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2005 Prius- Battery went dead- Error reading "transmission lock mechanism abnormal"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by C Jakel, Jan 30, 2015.

  1. C Jakel

    C Jakel Junior Member

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    Battery went dead after alarm went off in parking lot. Got the error reading "transmission lock mechanism is abnormal. park your car flat place and set parking brake."

    I have seen that i need to replace the battery. I will replace ASAP. But 2 questions:

    1. Once I replace, will the error code automatically go off or reset or will i need to do something to clear the message.

    2. Best place to get 12v battery at dealer or are there any other good options?

    Thanks
     
    #1 C Jakel, Jan 30, 2015
    Longinus876 likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, it should go away. i prefer the oem, but some like the optima from elearnaid.com or exude from auto zone, or duracell from the battery store. whichever you buy, make sure it's 13 volts before installing, or trickle charge it. the car does a poor job of increasing the voltage. all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 30, 2015
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    1. Once you recharge the battery the error should go away. If not the first time you may have to stop and restart to clear.

    2. The dealer is the best place to get an OEM replacement. These are AGM type batteries with vent tubes since the batteries are in the cabin with you. I just replaced mine and the cost was $220 for a 7 year warranty battery.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Jan 30, 2015
  4. C Jakel

    C Jakel Junior Member

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    update....after jumping battery and driving for awhile, the error code went away....should i run the diag to check the battery and just keep running it? Or should I still replace the battery?? Thanks for the quick response yall!
     
    #4 C Jakel, Jan 30, 2015
  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    If the battery is over 5 years old I would recommend replacing it based on feedback from this site. If less then run the battery testing. If you have questions post the results of the battery testing on here and you can get feedback.
     
    #5 jdcollins5, Jan 30, 2015
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    After you jump started it you need to keep it in Ready (or just drive it) for 2…8 hours to charge the 12V battery. Or you can use external charger.
     
    #6 valde3, Jan 30, 2015
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  7. C Jakel

    C Jakel Junior Member

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    If i run for 2 hours will I still need to use trickle charger for 8 hours? or will this fully charge it?
     
    #7 C Jakel, Jan 30, 2015
  8. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    It will probably charge it good enough but it would be best to trickle charge it to full capacity overnight.
     
    #8 usnavystgc, Jan 30, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did you run it down by leaving a light on or anything? if not, you should replace it. oh wait, did the alarm run it down? how long was it on for?
     
    #9 bisco, Jan 30, 2015
  10. C Jakel

    C Jakel Junior Member

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    it was in a plot and alarm went off, but no one knew whose car it was so they didnt notify us...no idea how long it was on....when wife finally noticed the lights were blinking a little then went dead
     
    #10 C Jakel, Jan 30, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you may be okay then, but i would keep an eye on it. winding these little batteries down is often a death knell. any idea how old it is?
     
    #11 bisco, Jan 30, 2015
  12. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    If you don't have a battery charger, why not just get a new "smart" battery charger that is capable of charging Wet/Maintenance Free, AGM, and Gel batteries?

    Many to choose from on Amazon.
    Amazon.com: agm battery charger: Automotive

    I have the Schumacher SSC-1500A/CA charger. Good value at $43, as it can charge the Prius battery and traditional batteries. Just make the settings, then walk away.
     
    #12 exstudent, Jan 30, 2015
  13. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    It depends. If your 12V battery can take charge good then 2 hours may get it full. If it can’t then it may take 8 hours or it may never get full.
     
    #13 valde3, Jan 31, 2015
  14. C Jakel

    C Jakel Junior Member

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    Here is a pic of signal check in diagnostic mode....12.4 on battery...I did it again later after running headlight s for a little bit and showed 12.3...should I still trickle charge our just let it be
     

    Attached Files:

    #14 C Jakel, Jan 31, 2015
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're probably okay, how old is it?
     
    #15 bisco, Jan 31, 2015
  16. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    It’s charged enough. You can test your 12V battery condition more by pressing power again to get to ign-on and putting headlights and rear defroster on and checking the voltage then. If it’s more than 11v its good and if it’s less than 10,3v you definitely need new one.
     
    #16 valde3, Jan 31, 2015
  17. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    If the battery is 11V or less with this load, it may be good, but it is at the discharged end of the spectrum so will benefit from a proper full charge.
     
    #17 dolj, Feb 3, 2015
  18. Longinus876

    Longinus876 Junior Member

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    Did you just say that battery charger will charge the hybrid battery?
     
    #18 Longinus876, Jun 14, 2023
  19. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    No, he didn't. He's talking about AGM and flooded Pb/Acid 12 V batteries. The Schumacher will charge both types.
     
    #19 dolj, Jun 14, 2023
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