2006 Prius 12V Battery Problems

I let the Prius sit for 3 days over the long weekend, and on Monday it would not start. Got a big red triangle exclamation mark on the dash. Figured it was the 12V battery going, so I replaced it with the Optima Yellowtop. Took it all apart, put it back together. Charged the yellowtop using a Schumacher automatic battery charger made for AGM batteries. Run fine around the block, so I figured it was good.

My wife took the car to work this morning. Said the ride in was just fine. Locked it and went into work. When she came out at break, it wouldn't open. Completely dead. I walked her through using the metal key to open the door, and she says it is all dark, nothing happens when she pushes the start button. We have the SKS, of course.

So what could it be? Is there something that recharges the battery as you drive (the DC to DC converter) and could that be broken? Or loose, or ... ? Going to drive over there to take a look, but wanted to know what else I should look for, and if I should get it towed to a mechanic?

 

Yup. Loose ground cable. Grrrr.

 

But now I'm at wife's work with no tools. How to mcguyver a 10mm socket?

 

Does the air conditioner run off the 12v or the hybrid power?

 

Thanks for the help! AAA had already been called and arrived shortly after I figured out the problem. They tightened down the bolt and ran a battery check for me, the battery tested out fine. However, he said that the terminal was loose.

I figured as much. I had ordered the Optima Yellowtop from Advanced Auto back when they had it for a good deal. I kept it on the shelf for when the OEM battery died. However, it was damaged in shipping, the terminal was bent. I was about to send it back to them for a refund, when this weekend my OEM battery died, so I used it in a pinch.

I guess I will have to find another yellowtop locally, and see if I can ship the damaged one back to Advanced Auto for a refund, or see if there is a way to swap it out under the Optima warranty? Can I get the warranty service at a store, not from where I bought it? I'm in SoCal and there are no Advanced Autos here.

 

Long story - I made the claim right after it arrived damaged. It was about a month and a half ago? Maybe 2 months ago. They took a while to research the claim, etc. and then they said they would send me a prepaid shipping label to send it back for a refund. I didn't get a chance to ship it back, but the claim of the damage is still there, and they did send me a shipping label to ship it back. I just wasn't able to do it yet. Yeah, I'm a slacker.