Just disregard the dash if you think the 12-volt battery is low?

You need the mod to make your 12V socket hot when the key is off. I used the kit so I can charge phone when car is off.

 

Get a 120 volt to 12 volt converter, use that at home.

My solution is to use a decent sized floor-standing hand pump. I guess designed for bicycles, soccer balls and the like, but they're fine for car tires too, just a bit of a workout. I've even used them after totally flat plug-repaired cases.

 

Ditto the above alternatives. But if you have to use a heavy load on the 12V, another solution would be to use the car in IG-ON or Ready mode. Then you'll have the hybrid system behind your tool. In IG-ON, you'll have the HV battery and 12V converter connected, and in Ready you'll have a tank of gasoline ready to work for you, too.

I would not disregard warning lights ever, or assume the cause. But replacing the 12V sometimes solves many apparently unrelated problems, if that was the question, and checking the battery is often the first action recommended here.

 

there's a great old thread, 'prius acting funny? check the 12v'. or something to that effect. still applies.

 

Yeah, I'd second what @andrewclaus says: just have the car "running" when using pretty much any load, I'd say even the radio, and you won't run into trouble with a run-down battery.

 

I would suggest that modifying the 12v accessory plug to be live when the car is off is asking for a dead battery. It doesn't take much current draw to drain the battery.

 

Chuck; To you question about the Dash Red Triangle it takes a driving cycle to clear it, or a code reader. To your second question, I added a 12Volt inverter at the Battery, I keep it connected and leave it under the cover in back. I also connected a 12v plug to it as the contacts were convenient for pumps etc.
Lastly I usually have the car on when I use the inverter or the pump so I keep the 12 volt charged with the hybrid system. Why not??


iPhone ?