1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2006 Prius won't start but not simple dead battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by paulisher, Sep 29, 2010.

  1. paulisher

    paulisher New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2010
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2006 Toyota Prius and it won't start after it was detailed. No engine detail. The key will still lock and unlock the car and when I press the power button sometimes nothing happens and sometimes multiple indicator lights go on and off. The battery is not dead but it may be low and the car was working perfectly before it was detailed. The doors were left open for some time and I'm sure buttons were inadvertently pressed during the cleaning. I tried to jump start but no luck. Is there a way to reboot the system or a way I could troubleshoot before we tow it to the dealer?:(
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,482
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Turn on the headlights. How bright are they? If they are dim, then start by replacing the 12V battery.

    If the lights are at normal brightness then the 12V battery is probably good enough to start the car.

    When trying to start, make sure the brake pedal is pressed down hard. If that doesn't work, you might try disconnecting the 12V battery negative cable where it attaches to the body for a 5-minute period, thus allowing the ECUs to reset. Good luck.
     
  3. picstart

    picstart New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2011
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Yep,
    I find this a serious design fault for a 2007 Prius. A flat battery needs a jump start. Many will keep jumper cables in the trunk and even a small tool kit. When the Prius trunk battery goes dead it won't work the rear hatch lock. Next the choice is between contorting your self into the hatch back compartment and releasing the latch and hoping you don't get stuck when getting your jumper cables. Alternatively, you need to find someone who doesn't own a Prius and borrow their jumper cables. Then you have to open the hood and using the borrowed jumpers jumper from the fuse box. There is a substantial positive terminal but for the ground you need to use the car body.There is no need to boost charge the Prius from the other vehicle, The Prius should start right away since the Prius trunk battery is just to power the electronic switches and allow the main battery to be switched on.
    Next you open the hatch back to take out your own jumper cables and then its time to start thanking the other person for not owning a Prius.
    If you get the hatch back open manually you can jumper from the trunk battery itself.
    Now since you can never (with a Prius ) return the favor of a jump start be sure to triple thank anyone that helps.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,686
    39,235
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Check your 12 volt with a digital volt meter. An ok battery will be around 12.6 volt or higher. If it's signif lower, say 12.4, you'll either need a new battery or attempt to revive it with a charging session.

    It's very likely due to the detailer, simply leaving a door open for an extended period (with the interior lights set to come on in such a case), and/or brushing a light switch over to permanently on position, in the course of wiping down the interior.