Not driving for a few?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by exmetrodriver, Jul 18, 2014.

  1. exmetrodriver

    exmetrodriver Member

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    I'm a 3 car owner. Will I run into starting problems not driving my prius for a 2-3 day period?
     
    #1 exmetrodriver, Jul 18, 2014
  2. Jon Hagen

    Jon Hagen Active Member

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    No, the battery should still have enough power to start the car after 2 weeks. Deep discharge cycles will shorten the life of the 12V battery, so if parked for more than a week, I would connect a battery maintainer to keep the 12V charged.

    The Prius 12V is an AGM type deep cycle battery. Make sure any battery maintainer you consider is safe for AGM type batteries.
    I use a BatteryMINDer brand charger/ desulfator/ maintainer sold by Northern tool. A very good unit to maintain a Prius battery. Mine has the optional wiring harness so it can be hardwired to the battery and stored in the under floor tray.
     
    #2 Jon Hagen, Jul 18, 2014
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Our typical use is every second or third day. No problems.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jul 18, 2014
  4. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    No problems at all. Mine often goes over a week between drives.
     
    #4 tanglefoot, Jul 18, 2014
  5. exmetrodriver

    exmetrodriver Member

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    So if I went on vacation for 10 days would it be advisable to disconnect the 12V battery?
     
    #5 exmetrodriver, Jul 18, 2014
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Just turning of smart key system should be enough.
     
    #6 valde3, Jul 18, 2014
  7. exmetrodriver

    exmetrodriver Member

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    I have the basic model. No smart key....... so I should be good. Thanks
     
    #7 exmetrodriver, Jul 18, 2014
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    All of the above discussion assumes your 12V battery is in great condition. If not then you very well may have a no-start problem after 10 days. It would help for you to fully-charge the 12V battery prior to your storage period.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Jul 18, 2014
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