So I wanted to see if anyone here could give me some feedback on a recent problem I had. Right before Thanksgiving, I went to move my car (2010 Prius), and when I turned it on, the dash, the radio, and the heat began to turn on and off without my control. The car locked up completely and I wasn't able to turn it off. Probably 2 or 3 minutes passed while it did this. I was finally able to turn it off and on several times, and eventually got a P-Lock error that showed up on my dash. Now, I had never had an ounce of trouble with this car before this moment. I do all the required maintanence on schedule through my Toyota dealership. I was finally able to actually drive the car (after probably 6 or 7 minutes of trying to get it under control), and I drove it to the dealership. So the next day, the service department takes a look and calls me at the end of the day to tell me that they had replaced my battery. The way they told me this news was really kind of shady (they buried it behind a broken bulb), and I was shocked that my battery had gone bad. I didn't talk to the repair man when I picked it up, but this is what was written on the report: "13346 battery has bad cell 0.60 confirmed that vehicle would not always start or turn off. When turning vehicle on saw displays cut in and out. tested battery and found battery had ad cell and voltage was at 10.6V. Replaced battery and vehicle will start everytime. op code 190011a T1-71 T2-99." So in 5 months my lease on this car is up and I was actually going to buy it, but now I'm wondering if I've got a bad car. Does anyone have any insight into this? I thought it was unheard of for a Prius battery to go bad. Am I wrong? Any opinions anyone can offer on whether or not I should keep the car would be very helpful. Thanks for your time.
In your post, you never say which battery. From the context, especially this: ... I'm guessing it was the 12V battery, not the big expensive traction battery. Is that correct? It seems that the 2010s had more than their share of premature 12V battery failures, so the maker must have had a bad lot. But in other overall scheme of things, the 12V battery is cheap and easily replaced. It ought to raise no concern about the rest of the car.
It is not a problem, it is life. The Prius has tiny 12V accessory battery to feed some systems (keyles doors, illumination, parking ligts and so on) and especially to provide juice for booting of ECUs before car is in Ready mode.
In general (in any car) I expect 4 years from the 12 volt battery. In the Prius, if you always stay in READY when using accessories, 4 years is certainly doable. If the 2010's have a shorter lifespan, it is news to me and a sign they got bad 12 volt batteries.
Had the 12v battery replaced under warranty for my 2010 two at 28k miles. Same P-Lock error. Dealer paid for towing. Service report indicated a bad cell in the battery. No issues since the battery was replaced. A hassle for sure! - Spindifferent
I have a 2005 and I seem to remember there was a service notice from Toyota about electrical failure on the dashboard. Don't know if that is your issue. Hope your battery replacement was under warranty. One time last winter I turned on my Prius and the dashboard lights lit up but it wouldn't start. Came back a while later and tried again and it started right up so I drove it straight to the mechanic. He thought that I accidentally pressed the alarm button on the key fob which disables the car. It hasn't happened again.
I also had to replace a 2010 battery recently; with interesting results: Called AAA, they could not jump car but said battery bad upon testing. Went to dealer wanted to tow, I am not a tow fan. Bought battery went home to install, and could not open hatch; DEAD battery. Lowered rear seat pulled carpet back figure the rest out; two hours later on the road again.
