellow-top and in my case an Odyssey. In fact, some in "Prius Technical Stuff" have gone with a lawn tractor battery. You have choices. BTW, the OEM battery has a vent tube so may want to look for that in your replacement battery. Just 'search' the messages archive for "12 battery" and you'll see what folks have been doing.

    Although not recommended, good Prius Friend Hobbit has demonstrated that once the car is jumper started, the 12 V circuit provides enough power to run the car for an errand . . . just don't stop it unless you have another jumper source. Also, be very, very careful about polarity if you jumper the car. Reverse polarity can fry your ECUs, a very expensive proposition.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #7 bwilson4web, Apr 16, 2010
  8. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Also, be very, very careful about polarity if you jumper the car. Reverse polarity can fry your ECUs

    Just thought this deserves emphasis. It equally applies when you are connecting a new battery, although different-sized terminals are intended to prevent a mistake there.
     
    #8 tochatihu, Apr 16, 2010
  9. georgeofthejuggle

    georgeofthejuggle New Member

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    Uhh, I had been jump starting mine as needed for a year there before replacing the 12V.:eek:
     
    #9 georgeofthejuggle, Apr 20, 2010
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