Grandma left me, and a dead Prius, Now what?

I agree that your first step should be to replace the 12V battery. Make sure that you observe battery polarity - if you reverse the battery hookup you may destroy the inverter.

If you are lucky the car will start after that is done. The fuel gauge requires some time after power is restored, to register correctly.

If you are not lucky and the car does not start, then take photos of the warning lights that appear, and post them.

 

It should be fine with a new 12V battery. You might be able to get a charger on the old battery, such that the car will start and you can see what is what. But, do not jump the car unless you are totally sure of the polarity. Big disaster if reversed.

Check the tire pressures (42F/40R is good). Get the inverter coolant pump replaced and the steering column checked under the recall at the Toyota dealer (free), replace the transaxle fluid (just drain and fill). Likely a good idea to change engine coolant as well. If there are any lights on, get the codes read by Toyota or a Prius compatible reader. Let us know what they are here before taking action.

The hybrid battery indicator will probably show a low state of charge on the screen, but that is fine as it will charge back up in short order while driving. How many miles on the car?

Look at the recent threads from people wanting advice on buying a used Prius with 100K or 200K miles, where there will be further suggestions for things to be aware of. It will be a great ride, just a bit of learning to be done at first.

 

Replace the 12V battery and cross your fingers. It wouldn't surprise me if the traction battery is gone since it's 9 years old. I hope you get good luck with your grandma's Prius. I got a car from my grandparents ('96 Chrysler Concorde) and it's definitely drawing its last breaths. I know the sentimental value is probably pretty important, but do not let emotions control your checkbook.

 

^^^^^^^^

Well said

 

Don't despair Dave. The traction battery would normally survive sitting for three months quite easily. After you fit the new 12V start it and let it idle in park for a minute or so to start charging the HV battery. Then take it for a drive of at least 30 minutes to get the oil up temperature and to complete the HV battery charging. (Probably a good idea to check the oil before driving too).

BTW. When you replace the 12V battery, be really careful to fit it with the correct polarity the first time (you might not get a second chance). For reference, the +ive terminal goes toward the front of the car and the negative terminal towards the rear.

 

46MPG sounds like things are in working order. A little technique, and you can get that a bit higher. Watch the battery state of charge on the MFD, and note where it settles. It should be around 5 or 6 blue bars most of the. time, going to green down long hills, and possibly dropping sometimes to purple going quickly up long ones. If you see this, then the traction battery is still in good shape.

Enjoy

 

Spark plugs were supposed to be replaced at 120k miles. The brake pads should still be fine. It is easy to do a visual inspection.

 

If your Grandma had the service done at any Toyota Dealer the service record can be viewed online. All you need is the vin #
This is the URL.

Service History Online - Toyota Owners

 

Dave, I am sorry for your loss. Based on the mileage Grandma sure got around. You've got a good solid car. It does take some time to get used to the different sounds. There is no feeling quite like being at the top of the mountain with the traction battery in a low state of charge and filling it up on the way down. The engine may spin up just to use up the excess charge. Maybe Grandma's in the Prius. My Mother the Car - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

And be sure to read the Owner's Manual, which grandma no doubt kept :_>

 

As an old guy 60 years old first time prius owner The best advice I have gotten from Steve at auto by us is don't worry about anything just get in and drive this is the most amazing car you will ever drive! I have a drink the Kool-Aid Never running out of fuel don't leave the dome lights on and always shut the door before you try to put it in drive and you have a car that will last long time I have had mine almost 8 weeks and love it if you are a big guy buy the extended seat rails I am 6' 6"I can put the seat all the way back and not touch the pedals. I now get in the car and just go for a ride. Most of the time on the toll roads the tolls in the costing more than the gas you. btw mine will go 112 mph! I am not a big time environmentalist I just love saving money And I can do it with this car! btw I do not drive that fast all the time just wanted to see how fast it would go,,, was long open road in montana

 

Punctuation is your friend.

 

Not when I am using voice to text is not, but thanks Mom

 

Sorry, it just gets hard to read. The voice to text actually explains a lot.